Mallari's PIOLO PASCUAL, JC SANTOS Might Bag MMFF 2023 Acting Awards

It's Christmas Day and what better way to enjoy it but by watching MMFF 2023 entries at SM North EDSA. The streets there were pretty weird as there was no traffic. I had a hunch that people may have not flocked to cinemas, and as soon as I alighted from the car, the mall was full to the brim.

The lines were crazy, there were people in the actual ticket booth (about 20), but right across was the actual line (because SM prepared seating for them) and it was almost 50-100 people, even more as the day progressed. For those who would want to watch movies, I would suggest you get tickets online so you don't have to line up.

I've watched a few entries already, but the recent good reviews about the film MALLARI just got me interested in seeing it. Piolo Pascual in the lead role was a given. I wouldn't want the reviews to influence me, but reading how they've described this as a technically excellent made film right at the get go, I had to be extra observant on how they executed it. His role was a little difficult because he had to play a Mallari from 3 different generations. One is from the Spanish times, the other would be in the 40's, and the modern one too. Piolo's ability to do the 3 different personas was something he had to really prepare for so watchers could differentiate them from the other. Aside from that, they had to also scare people in the theaters, and you'll get attempts right from the very beginning of the film. Piolo Pascual's character is pivotal. He's the anchor wherein much of the journey through time happens, but you have to watch out for several characters that are also going to be involved in the conflicts introduced in this film.

When the movie started, they stopped a few minutes in because PIOLO PASCUAL went in the actual theater!

 

It would be happy to note that JC Santos' performance here was just AMAZING. When you look at him throw lines and tremble in various scenes, you can feel him across the screen. We don't want to spoil things, but just look at him every time he's on frame as each little nuance and appearance would matter. Their story structure is interesting because you wouldn't have to be a scientist to know what would happen if they suddenly get their timelines intertwined. Yes, there will be time travel involved but unlike cars on Back 2 the Future, they had a special way of doing it. Aside from that, you'll have bouts of ghouls, monsters, and legendary beings from Filipino folklore. The story after all is based on real events, but mighty glad to see a rich interpretation of it.

It's not all horror, not all drama, it delves on family, revenge, the tendency to wreak fear with different kinds of people. They put this together quite nicely. I even felt proud seeing Warner Brothers in the opening credits, I'm sure they see something special in Mentorque's entry in MMFF 2023. Now it's your chance to see this in cinemas. Don't just stay at home and do nothing, grab your friends, your family and try MALLARI out for size.

There's a huge reason why it's getting sold out in cinemas yesterday. The story is interesting, and with Piolo and JC's superior performance, it'll be a tough one to battle out with the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories. 

They might just get it.  

The film also stars Janella Salvador, Elisse Joson and Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz. They will be great contenders as well.

Go watch them all!

ALDEN RICHARDS Opens Own Bar STARDUST, Reveals Projects in 2024!

 

Do you have a specific memory of your interaction with Alden Richards? I do, let me tell you about it before I start this story.

He was already popular at that time, and as a blogger covering his events, it was doubly hard for me to separate work and being a fanboy of sorts. I was also super shy to ask for photos with him as some part of my brain think it's unethical (in some way, I think it still is). 

Security was tight, and I've wanted to ask him for a simple video greet for my twin cousins in the US who were even more die hard fans of this boy. I quickly asked him and he obliged, but he got called to go out for photos. 

Since this is was an event, he was asked to go outside for more pictures. He went out and I thought, oh... it's not gonna happen anymore because he was being asked to go out too after the event. He stopped mid way and went back inside because he remembered that I asked for a favor. He gave me a short smile, and did the video greeting I asked for, I never forgot that moment. My cousins  and I were so happy of course!

See, there are tons of these small things happening in between press conferences and fan meets, but I can tell from the times I've been able to talk to him.. that he is genuinely a very nice and kind person. I'm sure a LOT of people would say the same. Why is he blessed? Why is he so successful? I think his kindness and selflessness plays a BIG part of it.

Alden's personal friend Father Jeff officiated the thanksgiving mass at his new bar, STARDUST

The successful shows and subsequent movies tells how much he's adored by many. He's also got a film this month for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 with the one and only Megastar Ms. Sharon Cuneta called "FAMILY OF TWO" and we're all raring to watch it. It'll be shown in theaters on Christmas Day, make sure you support him by watching the film. It's got lots of scenes where you'll find comfort, as it talks more about FAMILY, relationships, and you won't have a dry eye in sight.

A few days ago, he invited us for lunch at STARDUST (located at 58 Jupiter Street in Makati). This is a thanksgiving event, a thing he does annually. It's an opportunity to talk to him, so of course I went. He's always done this for different people, and a lot of fans think we're not worthy, I understand, but he really wanted to do this for us (I felt that). We didn't even know that HE owned the place... yes, this is Alden Richards very own bar. He's got some private partners, but bares they are somehow his mentors who wants to teach him the ropes in running businesses. In a way, he's diversifying his portfolio... and we're certain, this will be a good place to go and have fun in the evenings.

Here's a short tour of STARDUST

 

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STARDUST is pretty nice. It's got comfy velvet laden seats, bar stools and tables where you can park a few drinks on a single night. The bar is huge, and the variety of drinks they serve is equally humongous. They have specials (which your bartender can serve), and food is marvelous. The display reminds me of a galaxy, with lit LED's in a dark sky, you'll feel like you're in space after a drink or two. It definitely feels cozy, I could reckon it being like a speakeasy and perhaps, a little bougie. The lights reflect much on the wall, the lobby laden mirrors and the disco balls in different sizes. It was monochrome heaven, and the glistening lights are not bothersome, you just feel relaxed, and be in the opportune time to listen to music. 

Speaking of which, Alden shares how they have spent much of their capital with sound equipment. The bar can actually project sound quite loud, but not bother any of your conversations. So if you're amongst friends, peers or family in this place, you don't have to shout. That's some technology applied in acoustics, and that's something they wanted to do in this place. It's a plus in my dictionary.

Here's our full interview with Alden Richards which happened right after the thanksgiving event he held for the press:

I'd like to take this bit and say THANK YOU to Alden Richards for always being so nice whenever we see each other. Same goes to Sam, Ms. Roche and the entire SPARKLE Artist Center fam who welcomed us there. For those who would want to experience STARDUST, you can get in touch with them via 0917-167 5800 or email them at reservations@stardust.ph so you can hold your parties there.

Congratulations on the milestones Alden! I'm sure you'll be achieving more in 2024. Watch out for his international projects, his upcoming directorial debut, and the project with Anne Curtis. Sub to my YouTube channel if you feel like it :)

Broken Hearts Trip: Funny with a Chance of Cry

Just got off the cinema for the film Broken Hearts Trip, an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 of BMC Films and Smart Films. This is their red carpet premiere, so the cast trooped to the Gateway Cineplex and walked with celebrity guests, media and online entities.

To tell you honestly, I got the notion that this was going to be greatly comedy content. The ensemble cast names already asked for that, but no, this is not the usual slapstick flick. As you saw in the trailers, this is a full blown reality game show aimed to change the lives of different LGBTQIA++ folks from different backgrounds. From auditions, actual game and eliminations, they all go through challenges and try to win money to change their lives. That's also where most of it is going to be crazy.

I would go to lengths and admit that I've had several bouts of tears in my eyes watching this, but I would give it to Petite Brockovich who plays Mark. Her character was quite stellar in the first half, and even though she possesses a ton and a half of funny bones, her dramatic moments hit me like a ton of bricks when her plot gets divulged. Her partner in the movie is equally intense, it's like a boiling pot waiting to spill over. It's something I felt a connection with, and you've got Teejay Marquez, Marvin Yap, Ms. Iyah Mina and Direk Andoy Ranay to choose from. Chances are, you'll feel like one of them during your watch. Everyone's eyes will get wet in one scene or another, because I saw a few people beside me cry too but with the character of Direk, Iya Mina and Teejay instead (though they'll never admit wiping it off in the dark lol). Here's our coverage at the red carpet on video!

 This might get them a chance to win ensemble award or even best supporting actress. It's not a dud, they're definitely a contender with what I saw earlier. It's got fun, laughter, very relatable characters and you'll get to learn not to judge people. After all, you don't know what they've been through. You don't need to walk in their shoes, but just have heart when you need to. Their support cast delivered too, a good platform to showcase how they didn't shortchange acting prowess in this project. I got a little sad about Christian Bables feeling a little afraid that this might not do well in the box office (which he mentioned after the movie, maybe he looked around on promos), but I beg to differ. It's PG, a place where even kids with parents or guardians could watch. Hopefully, people get to see this for its credits. It's quirkiness is it's selling point, a good LGBTQIA film made to realize that they could be anyone of you.  

The film may have been a huge surprise to be included in the list of entries, but I think I know why after watching the film. This has a lot of components in it, which may lead you frantically finding funny, but instead give you something even more than that... it has HEART.

Congratulations to the cast and the creators! You made me cry.