PIOLO PASCUAL for Historical Horror Flick "MALLARI"

The Philippines' most coveted leading man and muti-awarded actor Piolo Pascual is going to be portraying a role of a s3rial kill3r set in different timelines in Mentorque Productions "MALLARI". This is based on a true story of Juan Severino Mallari, a Catholic Priest who has taken the lives of supposed 57 individuals in the small town of Magalang, Pampanga. They'll be mixing in some fiction showcasing World War 2 and 2023 and tell how these in some way are connected, a scary premise which Piolo wanted to do since it is quite far from characters he has been reprising in previous movie projects. 

He initially said no to this movie because of the mere fact that it will be physically and mentally exhausting to do 3 roles in 3 different times plus the work required for prosthetics wouldn't be pleasing each shooting day. 

Producer Bryan Diamante of Mentorque Productions says "This is a dream project, Mallari is very challenging but I'm excited to bring this to the big screen. I strived to create films that bring the imaginations to movies, and I'm glad to be able to work with a heavily awarded director Derick Cabrido, and writer Enrico Santos. Thank you very much Mr. Piolo Pascual for accepting this project. Join us in creating a proudly Filipino production and concept."

Director Derick Cabrido has won several accolades in New York film festivals (medals in different years) and has worked in different documentaries, short films, indie films and full length ones that he's released in film festivals in different parts of the world. 

Piolo says "It's a relief that you don't have to think about results or box office because of the platforms, but we have a plan for the film. My being in the cinema, my only role is do your best, I don't have to think about commercial success, it's something that I am looking forward to do, I have these chances and I am thankful to do Mallari. I am grateful, when it happens, it happens. Initially I said no,  but in the same day I said yes, I just have to do what I have to do. I grew up in a Catholic family, school, and I respect them  everyday and in church. I wanted to become one when I was 18, attended Prex back in the day to have an easy life. They told me I need to study, I had a few attempts but ended up as an artista. Father's day was also special, my son was there and gave me an infinity necklace, he spent the day with me and we are doing projects together. He's a very talented young man, he's evolving, becoming a total performer, composed a few songs and I listened to it all day. We have a few dates in July for a concert. And hope a dance showdown happens in the last quarter of this year."

Today was just the contract signing and they plan to do a separate announcement for the cast which they have already chosen. Stay tuned for that and the actual movie which they plan to be part of the coming Metro Manila Film Festival this coming holidays 2023. 

Upcoming Horror Flick: PINOY GHOST TALES

I feel there's a certain resurgence happening in the film industry, and with lots of room for growth, more players come in to get themselves associated with genres like drama, comedy, action, and sometimes horror. It provides exhilarating entertainment for folks of all ages, and so LGM Grand Entertainment and LMK Productions took the liberty of doing a film called PINOY GHOST TALES.

Writer Lawrence Nicodemus likens this to the series Shake, Rattle and Roll (which has sorely been missed in recent years on Metro Manila Film Festival) which he says has inspired him to write these three stories (a trilogy).

 

First is "The Imaginary Friend", while the second one is "The Manager", and third is called "The Actress". As the name suggests, "The Imaginary Friend" is about an entity that a kid talks to, unbeknownst to her family who wanted to keep her away from it but ends up getting the brunt of its different forms. It stars actress Shermaine Santiago, BL superstar Arkin Del Rosario, talented child star Elia Ilano (who by the way answered press questions quite nicely) and seasoned character actor Richard Quan.

The story of "The Manager" on the other hand talkes about two professionals who ended up fighting for a management post, but one of them was rumored missing (hence the scary part as she kept appearing when the protagonist was put on the same post). Hence one asks, is she a friend? or a foe? Much of the work involved was reprised by Aubrey Caraan. Also in the episode is vixen Katrice Keirulf, Ms. Veronica Reyes (who was also there during the press preview) and notable character actor Ping Medina. 

Jeric Raval

For a mix of situational fun and horror, the last one called "The Actress" was actually enjoyable. It's like I was watching a Wen V. Deramas+ film all over again because Jeric Raval, Rob Sy, DJ Durano brought so much fun in the last episode. This is also a film where Jeric is appearing in this project with his son JK and daughter AJ Raval. The story revolves around the mysterious accident that happened going to the set of this film. AJ wasn't with Viva yet when they filmed this (much during pandemic). To give more context about the film, here's the press conference on video: 

Currently, they are finding ways to put this out in either theaters or streaming platforms. This film was also made by three different Directors Afi Africa, Jojo Nadela and John Isaac Natividad. Surprising how Jeric also did a few funny situational skits in their episode so that's something you should watch out for. 

This will be shown soon, so make sure you stay tuned for updates.

You'll Need Towels for Tears: FAMILY MATTERS this MMFF 2022

If you've been seeing trailers left and right for Metro Manila Film Festival 2022 happening this month, you probably remember this one by Cineko Productions (under Mayor Enrico Roque). It was able to touch the hearts of so many Filipinos in the trailer alone as it delved into the story of a FAMILY. 

Francisco and Eleanor are in the geriatric age, and got sick, requiring much care and attention from their family, but the eldest had to go find love elsewhere. This forced the other siblings to step up the plate, but the couple chose to do things their way, butting heads as the patriarch still wants to be taken cared of by his wife Eleanor which she thankfully obliges to do so later on the film. It's played by Noel Trinidad and Ms. Liza Lorena, plus an ensemble cast which includes Nonie Buencamino, Agot Isidro, Mylene Dizon, James Blanco, Nikki Valdez, JC Santos, Ina Feleo, Ketchup Eusebio and a throng of other actors that put their trust on this MMFF 2022 entry.

Here's what happened during the press conference on video, please, enjoy!

I asked a few unconventional questions during the press conference specifically on some parents making an investment out of their children. Also, I tried to see what they think of how Filipinos make it an obligation for family to take care of them in their older years. I was impressed how Mylene Dizon answered it after stating the differences, saying the care Filipinos do come from a place of LOVE rather than it being embedded in culture overall.

It is no surprise that those who have seen the trailer already shed a tear or two as this film comes from the same people behind "Miracle at Cell #7" that won awards and box office success in previous MMFF years. Will this prove to be a sure fire formula to success this coming December 25th? You're going to see a lot of actors vying for the Best Actress role and might need to compete with Ms. Liza Lorena. The ensemble cast is also a tough act to follow since they formed a real family doing this movie.

It's going to be a very interesting awards night and you might be looking at another successful entry when you watch "Family Matters" during the MMFF 2022 days. This is Directed by Nuel Naval and written by the prolific Mel Mendoza-del Rosario. They warned us and said this time, tissues won't be enough for your tears, bring towels!