It Deserves to Be Seen: PIETA with NORA AUNOR and ALFRED VARGAS

 

I distinctly remember watching re-runs of Pieta on television back in the day. It was made by Carlo J. Caparas, and stars Ace Vergel†, Charito Solis† and so many others. The other was for TV with Ryan Agoncillo and the iconic Ms. Cherie Gil†. I was looking forward to see this version of "PIETA" made by director Adolfo Alix Jr. which stars National Artist and Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor and former Congressman and now Councilor Alfred Vargas from Quezon City. During MMFF 2023, they didn't include this film in the lineup. It would have made history to see the legendary actresses battle it out in cinemas, but I guess fate had other plans.

Good news for those who wait as this film produced by Alternative Vision Cinema Inc. and Noble Wolf Films will be shown in January in cinemas nationwide. But before that happens, we got first dibs during the advanced screening last week at Sine Pop in Cubao, Quezon City.

First of all, the cast is a lethal combination. If you could measure acting prowess with a device, it would break if you put them together in one room. With the likes of Gina Alajar, Jaclyn Jose, Angeli Bayani, Bembol Roco, it would be a bit impossible not to see how rich their bench is. Also in the cast is Ina Raymundo, Allan Paule, Dan Alvaro, Elora Espano, and Tommy Alejandrino, who will all get themselves involved in the lives of Rebecca and Isaac (played by Nora and Alfred). 

This piece is totally different from the Caparas film, and is not in any way related to it. PIETA is written by heavily awarded Jerry Gracio known for his work in several movies, MMK on TV, screenplays and great literary work in Filipino. He's also a Palanca awardee, so you could sense there's great expectations in actually having this written for the silver screen.

 Here's some scenes before the advanced screening:

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Alfred Vargas' character Isaac lives in troubled times. Having spent years in incarceration, he was given a second chance to live a good life. He was in for murder, but remained oblivious about what happened. When he arrived home, his Mom had supposed Alzheimer's disease or some form of dementia. Nora's character Rebecca used to religiously visit him in jail but suddenly stopped, and they attributed it to the condition which he found out after arriving at the ancestral home/farm. He found her there almost completely blind, unaware of who he is, with Beth (played by Gina Alajar) providing care for her.

He was set on now dividing his time in finding out the truth, and see ways on how he could at least get to be recognized by his own Mom. He also knew how his own brother stood witness against him, but he couldn't figure out why. This and all the other complications in his new life happens, right when he thought he was doing good.    

The film discusses a lot of social issues, but its main essence lies on the relationship of the Mother and Son. This is their journey to discovering how even if the mind won't recognize who he is, her heart would eventually know. Their attempts to reconnect treads cute to dark poetry, dance and even folk songs. Her singing? Can't tell if she did (as it might spoil things), but it'll fit right with Rebecca's silent moments which you'll find essential. Director Adolf Alix Jr. knows how to set up things on the plot, a lot of which you'll find flipped and reversed.     

 

Putting Ms. Nora Aunor in a film is like an automatic masterclass of sorts. It felt like a treat to see her in PIETA. There's a Filipino term "mata-mata acting" which connotes acting with just the eyes... and how powerful she could encompass emotions with it (let alone do it while blind). She's literally known for that in the industry; and how even without words, she could do it with ease. That's one of the reasons she's adored, and highly regarded by peers. Direk Adolf also emphasized how Ms. Nora doesn't fear CHANGE, they've absolutely done remarkable work and let the eyes talk lengthily in this film. They did the same for Alfred Vargas' scenes and close up shots. Make sure you watch it in cinemas because it'll feel a lot different. They're planning to release this also in streaming platforms so it could get to Noranians around the world. 

 

Here's Director Adolfo Alix Jr. talking about his experience with the cast:

PIETA will be released during the 1st Quarter of 2024. I like what I saw. This acting piece didn't go to the wrong people. It's rare to see an ensemble cast of this caliber to happen in a film. 

It needs to be seen.

Martyrdom and Relationships: ISA PANG BAHAGHARI for MMFF 2020

Looks like the very interesting story by Heaven's Best Entertainment this MMFF 2020 is going to be an interesting one as it talks about family, friendship and relationships. It's called ISA PANG BAHAGHARI (Another Rainbow) and it's very timely now that LGBT issues are also being discussed in the country.

Producer Dennis Evangelista + Harlene Bautista says "We're very proud our film has got the best of both generations. They are really good actors. Sanya and Zanjoe, Maris, they are so good in this film and we know we weren't wrong in casting you. Your fans are eagerly awaiting your movie, congratulations!"

Zanjoe says "It was my first time to work with them all, especially Philip and Ms. Nora. I was really nervous and excited to be part of the film, Direk was really nice to really get me in the groove. I have made a film in MMFF and I miss how it was so busy with the parade and awards night. It's sad that everything changed but I am still happy that films are still being shown online so people can still watch it. Maybe everything is going digital, I am happy this is an advantage that it will be shown worldwide. Direk really had really good work out there, and he was strict according to other actors, but I didn't let that bother me, I really concentrated on how to work with my character, he really fixed me on how to be a little tough. I was wary if I was going to be scolded."

Maris "Zanjoe really said it right, it was tense to be in the scene and work with Joel Lamangan. Growing up my Mom always told me how good Ms. Nora is and I think it manifested how I'll be doing a young Nora Aunor. I always wanted to see them, I feel so blessed. Seeing Sir Joel was really a nervous experience, it was like a make or break sesssion with him but he was really nice, very caring, he asks if we ate, very strict but you know you will really be learning a lot. He makes you comfortable. I would really recommend knowing your character before working with him. It was fun to work with him because he has stories, he had so many anecdotes about Ms. Nora and he told us about it. I was a tamed version of her."

Sanya "Actually, it is also my first time to work with them. Working with legendary actors, it was a nervous experience because these actors are really good. We just needed to connect as a family, Ms. Nora's eyes feel like she'll actually eat you for dinner. Actually, I am a little too shy because I am the only one from GMA, but I got excited to be there because they were all so kind, hopefully soon I would be able to make more projects with them. I was really nervous with Direk, but I was happy because he was really into developing his actors. He was happy with our work, but he hugs people, he's a very nice man. "

Here's what I also got to ask the cast during the blogcon this evening.

Hope you could catch them on Christmas day! Get tickets from Upstream.ph today!

The MMFF Family Film Called "Kabisera"

There's a system to the "dining table" that's quite unique in the Philippine setting. It's called the "Kabisera" which is a chair set at the center of the table usually given to the head of the family. It's like the King's throne to put it bluntly, but really an unspoken rule of respect given to them. At the halls of Salu (a restaurant at Scout Torillo in Quezon City), RJ Agustin welcomed us and promised we'll like what their film "Kabisera", this is Firestarters Productions official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2016. He adds "This film is very timely, it's full of social relevance and good family values. We tell a story that inspires movie goers and when they go out of the theater they'll have something to take home. Who am I in the family? Do I have a strong character? Am I the breadwinner and do I have the right to be there?! We made a point to get the best ones so it would balance out since we had Nora Aunor in it. The Filipino audience now has different taste, you will see a different set, quality is a standard and taste is subjective and there is a high demand for high quality films." 

Director Real Florido says "I told myself, lMaybe this time, we could make the cut". Our last shooting day was two days prior to submission and this is really important for the industry to promote films that tell authentic real stories. Everyone in the production feels we did our best and what the Jury saw this year just gave us hope that there's more to this movie. Don't say we don't have a big star because we have the one and only Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor and 9 former awardees. The importance of family, giving value to what our conscience says and continue to ask questions. It started with a concept of a family drama based on real life. It's a personal approach, talks about tragedies of families. We already have Nora Aunor in the cast and it just happened later on that we had awardee actors as well. I learned a lot too from Direk Boy who also is part of this film. It was a collaborative work and we need to make sure we get to do our jobs as actor and Director properly, I've never met them and this was a great experience. We're already preparing for international festivals and screenings so I see more in the horizon where this film will earn. We're excited like the other entries, we hope we all do well." 

Now's your chance to prove if the jurors of MMFF this year did the right thing in choosing these 8 films. They are all pushing for a PG rating and they want you to know that this deserves your attention, it's about a family and happened during 2007. The case is not even done yet but they can't divulge who it is. It's classic, it's powerful, worthy of your time and money for a strongly statemented (if there is such a word) film.

KUMAGCOW

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