Filipino Films from Cignal Entertainment Receive Accolades in Italy

Luck has come our way as the Philippines through Cignal Entertainment's movies bag awards at the recent 19th Asian Film Festival in Italy. This is a big win not just for the production of two pieces "Big Night!" and "Resbak" (english title Payback). This happeened last April 7 to 13 this year at Farnese Arthouse in Rome and undoubtedly, has brought honor once again to the country in this Asian exhibition featuring 30 different entries from countries like Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, china, Taiwan and Thailand.

"Resbak" director Brillante Mendoza was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Roma Lazio Film Commision. Actors Christian Bables (which did Big Night) and Vince Rillon (from Payback) on the other hand won Best Actor for their respective films that are produced by Cignal Entertainment. News of having these in streaming platforms soon are in the works so that more people would be able to watch it. Payback will be released in the Philippines soon.

For those who don't know, "Big Night!" was previously shown in Metro Manila Film Festival in 2021. This is directed by Jun Lana and had stellar reviews, also won several awards including Best Actor, Supporting Actor, Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, Musical Score, Best Picture and the Gender Sensitivity Award (which was fitting!).

This is a part of what Cignal Entertainment is pushing for. They want to champion fresh, socially relevant and world appealing films and show them to a greater audience. They are thankful for the awards they won in this festival and the ones bestowed to the people who are in these films.

You may visit their official website at www.asianfilmfestival.info for more information about the films and the awards they've given to different films over the years. Congratulations Cignal Entertainment!

Watching Better MMFF 2017 at Ayala Malls

It's been an absolutely fun day to watch entries of MMFF especially when I'm doing it in Ayala Malls Vertis North. I started very early in the morning and saw lines were long, but definitely still organized. What's special in Ayala Malls Vertis North is the comfort that you get in your seats, it's all lazy boys! Aside from that, I think it's by far the largest cinema I've been in. I have never been to a cinema that needed an elevator to go to your seats. 

I also got into a special place, it felt secluded and less people were there, perfect for me who don't like much crowds.

This is Metro Manila Film Festival 2017, an annual showcase of Filipino films designed for families. Entries come from big and small film companies and to be part of the final entries, is but a great deal. So I decided 3 movies in one day. 

The Revenger Squad

It's like a toned down GGV show with full on costumes and pink fluff. Good comedy, a little wordy and slapstick but you'll like it because Pia Wurtzbach and Daniel Padilla is here. Vice still is the Queen of the show but her antics with the rest of the squad comes a close second. Pia also is good here that I'd wish her to be the next Darna. I don't think it is for young kids though, because some parts are violent, perhaps a PG rating would be fit but I'm not MTRCB.

Chances are this would win the box office, and prolly that Child star thing, the kid here had his own spotlight.

Siargao

It was a feast for the eyes, like watching Instagram filtered film for a few hours. It's very light, like the story. It's also an infomercial, to promote waste management and tourism. Everything is so picturesque, you'll prolly get bitten by the surfing bug even if you don't know how to swim, make friends, and maybe bring life to an ailing relationship. They found themselves in this movie, so apart from expecting great acting from Jericho Rosales and Erich Gonzales in this film, you'll also marvel at their body, and the soft story they wanted you to see.

Whoever did the cinematography and color grading deserve an award.

Larawan

Going to give them a run for their awards is Larawan. I wouldn't be surprised if this won a lot of awards. It's a period film set in either 40's or 50's in old Manila. I fret they had fun interpreting this from Nick Juaquin's piece which was originally done as a stage play. From rat catching, old vaudeville, old maids, old men, old photographs and a legendary painting, it was so much fun to see it in a musical. It's refreshing to see and hear Filipino lyrics, sung beautifully by some of the country's best singers and performers. I also LOVE the tight shots, easing in to serious faces of these characters. I like the story and how they told it in one location.

Joanna Ampil might get a Best Actress nomination, even a win. 

The MMFF 2017 movies were just awesome but the comfort I got from watching movies at Ayala Malls Vertis North or any other Ayala Mall for that matter made it all even better. The movie house is just different, it's easily accessible from where I live and food can be brought in. That's not an option in other establishments so if you're planning to see entries from Metro Manila Film Festival 2017, you know where to go!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Lee Min Ho's Gangnam Blues

Watched the premier of Gangnam Blues this evening and I'm literally writing this right after we went out of the theater. It's premier was shown in a special theater called Sine Asia that will only be seen in select SM Cinemas.  

They tagalized the whole film and it was quite long at approximately 2 and a 1/2 hours long of how the Gangnam district came about. Although characters and situations were fictitious, I think there's a huge connection between this film and how Gangnam is being perceived by the South Koreans today. Anyway, Lee Min Ho was absolutely brilliant. His co star too. I won't suggest this be seen by teens and think this should have had at least an R rating. There are body parts seen, like you know.

Anyway, this Sine Asia project of SM and Viva International would really be a good venue to see more Asian films from Thailand, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This premiere was a huge success and of course, I think the fans loved it a lot. It's PG 16 right now and if your parents come with you, you should watch it. Do not watch this without adult supervision. 

The other films lined up though especially the one by Chow Yun Fat was really funny, I'd watch that too. As for watching Gangnam Blues, it's totally worth it. A bit tragic though. I don't wanna spoil anything so I'm a little careful now.

Thank me later!

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