MALEDICTO Set To Scare You On May 1

Maledicto is coming up this May 1st, pretty close if you think about it. It’s the first production supervised by Hollywood giant 20th Century Fox and done locally by partner Cignal Entertainment, Fox Original Productions and Unitel. It stars Tom Rodriguez, Jasmine Curtis, Miles Ocampo, Ynah De Belen, Eric Quizon, Martin Escudero, Franco Laurel, Nonie Buencamino, Liza Lorena, Menggie Cobarrubias and a whole throng of character actors. A horror suspense genre based on a script made in 2015, a lot of things happened before this became a reality. Fox is glad this will show next month, a first locally made film with local actors, talking about the colorful and creepy world of exorcism in the Philippines.

SVP and GM for FOX Philippines Jude Turcuato says “Maledicto is a latin term from Male, for us this is a horror thriller after looking at a ton of scripts and we wanted to do if Fox can really produce a Hollywood pedigree film to be shown May 1st. I personally don’t get scared easily but when it is more real, then I’d be more convinced with the supernatural. A place where science and religion intersect, that’s where I am more afraid. This is part of the production lineup of 20th Century Fox. We needed to fulfill standards to make sure the staff and stars were safe, it’s what we did before we shot it all.”

Tom added “Father Xavi was a psychiatrist, but was groomed to priesthood. He wanted to understand why his sister passed and not just mental problems. I remembered shooting in an abandoned school that burned down but heard something cracked, a huge burned branch fell from out of nowhere and the trees were actually meters away from where the shoot was, that was weird.”

Writer John Guillermo said “I came up with Maledicto in 2015, way past when movies blew up in the west and here. We wanted to go in depth with possession, a horror flick but more procedural. I wanted them to see exorcism and an ancient phenomenon how to do this in this day and age. I want this to differentiate how this story is different from what the others have come out with. We realized for the characters to be compelling, we had to do research everything and go hispanic, even localize it further. When we got together, we still wanted it to be original, not strictly taken from Philippine folklore, but more based on our colonial experience as well. I am skeptic but when I was doing this I had to look for exorcism videos, the writing team felt freaked out about the unreal stuff we got. We took precautions before, during and after the shoot.”

Ynah de Belen “No I didn’t ask advice from Mom when it came to this horror thing. I have my own identity and didn’t want to live in the shadow of my folks. I was always called Anak ni Janice but hopefully after doing this I’d be remembered by my own name. I am playing the role of Mara, very close with Father Xavi and our relationship is a catalyst on how this story came out. I have heard of possession stories, but not first hand, but there are a lot of scary stuff out there.”

It made Tom wear charms and protection, scared people a bit while they were making this all. Now watch it unfold on May 1, it’s an in depth look at the process, while it may not be the exact prayers, it will make you think, or squirm in the dark corners of the movie house. Watch it if you like creepy stuff!

Watch For FREE: MovieMov Italian Film Festival Slated April 23 - 26

Bruno Gabriel and Ashley Ortega were guests at the MovieMov Italian Film Festivval

Got the chance to see one movie last night at the Moviemov Italian Film Festival in Cinematheque Theater in Kalaw, Manila. MovieMov happens in different countries around the world and is a FREE showcase of Italian movies aimed to promote their films around the world.

Italian Cinema Now, a call they will do in Manila from April 23-26, 2019. They brought in famed Directors and Producers from Italy and got us to interview some of them last night. I asked about how they want the audience to feel about their movie but they got back to me that they wouldn’t want to impose on things, as every culture reacts differently. They have seen this first hand in other countries and during the presscon, they made the impression of leaving it to the audience. True enough, I felt the movie I watched called Una Questione Privata (first movie to be shown for this festival) evoked emotions without too much camera work. Wide shots were impressive, didn’t depend so much with actor faces to tell the story because even if you are seeing them so small on screen, you can feel them, immediately.

Federica Sabatini says “It is a piece of art, I traveled in different places like Busan, and first time here.”

Mario Sesti says “I know how important it is to stress the closeness of reality and fantasy.”

Agostino Ferrente says “I’d like to give my thoughts to the victims of the earthquake.”

David Fabros represented Ms. Liza Diño Seguerra and he says “On behalf of FDCP, we welcome you to Cinematheque Manila. It cultivated the appreciation of Italian cinema in the Philippines, this year they brought 9 films. Aside from screenings, there will be two master classes from Sir Mario sometime during the week so for serious takers, take the time to attend these. Hope we foster exchange, thank you for bringing this to Manila. Gracci mille!”

From the Italian Embassy in Manila, they said “We are happy to see you all. Italian Cinema is underrated, so far away from our country, very old, very rich, but very innovative. Thank you for hosting this event, we hope the Filipino public will participate in great numbers.”

Lisandro Millani of the PIA says “We are happy to participate in this discussion about moviemov here in Manila. Ms Liza Diño and David Fabros, they worked very hard in making this happen. Yesterday, there was an earthquake, even today, no work supposedly but they opened for us. That is commitment. Ths PIA is glad to be a partner, cinema is an important part of our program, even our cultural programs and exchanges. It’s our 12th edition this year, thanks to our partners. We will also organize Philippine Euro Film Festival in Europe very soon, here’s to a more meaningful cooperation soon!”

Fabio Goudini says “I want to thank everyone especially PIA even on holidays. Everyone who accompanied me in promoting Italian film in Asia and South America. It’s our 5th edition, we realized this country is ready to receive new works from artists and directors, the selection here is something we will enjoy more. We are more interested now to offer you Italian Cinema, I ask you in the next evenings to come to give your votes so we know which one you’ll like. Thank you to the Godmother of this festival as well.”

Mario Sesti says “It’s an honor for me to introduce this film (UNA QUESTIONE PRIVATA). The outstanding quality of shooting at night time is something to appreciate, they called me and said good things afterwards. Our friendship with a songwriter in Italy, to speak here is touching, I am passionate about their work, filmed to show the 60’s and 70’s to show it is possible to handle the deep heart of cinema and political issues. Allow me to show you how important and exciting it is, it’s people and how they felt to transform the nature and control a lot of people like a melodrama. It’s like a dance, singing, and acting like in a theatre. It has a meaningful way of story telling, important to historical themed films during a difficult time in Italy, right after the fight with the nazis. The love, and politics, to keep them together like sides of a coin. The brothers started to film because they like the work of Rossilini, something who can link Italian people together, to fight facism, the chance to be free. I hope you enjoy the movie.”

This is all FREE, just go to the venue and ask for it. They brought 9 masterpieces for you to enjoy and they will be showcasing most of it in the coming days. Manuel, Saremo Giovani E Bellisimi, C’E Tempo, Il Cratere, La Paranza Dei Bambini, Selfie, Troppa Grazia and Bertolucci’s The Dreamers will have their screenings today and until the 26th. Make sure you visit Cinematheque in Kalaw to watch it, then vote why you would want the movie to win afterwards. There will be two masterclasses for film making, so if you are also serious about your craft, you may do it too with one of Italy’s famed Director Mario Sesti.

Sharon Cuneta For Horror Film “KUWARESMA”

Sharonians all over the world are thirsty for content especially from the one and only Megastar Ms. Sharon Cuneta.

She just got back from a successful 40th Year Anniversary Tour in North America and as soon as the plan landed, she had to run and shoot this film under Reality Entertainment and Globe Studios. It’s called KUWARESMA, the days of the Holy Week from the Lord’s death to his resurrection on Easter Sunday. It’s also an all out horror story from the handy work of Erik Matti, which he co wrote with Katski Flores.

This film required her to stay a whole month in Baguio City where this all happened. Ms. Sharon says “Erik Matti is a master of this cinematic language, horror is his domain and it is one of the most satisfying collabs that I have ever had. He has his own vision, even if it requires very physical and emotional dedication.”

Erik Matti says “When we thought of a movie for Mothers day, we needed someone iconic, it can only be Sharon Cuneta. The script was entertaining but complex, she needed someone who can do it so John Arcilla was the perfect fit. When you see the movie, it will bring a strong ensemble. Sharon is THE horror fan, she can quote scenes, digest everything because she knows what she is doing.”

John Arcilla also stars in this film and Ms. Sharon says “He is very reliable no matter what role he needs to do. He could be the hero one day and the other to become a villain the next. He can do it with a flick of a switch.”

John says “It was an experience to see her, I enjoyed her concert in LA. I remembered the 80’s, I was crying in the audience. I did Ekis and Dos Ekis, this was the third and we did it because Sharon said yes. When it was pitched to me, I was just waiting for her to say yes to it. We were praying, but Direk Erik told her about it in 10 minutes and she immediately said yes. When we were in set, we couldn’t stop sharing stories. The first time we met is the first scene in the movie. All you need and require as an actor, you can get it from her. Even Bagnet. Our director is equally fun, he danced, he sang, if there wasn’t background music, he did it all. I didn’t expect Sharon to be human, she was so nice to be with on and off the camera. When I watched the concert, it wasn’t just about the songs, sharon is the show. It was one of the best experiences I had, it was like a theatre play, in one act.”

Ms. Sharon says “I never stopped learning, Direk and John were like my teachers. When I got back to Korea, I felt sad because I was missing my Director. I couldn’t do scenes with him because I was laughing a lot. They went to my commercial, I was a bit humbled because they went out of their way to do it. The other film outfits didn’t push through, I got my schedules and we were already shooting. It was one of the most physically, mentally and emotionally draining film that I have ever done but it was the happy set, efficient staff and crew that made it better. I told Kuya Dondon that it was a privilege to work with Reality because of that shooting experience. Your whole crew and staff was impressive, I was at home because everything was efficient. It was like everyone was in character and I couldn’t say enough good things for them. If I don’t become an artist, I would want to work with them. I was a horror fan since I was a kid, so every scene we did I had a reference. I had to work with these two (kent and pam), I had to do exercises and make them really mad, they delivered. They were all in, no qualms, no problems and I felt like their proud Mom.”

The movie also features real life siblings Pam and Kent Gonzales. Albeit newbies, they showcased their acting strength and didn’t get intimidated with the megastar. Also Guila Alvarez is making a comeback, she says “I had to take a leap of faith, set leaves, because I was in corporate. Working with them was very nice, I thought it was a small movie but no regrets saying yes to that project over coffee. Thank you Direk.”

Sharon adds “This is my personal gift to my fans, followers and supporters as we continue to celebrate my 40th year in the industry. After watching this film, you will know why it is offered on Mothers Day.”

This film will show in theaters May 15, 2019. Watch it!

Of TPC, ALIF Causes in the Philippines

We sat down with people from TPC corporation, prolly the same individuals behind ALIF Partylist. I have not seen people mobilized and ecstatic about what they do, saying they have 3Million members that can put them in the league because they say, this is not different from what they are currently doing. Their rags to riches story can be implemented for others and see it as selflessness, this is their intention. They are made up of people from the indigenous sector, they are also dreamers and have already sent one representative in the past.

Agakhan Tomawis says “I know we all have our own responsibilities, our own work, but you have given time for our Father and President. In the 4 months that I have been with you, my life has changed, and I have learned a lot from you. Thank you for the sacrifice, for all the things you’ll be doing in the last 21 days.”

ALIF Partylist is one of the hundreds of hopefuls that will vie for congress seats this coming election. Their current nominees include Lorenzo Rellosa and Agakhan Tumawis.

TPC

Tele Preneur Corporation is a 7 year multi level marketing firm. It has been in existence since August 24, 2012. All the people you see here are investors and leaders, they have lots of life changes, through guidance of executives, we have made their lives better and we hope to have that for everybody else. (I learned they are engaged in one phone load ALL system which they manage on their own)

They added “ALIF started in 2003, formed by former Congressmann Acmad Tomawis including former Senator Edgardo Angara. We believe in helping indigenous people, we are from Marawi City, we want to represent tribes from the region and elsewhere in the country. We have evolved into a more universal concept, for the Maranao, Tausug, Tasaday, Ilongot and other indigenous tribes.”

“We have been re-visiting the indigenous to be part of the law making process but we have not done enough in the past few years. “

Agakhan Tumawis says “63% of indigenous people are from Mindanao. When ALIF came about concentrated on road infrastructure, education, livelihood and projects. In rural areas, there are people who have to cross bridges with their bare hands through barbed wires. We need empathy, what do they do everyday? How do we form healthy solutions? We have to be there, we have had to visit 4 tribes and formulated projects which ALIF and TPC will help with. There have been a lot of laws already, we are into properly implementing it. To put up street lights in remote areas, mostly all in Mindanao. But not to forget the others, we have school building in Benguet, farm to market roads, medical assistance to indigenous people, giving them ambulance and structures to help live their lives better.”

Lorenzo Rellosa adds “Majority of our projects will be concentrated on livelihood, if you get them work and help them put food on their table. We have been doing it for 7 years and doing it in a wider scale is something that we would want to do.”

Their stand on Martial Law

In Mindanao, it has been able to benefit a lot of people in the region. We understand why you asked about it, it happened twice already and it’s been three years in Mindanao. It is a tool, if it is used for good, then it is good. Acbar Tomawis was on ground when the Marawi siege happened and by culture, Maranaos have held arms and people walk with it on streets. With Martial Law, the unscrupulous are scared to do that. Now there are people manning streets, people walk in streets safely, we feel it is benefiting us.

Displacement of Indigenous People

The talk on Ancestral Domain is a talk on commercialization. The parcel of land they live in, the ones they got from their family, they sometimes do not follow rules that they govern with in ethnic groups. ALIF wants to align this, for the Magna Carta for IP’s, to ensure there would be mechanisms for the sector we serve. We have members that are part of tribes, we want to further organize them to better support them.

Party lists represent a multitude of sectors, but they serve everyone. If you’re choosing one this coming elections, make sure it supports your ideals, it supports your beliefs and have proven track record of doing their job as law makers and enablers of existing laws. I am not in any way endorsing them.

Do your research and see what fits you.