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.

Check Out The TCL C755 QD-Mini LED 4K TV: The Ultra Game Master

It was a really good day to be in the midst of peers and fellow TV enthusiasts at the Abenson store in Quezon Avenue. TCL chose this to be the venue for the launch of their newest TCL QD-MiniLED 4K TV. They've been really hard at getting new products out in the Philippines, and something tells me, this would be the perfect TV set to have this Christmas.

They had us experience it first by getting some of the best consoles, PC driving simulations and even Virtual Reality based games at the top floor of Abenson Quezon Avenue. Had my hand in a few rounds of Tekken and fought with other bloggers and media entities. I felt like a noob during the first few rounds since it's been a while since I've played, but I got the hang of it since round 1. I finished the game too in my first try, so it was highly encouraging to do the versus rounds. It also pays when you've got a display that can keep up with the game's graphics, because it's hard to see clear and accurate especially with fighting games that need higher refresh rate. The refresh rate runs at 144Hz VRR +240Hz DLG (Dual Line Gate) a technology that only TCL has which automatically detects your source output and adjusts accordingly.

Here's our video coverage of the event a few days ago, please enjoy!

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The TCL QD-Mini LED 4K TV C755 Ultra Game Master runs on Google TV OS and can be controlled hands free via voice control. It's got Google assistant, so if you're a little experienced like I am with a Google Home smart environment, you can ask away as usual. The audio is clear with Dolby Atmos, DTS Premium Sound so if you're a movie freak, this would do you good. With its 4K UHD display, you'll have clearer than clear scenes and higher contrast, you'll even love how black real BLACK is on the C755. There's also WiFi6, and backward compatible to your current wireless connection. You just have to sit back and enjoy everything once it's set up!

You need a TV set that can keep up with your gaming requirements so you don't lose matches, precious rounds or even those crazy races. TCL has them in Abenson branches nationwide, go try them out first then consider getting them now. It's surely a good "gift to self"!

NICO BOLZICO Releases "Bullied Husbands Club - The Manual" on Lazada

 One of the most good looking guys on the internet Nico Bolzico aka the "The Bullied Husband" of Solenn Heussaff just released his own book called "Bullied Husbands Club - The Manual" in popular online shopping platform Lazada. 

His humor is different. Either with culture or upbringing, one could tell how it would always be fun in the Bolzico household as he narrates small anecdotes in this printed work. Marrying one of the most beautiful women in show business must have come with a lot of things, and one of them is dealing with an equally crazy life with a "Wifezilla". Nico's book details a few procedures how to deal with the everyday battles. One must not forget where one stands in the relationship, that men are only slaves and don't have anything to say other than YES on a normal day (I kid). He also goes the mile and gives good advice on small things so you don't have to suffer the consequences. 

 

Nico's celebrity friends, Lazada executives put their stamp on the book.

Congratulations Nico!

I read it in a span of 2 days, and I thought I wouldn't get his humor, but I did. Got my copy signed in a Lazada event a few weeks ago. I must say, the fine man is quite nice to talk to.

 To tell you honestly, I liked every bit of it. It's sort of a preparation if you're in the process of getting married. It's not all clownery, because at the heart of these conversations in his head is his way of telling you how it is done, how one should respect women in general. It's not just giving her what she wants, but thinking about what she needs and her freedom. Being married doesn't mean you would need to just stay at home and take care of kids (and dogs), women in this era can do so many things and being a husband means you need to support her among other things. You'll learn that and more in Nico's book. Although delivered humorously, it makes a lot of sense.

 This is also very affordable and perfect to have as a Christmas gift for men, if you haven't had the chance to get your spouse, boyfriend or male friend a gift... go to LAZADA today and take that leap to understand why the Argentinian man survived the Filipina wife. You can get the book HERE. Thanks to Lazada for having us!

CATHY VALENCIA Celebrates 18 Years in the Business

Whenever I hear her name, I remember countless artists, celebrities that have been able to experience the Cathy Valencia Advanced Skin Clinic. Results that you can't deny, which is why she's still the premiere name to trust in the industry. Recently, they celebrated their 18th year in the business. It was also her birthday, so she threw a thanksgiving party for her most loyal clientele, her celebrity endorsers and the media a few days ago.

The Cathy Valencia Advanced Skin Clinic has been doing skin and aesthetic services since 2002. They now have lots of products available in their clinics designed to maintain, enhance, improve and nourish your skin. We had a grand time there, seeing them bond over games and entertainment numbers was super nice to see. Celebrities like Kitkat, the gorgeous Jessy Mendiola, Marco Gumabao, Enchong Dee, Sunshine Cruz and her daughters, the lovely Sanya Lopez, Tita Anabelle Rama, sweethearts Loisa Andallo and Ronnie Alonte went to the event, to wish Ms. Cathy a happy birthday, and tell us about the various services they love in their clinic.

Here's a few things we talked about on our video interview:

Jessy Mendiola also shared how she plans to make a comeback in 2024!

Marco Gumabao also shared how he was able to love someone like Christine Reyes quite naturally.

Sanya Lopez also shares why she doesnt meddle with Jak Roberto's relationships

Loisa Andallo and Ronnie Alonte also talked about their good friends KathNiel and how they took the breakup news about their friends.

 

Here's wishing Ms. Cathy Valencia years of success with her skin clinics and products that help people change their lives, and bring back their confidence!