Just got off the cinemas after watching this new animated movie called "BUFFALO KIDS". The name itself made me happy because of its affinity with cows, so I'd like to thank the good people from Nathan Studios for brining this into the country. I knew it was special because they always bring something different when it comes to movies.
This Valentine's season surely wouldn't be just for pairs, but for the whole family. So if you are looking for an activity this week, this family film will surely touch your hearts. First off, it's a journey so you get to feel that adventure right from the start. The characters are also interesting because they are immigrants from Ireland who went to America in hopes of reuniting with their Uncle Niall. When they didn't get to see him after they went down the ship, they journeyed far and beyond to find him, and that's where they found Nick. Nick is special, a paraplegic, so he couldn't talk or walk, but the two (Tom and Mary) treated him as a friend and equal. This would teach kids to do the same, unadulterated kindness, something that should be taught early on. He's also an orphan, but in the movie, he gets to be a hero (or is he?) just like anybody else.
Kids would also love a glimpse of the great outdoors, the western scape, some historic element of the gold rush, the original settlers (Indians). They will also teach kids not to judge just because of looks, race, skin color or features.
KUMAGCOW loves this not just because it's a really nice film, but because of the COW/BUFFALO element. So make sure you plan your week with the kids, take them to cinemas this coming February 12 to see BUFFALO KIDS! Because if I enjoyed it, they will too!
Director Jun Lana has already proven that the Filipino talent in film is world class. His 2015 film called "Anino Sa Likod ng Buwan" which he wrote as a budding screenplay writer at 19 already drew accolades for him internationally. And yes, it's celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year which means a proper change would be the best way to do it.
Today, they gave us an opportunity to see a theater adaptation of it in bare form. After a grueling 4 month intense prep, they got us ready for this drama and sociopolitical piece starring theater actors Elora Espano, Ross Pesigan and Kapuso Prime Star Martin del Rosario. Edward Benosa, Denise Esteban and Vincent Pajara will be their understudies, you will get to catch them on different dates. This is Directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio who's also not a stranger in the theater scene in the Philippines. The play is produced by IdeaFirst Live which is a new theater arm of the IdeaFirst Company.
"Anino Sa Likod ng Buwan" is a story that revolves around the lives of Emma, Nardo and Joel. Emma and Nardo are husband and wife, and because of some matters regarding war torn villages and them becoming evacuees, they had to seek refuge in a house near an army barracks where they met Joel. They became friends, and then things got complicated along the way (Of course I can't spoil that for you!). They have remained loyal to the plot of the film, and I think it felt a bit more raw when these guys did it on stage (which I felt was better). Because of the distance (from stage to crowd), you'll feel involved in much of the conflicts they'd dish out on scenes. And we're not talking about simple family drama here, but more of the armed struggle and how their lives have been affected by it.
If you also remember the film, there are going to be some raunchy scenes... and the theater version didn't hold back on that. While it was necessary, it didn't get smoke screened as it was an inevitable tool for either advancing their self interests, love, or just plain lust. You'll certainly have to expect some twists and turns, and even those who didn't get to watch it, would understand and make their own assumptions about each character they play. This is intended for mature audiences, and would probably spark conversation about how it still mirrors society today... even if the story was made a decade ago.
Adrian Alandy was there too (he played the original Joel in the film), and it was certainly nice to see him enjoy the reprisal of his character and the theater version of it.
Direk Tuxqs says "This is just a bare bone, stripped down version of the show. We will be showing this at the PETA Theater on March 1st and perform 4 times a week til the 23rd of the same month. You will see the full production with bells and whistles there. We couldn't wait to share it with you as we've been preparing this for over 4 months. We hope this preview would provide more excitement for those who wish to see it soon. We have poured our heart and soul into it."
Direk Perci Intalan added "Thank you all for coming tonight, our official run will be in March, and tonight's performance marks a significant moment in Direk Jun Lana's journey. We are celebrating the 10th anniversary of it. It is still a groundbreaking film, from an international premier, this is part of what we are doing at IdeaFirst Live. Thank you Direk Tuxqs and our playwright Jun Lana. It has come full circle, from winning in 1993, it is back on stage to resonate even more with audiences. We hope you were moved and challenged, this is our debut production with IdeaFirst Live!"
Direk Jun Lana says "If you liked the movie, please tell your friends, your family about this play. We hope more people would be able to see and enjoy it. It is relevant because of what is happening in the Philippines and around the world."
Here's what happened at the press conference this evening:
While this is Martin del Rosario's first foray into theater, he didn't even stutter in any of his lines. This is also quite lengthy, I'd reckon they probably have nightmares seeing a deck of paper when their scripts were given out because it all happened in one take in the movie, it's probably going to be as complicated and even harder to do since they had to project a bit on stage so the people at the back would feel the same as the ones in front.
I am quite impressed, a drama that could get me interested that long must mean they've got something good up their sleeves. They also plan to do a Die Beautiful play soon, it's good, and it'll be even better when the curtains go up! If you want to purchase tickets, just search via the Ticket2Me app or bit.ly/aninobulkbuyingpackages for bulk purchases. You won't regret it!
Their CEO Joey Marcelo says "It's always been a dream to have both Bossing Vic Sotto and the Unkabogable Vice Ganda with our brand and together, we are sure to inspire even more Filipinos to #LiveForMore"
I'm not surprised how the folks from UFC spend their weekend with kids from several organizations and foundations, they're really that kind to start with. Over at Cebu and Manila, they cooperated with both Robinsons Supermarket and Metro Supermarket and their partners to hold movie screenings as part of their Sharelebrate Joy UR Way event.
Kids from SOS Children's Village, Norfil Foundation, Grace to be Born, House of Refuge and several organizations so they get to play, win gifts and screen one of their favorite movies, Mufasa: The Lion King. They got to enjoy activities with their mascots Gogo, Ori and Captain Choco too before the screening. To end, they also gave these cute kids some URC snacks, goodies, Jack n Jill products, C2 and more. This is just one of the few things URC plans to do to connect with communities especially this year.
.jpg)
