Pinoy ghost tales or pinoy ghost stories are part of our culture, the rich Filipino culture. I believe these stories are what makes every halloween to expect. Even though, we Filipinos love to have ghost stories all year-round.

Recently, I was invited for a viewing of a horror film genre. Since, I love to watch movies I went to the viewing party, which later on a press conference with aome of the actors and director of the film.

Actually it is a trilogy, a three story film that will give viewers different flavors from the usual horror film.

 

Many of the advocacy films produced are mainly because of the need to inform and be known what is happening to a specific organization or group. Many of which are sometimes negatively stereotyped like boring or too-chatty or wordy film. Probably that was in some advocacy campaign film. So, with this Called to Rescue Philippines (CTR PH) which happens to have launched a short film at the KMC Armstrong Cafe will have a film to talk about. The short film stars popular young celebrities Donny Pangilinan and Nourijune Hooshmand that aims to raise awareness on the recovery and reintegration of human trafficking survivors to the society.

Written and directed by international filmmaker Dean Colin Marcial, the film ‘GRADUATION’ is about a young woman played by Nourijune, who fell into depression after surviving human trafficking. Through the support of her brother, played by Donny, she was able to slowly get back on her feet.

Beyond Rescuing
GRADUATION was the brainchild of Marcial, CTR PH Advocacy Head Abby Anciano, and CTR PH President Anthony Pangilinan. The three, advocates and active volunteers of CTR PH, found the need to bring emphasis not only to a survivor’s rescue, but to their reintegration to society as well.

“Bakit hanggang rescue nalang? Yung after-rescue rin kailangan. [This project] was out of frustration for me, and is one of the reasons I decided to do this,” Anthony explained.

“Our main focus [was on a] survivor’s reintegration into society. It’s something that I drew on, something Donny and Nourijune drew on as well,” Dean expressed.

From there, the two gathered a team of volunteers to bring the short film to life. With help from family, friends, clients, and donors, Graduation was set out to be one purpose-driven production.

Heeding The Call
The short film centers Cinemalaya actress Nourijune Hooshmand and Star Cinema actor Donny Pangilinan. Donny is a long-time anti-human trafficking advocate, while both are currently active CTR PH volunteers. Director Dean Marcial, script-writer and director of the film, handpicked the two for the starring roles.

When asked about participating in the project, Nourijune and Donny expressed no hesitation whatsoever.

“When Dean accepted to go through this project, alongside Nour, it’s not something I had to think twice about,” said Donny, “I specifically chose to do this. I really believe this is something we needed to do.”

“This [advocacy] is really important work. I’m very thankful that I had this opportunity. I’m really happy to be a part of this,” Nourijune shared.

Everyone Is Called To Rescue
Doctor Cyndi Romine, international director of Called To Rescue, noted: “The film is for everybody because we all know somebody. To assume we don’t know somebody would be an error on our part.”

Though people might wonder who this film is truly for, whether it’s for those rescued or those taking care of the rescued, Graduation is a film made to touch all audiences who view it. It sheds light on the significance of aftercare work and a loving community — a part of healing that is more often than not, overlooked.

“Once a person is rescued, you need to meet a lot of people and still go through the journey with the help of people who love you,” Donny noted.

“The bond of family is different, and knowing someone is there for you can really help what you’re healing from,” Nourijune adds.

Through the 5-minute film, CTR PH hopes to draw attention to the post-rescue challenges of trafficking survivors and promote the collective role of community (especially family members) in addressing their needs, supporting their rehabilitation process, and cultivating a safe space for their ongoing journey of healing.

“It takes a village to raise a child: It takes a village to heal a child,” Anthony shared. Everyone is called to rescue.

GRADUATION was made possible with the generous donors: Magic Crackers, Jollibee, Grab Philippines, KMC Solutions, Cabalen, MediCard Philippines, and LabX Corporation.

 

Pelikulove, a multi-arts portal which aims to provide arts education and a platform for artistic and socially-relevant content, is launching the first-of-its-kind “Shout Out Festival (Maghayag at Lumikha)” Online Festival from September 19 to 25, 2022.

In cooperation with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, the “Shout Out Festival” is a seven-day online festival of short films and stage plays, a culminating activity of the enrollees of the Pelikulove master classes of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, and Palanca Hall of Fame awardee Rody Vera. The works are produced in cooperation with regional theater and film organizations and can be viewed for free at pelikulove.com beginning September 19.

There are three sets of works to be showcased; each set is composed of three productions.

Set A features the short films “Libro for Ransom” tackling the theft of Jose Rizal’s masterpieces written by Ralph Morales and directed by Arjanmar Rebeta, “Cooking with Love” written by Viva Andrada O’Flynn and directed by Delfin Castillo, and “When a Manananggal Loves a Man” by Raymund T. Barcelon and directed by Neil Azcuna of Integrated Performing Arts Group off MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology.

The newest and an aspiring film production company, AQ Prime, now ventures with the streaming platform where they showcase their original movies and shows.

AQ Prime Entertainment offers originally produced films, together with some legacy Filipino movies, rent-to-view on-demand shows, pay-per-view live events, and cable channel subscriptions.

AQ Prime provides thousands of movies and shows to stream on different devices, like smartphones and TVs across the Philippines, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South Korea, and North America.

AQ Prime uniquely offers classic Filipino shows and movies, as well as new and exciting independently produced films.

“We are excited to provide Filipinos across the world the most complete access to entertainment content a streaming platform has to offer,” said Atty. Aldwin Alegre, President, and CEO of AQ Prime. He adds, “This exciting undertaking will be aided by multi-cultural partnerships with the Korean entertainment industry and other foreign filmmakers for a unique and diverse programming experience.”

 

Vivamax welcomes you to a new place, an island that comes with so much mystery. Once you’re in, there’s no going back. This summer, a new slice of paradise is about to be explored. Let’s run to the Island of Desire, streaming on Vivamax this April.

Adding to the list of Vivamax Original Movies for 2022, Island of Desire is a sexy drama starring Vivamax’s rising stars, Christine Bermas, Sean de Guzman, Jela Cuenca and Rash Flores.

A young woman named Martha (Christine Bermas) is assigned to work remotely on an island called “Isla Bato.” She becomes a nurse at its Regional Health office, and she also befriends some of the residents, Tess (Jela Cuenca), a midwife on the island, and Leloy (Sean de Guzman), a Habal rider. Being a constant companion, Leloy becomes closer to Martha, and they end up falling for each other.

As she stays longer on the island, she begins to discover the strange things about the place and its secrets, including a cult with fanatic followers and an abusive leader. Here is where she also reunites with her long-lost sister, who warns her and tells her to escape the place while she can.

Witness how the mysteries of this enchanting island filled with passion, lust, and love unfold before Martha’s eyes.

Fresh from the success of her other Vivamax Original Movies - Siklo and Moonlight Butterfly, Christine Bermas will once again leave the viewers in awe in Island of Desire. It also stars Vivamax’s most in-demand actor, Sean de Guzman, who caught the crowd’s attention from his Vivamax Originals - Nerisa, Taya, Bekis on the Run, Mahjong Night, and Hugas.

Joining them is Vivamax’s crush, Jela Cuenca, who starred in Silip sa Apoy, Palitan, and Boy Bastos. The star of Palitan, Rash Flores, plays a very crucial role in this film.

Island of Desire is by the multi-awarded and highly regarded director in the Philippines, Joel Lamangan.

From Viva films, be enchanted by its beauty and find yourselves lost in the Island of Desire, streaming on Vivamax starting April 1, 2022. .

For you to watch this desiring film, all you need to do is subscribe to Vivamax for only P149 per month or P399 for three months.

Visit web.vivamax.net or download the app and subscribe via Google Play Store, Huawei App Gallery and App Store.

For payments via website, you may choose EC Pay, 7 Eleven, All Day, All Day, Pay Mongo, GrabPay, GCash, or PayMaya. For payment thru app, you can have Globe, Smart, GCash, Paypal, Visa, or Mastercard as options. For payment thru Ecommerce, you may choose from Lazada, Shopee, Comworks, Clickstore, or Paymaya. For payment thru authorized outlets, choose from Load Manna, Comworks, Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Express, and Load Central. VivaMax’s cable partners are SkyCable, Cable Link, Wesfardell Connect, Fiber, BCTVI, Cebu Cable, Zenergy HD, Cotabato Cable Television Network Corporation, and Concepcion Pay TV Network, Inc.

Island of Desire can also be streamed on Vivamax Middle East. For kababayans in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, watch all you can for only AED35/month. Vivamax can also be streamed in Europe for only 8 GBP/month.

Vivamax is also available in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Brunei, Macao, Vietnam, Maldives, Australia, New Zealand, and now also in Canada and the United States of America. Vivamax, atin ‘to.

One of the Pandemic Beauties of Viva, Ayanna Misola, is booming and blooming in Vivamax with a list of movie projects. Yes, this young and sexy actress' career is booming as she starred in several movie projects under Viva. Some of the movies that she stars are "Pornstar 2: Pangalawang Putok", "Siklo", and "Kinsenas, Katapusan."

Indeed, she's one of the sought sexy actresses in Viva today, with her charming beauty, acting, and sexiness, who'll not fall for that.

Ayanna will be mesmerizing the viewers again with her latest film entitled "L" for the Larawan episode. The film is directed by Topel Lee and joined by the other cast namely, Vince Rillon, Stephanie Raz, Karl Aquino, Acey Aguilar, and many more.

Here are some of the lines Ayanna Misola answered from the querries of the entertainment media.

“ Maganda ang role ko rito, kasi kakaiba ito sa mga previous movies na nagawa ko. Dito ako naging prim and proper.” [My role in this film is interesting, it is different from my previous films. In this film I became prim and proper.] According to Ayanna.

Good day mga KaToto! Here's a heads up for all movie buffs! The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) returns to cinemas this year, with eight official entries to watch.

Here is the list of the films shortlisted for the 2021 lineup:

1. "A Hard Day" (Viva Communications, Inc.)
Starring: Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla
Directed by: Lawrence Fajardo

 

As the movie Nelia holds its Grand Press Conference last December 18, 2021, at the City of Dreams Manila Grand Ballroom as the official entry for the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival, the A and Q Films Production, a new company that aims to become one of the recognized film productions outfits in the country was also officially and formally launched.

A and Q Films PRoduction was founded by business partners Atty. Aldwin Alegre and Atty. Melanie Honey Quiño in January 2020. The company was created to produce educational films for use in schools during the pandemic.  

In the midst of their production in 2020, A and Q Films Production saw an opportunity to create their first full-length film. Using a draft of the screenplay written by Atty. Quiño 15 years ago while she was still a student, they created a new version of Nelia, which is now one of the eight official entries of the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival. 

"We never thought that our first full-length film would make it as one of the finalists of the MMFF. We are deeply grateful to the MMFF for this opportunity and hopefully this will just be the beginning of A and Q Films Production's continuous creation of more films that could provide comfort, joy, and lessons to Filipino viewers," said Atty. Alegre. 

Given the opportunity received from the MMFF, as well as the support shown by the entertainment press, netizens, and viewers to the film Nelia, A and Q Films Production has become increasingly persistent in their goal of producing more films that Philippine film industry and the whole country can be proud of. 

In fact, they are already preparing for the possibility of making Nelia Part 2. A and Q is also currently in talks with several international film distributors who have expressed their intent to showcase NELIA in America and other parts of the world. 

Nelia will first be seen in theaters in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao this coming December 25, 2021 to January 7, 2022, as part of the MMFF. It stars Winwyn Marquez, Raymond Bagatsing, Mon Confiado, Ali Forbes, Shido Roxas, Juan Carlos Galano, and many more. 

 

Calamities happen and are uncertain, and this Kwento for today is about the tragedy that struck the Philippines, particularly the people of Leyte. This is an eye-opener for everyone!

 

Celebrate Christmas this year with Star Cinema and kumu’s first ever collaboration movie “Love at First Stream,” an official entry to the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Topbilled by today’s rising stars Daniela Stranner, Anthony Jennings, Kaori Oinuma and Jeramiah Lisbo, “Love at First Stream” revolves around the new normal, where life is wildly digital. They are the Stream Team: the unstoppable dreamer Vilma (Daniela), the loyal lover boy Tupe (Anthony), the sweet girl-next-door Megumi (Kaori) and the bad boy heartthrob with a heart of gold Gino (Jeremiah).

Helmed by blockbuster director Cathy Garcia-Molina, the film showcases these young characters and how they experience romantic relationships, family and fight for their ambitions and dreams.

The film marks the first ever lead roles of Daniela, Anthony, Kaori and Jeremiah in a film after they were launched as artists of Star Cinema’s talent management arm, Rise Artists Studio, in 2019. Daniela first showcased her acting prowess in the ABS-CBN teleserye ‘Make it With You,’ opposite Anthony, who starred in Direk Cathy’s last project prior to this film, the digi-movie series ‘The House Arrest of Us.’ Kaori, a former housemate of ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Otso,’ has been in several television and digital series projects including the ‘Four Bad Boys and Me’ in 2020 and the phenomenal series ‘He’s Into Her’ early this year with Jeremiah, who’s also part of ‘Make it With You.’ Jeremiah also starred in the hit movie ‘Four Sisters Before The Wedding’ and recently topbilled an ‘MMK’ episode featuring the life story of ‘PBB’ ex-housemate Ralph Malibunas.

‘Love at First Stream’ also marks Direk Cathy’s first ever film to be part of the MMFF and her movie comeback after ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ in 2019. More blockbuster films under Direk Cathy’s helm include ‘Four Sisters and a Wedding,’ ‘The Hows of Us,’ ‘She's Dating The Gangster,’ and ‘My Ex and Whys.’

Since the announcement of ‘Love at First Stream’ in July, it has been an interactive and immersive project as search for other cast members and even singers to record the movie’s official soundtrack were done via kumu campaigns.

“We found a way to make kumu users part of [the movie],” said Paolo Pineda, kumu’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Not necessarily the big stars, but they can star in the movie, they can sing the song for the movie and a few more things. It’s all in the grand plan to make this a movie the Kumunity can be proud of.”

Joining the cast of ‘Love at First Stream’ are Agot Isidro, Hyubs Azarcon, Igiboy Flores, Melissa Gibbs, Pinky Amador, Almira Muhlach, RJ Ledesma, Gail Banawis and Vien King in their introductory roles, with the special participation of Tonton Gutierrez.

Nothing’s gonna stop us to DO MORE, DREAM MORE and LOVE MORE with ‘Love at First Stream.’ You may catch it in your favorite cinemas starting December 25 Christmas Day, following minimum health and safety protocols.
v For more details about ‘Love at First Stream,’ follow the official Star Cinema account (@starcinema). Also, be sure to subscribe to the social media channels of kumu (@kumu.ph) on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter now. You can also check out the kumu blog for all the latest happenings in the Kumunity.

Don’t have the kumu app yet? It’s easy! Download the app at Google Play or the App Store, and start adding to cart! Visit our website kumu.ph for more information and insights into the exciting world of kumu.

There are plenty of stories of heroism from the lines of our nurses, from the war era to pre-pandemic, but the stories were kept in the realm of the medical industry not until the pandemic came. But for us, heroes or not, our frontliners are here to serve the public in whatever situations “Considering the circumstances of the pandemic, it is timely, probably high time, to give honor and commendation to our health and medical workers, especially nurses, doctors, and other allied services, and that this movie may be or will be related to their functions in serving the public as well.” This was the statement of Atty. Aldwin Alegre, producer of the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Nelia, at the virtual press conference held for the film on December 11.

Nelia is the only suspense thriller that made it to this year’s festival. It’s about a nurse who tries to uncover the mystery behind the deaths of patients in Room 009 and also discusses the issue of mental health among others.

According to Nelia's co-producer and screenwriter Atty. Melanie Honey Quiño, it was not A and Q Films Production’s intention at first to make a film about nurses and doctors. “Actually, before the pandemic, we were planning to make educational movies, but it was cancelled or postponed maybe for next year,” she said. It’s a wonderful coincidence that the main characters in Nelia happen to be nurses and doctors, who are considered heroes because of their service and sacrifice in the fight against COVID-19.

Although Nelia's story is fictional, Atty. Quiño emphasizes how the film shows the importance of health and medical workers in our daily life. "Doctors and nurses have a soft spot in my heart because they help and take care of us when we are sick. So it is very timely that we are presenting their story during the pandemic."

 

After the hit love team in the series, He's Into Her, the couple will be giving another romantic chill for their fans and followers with the newest love film, directed by John Leo Garcia, as best friends Ino (Donny) and Cara (Belle). Cara is there to help him add color to his life and show him that he is not too blind to find love, despite the vision problem that prevents him from seeing vibrant colors. However, along the way, they both meet others who attempt to blur the lines of their relationship.

 

Romance is in the air as SKY presents the first cinematic collaboration of the New Gen Phenomenal Love Team, Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, in Star Cinema's newest offering, "Love is Color Blind," which premieres on SKY Pay-Per-View on Dec. 10 (Friday).

DonBelle is back—this time on the big screen—in their newest love film, directed by John Leo Garcia, as best friends Ino (Donny) and Cara (Belle), who are fresh off the success of their web romantic series "He's Into Her." Cara is there to help him add color to his life and show him that he is not too blind to find love, despite his vision problem that prevents him from seeing vibrant colors. However, along the way, they both meet others who attempt to blur the lines of their relationship.

Regardless of these not-so-colorful instances among them, will Ino finally find the colors of happiness and love he's looking for with Cara?

Find out how their vivid love story will unfold in the world premiere of "Love is Color Blind" starting December 10 on SKY Pay-Per-View.

Catch all of Ino and Cara's sweetest and most colorful moments together in the comfort of your homes in high-definition and commercial-free for a discounted price of P199 per pass (regular rate at P249), which comes with 48-hour access upon purchase. Avail of the pay-per-view discount promo from December 10, 2021 until January 10, 2022.

To subscribe, visit mysky.com.ph/skyppv or text SKY PPV to 23662.

For more details, follow SKY on Facebook (fb.com/myskyupdates), Twitter, and Instagram (@myskyupdates).

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB - 133131 Series of 2021. Standard Platform Terms and Conditions Apply.

 

The film Nelia was starred by beauty queen and actress WinWyn Marquez, portraying the title role, her womanly instincts and gut feel are aroused because of the mysterious cases happening in the hospital where she works. To what revelations her curiosity led her to uncover things that you can also uncover if you watch this film directed by Lester Dimaranan with a screenplay written by its producer Melanie Honey Quiño.

Great news to all KaToto movie fanatics out there! I'm sharing this interesting information about a Filipino-made independent horror/ action film created by award-winning writer and director  Pinoy filmmaker Vincent Soberano. The movie will have its US theatrical release starting October 22, 2021 in ten major cities. 

Comedy and Andrew E rhymes together whether you rap it, or simply say it! 

 

Andrew E.’s original song which has turned into a hit TikTok trend, is now a VIVAMAX original movie! SHOOT! SHOOT!: DI KO SIYA TITIGILAN! is the latest movie collaboration of comedy director Al Tantay and the ultimate pakboy, Andrew E., together with VIVAMAX Goddesses AJ Raval and Sunshine Guimary.

SHOOT! SHOOT! is about Jack (Andrew E.), a small town guy whose ultimate dream is to become an actor. After countless auditions, Jack finally gets chosen to play the role of an heir to his wealthy relative. While rehearsing his lines, his neighbor hears him talking about inheriting 100 billion dollars. Jack’s misadventures start when word spreads around town that he’s now a billionaire. He suddenly gets lucky with girls who just want his “money”, but he also gets in trouble with the wrong people.

After the success of “Pakboys: Takusa '' and “Sanggano, Sanggago’t Sanggwapo,” director Al Tantay is back with SHOOT! SHOOT!, for another sure-hit comedy film. With 6.5 million trailer views in just 48 hours, SHOOT! SHOOT! is definitely one of the most anticipated movies this year.