“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This famous quote from the writer-philosopher George Santayana is a fitting introduction to my story about this year's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry from Mentorque Productions. What makes it even more interesting is that this film creates history in both the MMFF and the Philippine film industry. In essence, this film is a historical journey in every aspect of its MMFF entry.

 

Rainy days or not, fans continue to be delighted by the successes achieved by their idols. One of these is Jeric Gonzales, a talent of GMA Sparkle who continues to demonstrate his acting prowess. Of course, Benjie Austria, the producer of the movie "Broken Blooms", is also making waves. Jeric is currently leading the pack with the number of awards he has received as Best Actor in various international film festivals such as the Harlem International Film Festival in New York, Mokho International Film Festival, Tagore International Film Festival in India, and Montelupo International Film Festival in Italy.

 

Vivamax is in again for another beauty in its long list of sexy actresses. It has just welcomed a new nymphet to their latest film offering, "Lagaslas" - the stunning Manang Medina from Olongapo. This may sound different but we're used to hear the word 'manang' as a part of our respect for the generations ahead of us (elders) but this time it seems that we're in for an unlikely quonotation of the term - a more sexy and erotic. While she (Manang Medina) may not be a traditional "manang," she is certainly an actress ready to take the world by storm, even if it means shedding her clothes to do so. As it implies in an interview, “Artista po ako. Teatro po ang training ko. Basta kung ano ang dapat sa ikagaganda ng istorya, handa ko itong gawin.” [I am an actress. I trained in theater. Whatever is needed to make the story more beautiful, I am willing to do.] And based on the recently-released teaser for the film, it seems that she fully lives up to her promise.

Anyway, 'manang' or not, she will definitely a new color to expect in Vivamax color pallette of sexy stars.

 

AQ Prime's first BL movie, 'Baka Sakali,' is now exclusively available for streaming on the AQ Prime app as their Valentine's Day offering. The movie tells a non-traditional love story that conveys the idea that love is boundless and that everyone deserves to be happy and free. The film stars Drei Arias, Leandré Adams, Seon Quintos, and April 'Congratulations' Gustilo and is directed by Bong Ramos.

While the movie follows a typical love story narrative, what sets it apart is the intimate scenes involving the lead actors Drei, Leandré, and April, who confidently display their sexy bods on the screen.

The image of Mang Kanor left a negative connotation to all. For most of the guys, it's more admiration, while for the ladies, it's disgust.

Who wouldn't be, knowing that you're filming all your sexual acts? Worst, it was leaked and uploaded to the internet. And that's when he became famous and sensational, because the videos went viral. It was a scandal that made his name known.

According to stories, the videos on his phone were for himself only. Unfortunately, it was snatched, and that's where it all started.

 

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.

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.”

In every calamity, problem, or event happening, Filipinos find ways to turn it into opportunities. If the pandemic has made us lose a lot of things, the pandemic has also taught us to be more resilient and adaptive.

The pandemic brought the best in everyone, for the entertainment industry, from the artists to production companies, they all strive through and find ways to work out things. Their creative juices were squeezed into a glass jar and brought new concepts in film making.

Viva is one of the film companies that expanded its horizon and adapted today's technology as their main platform in bringing the entertainment of movies from cinema to viewers' comfort, whether in houses or outdoor. Thus, the creation of Vivamax!

Vivamax became the platform where Viva Films can showcase their creative and entertaining films in the movie industry. In this pandemic, Vivamax became the cinema houses of every mobile phone owner or work-from-home individual.

Comedy, drama, action, thriller, or sexy movies, Vivamax has it. What's more interesting is that the film company created more movies during the pandemic for its patron viewers.

Sexy stars were given more attention. Remember the Viva hot babes? Well, Viva brought in more into their lineup of hot babes. Not sure if they have coined it already, but let's probably call them the Pandemic Beauties. These beauties that I know are Sunshine Giumary, AJ Raval, Rhen Escano, Cindy Miranda, and their latest star Ayanna Misola.

From one film to another, Viva Films gave and are still giving their actors and actresses the break they need, from the pandemic and in their careers.

From pandemic to opportunities, that's resiliency in the movie industry.

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

 

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.

One of the official entries in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival, Nelia, which starred Winwyn Marquez, officially released its movie trailer last December 1 on its official Facebook page Nelia. The film garnered more than 1,000,000 views in its first 36 hours and so far it has reached nearly 2.5 million views.

There's already a buzz from the netizens with Nelia's unique theme. A glimpse on its trailers tells about a shrouded mystery of Hospital Room 009, where Nelia works as a nurse. Apparently, all patients admitted in the room end up dead. "Is there a ghost or is there a killer in the hospital?" is a question netizens commonly ask.

The film also tackles the issue of mental health, which is a hot topic on social media these days, as the prevalence of anxiety and depression among people continues because of the ongoing pandemic. “In a way, our film is also educational because of its underlying theme on mental health disorders. Hopefully, through our film, the audience will be able to broaden their understanding of people dealing with mental health problems,” said the film's director, Lester Dimaranan.

 

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.

The people of Hermoso have had their faith in Bro tested and restored in “Huwag Kang Mangamba,” but Mira and Joy’s (Andrea Brillantes and Francine Diaz) mission is far from over with evil faith healer Deborah (Eula Valdes) still on the loose.

Mira and Joy will find a path to healing after the battle between good and evil reaches new heights in the final week of ABS-CBN’s inspirational teleserye on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5.

After staging her own death, Deborah promises to come back and end the lives of those who opposed her reign in Hermoso, particularly the group led by Mira and Joy. Deborah previously tried to kill Mira but ultimately failed after Bro immediately healed Mira’s stab wound.

Despite their ongoing struggles, Bro assured the sisters that everything happens for a reason and that they should stop worrying their lives away as long as their faith remains unshakeable.

Mira and Joy’s prayers will also get answered as they reunite with their deceased mother Fatima (Dimples Romana) in heaven.

Don’t miss the healing finale of “Huwag Kang Mangamba,” which figured in the list of the most watched TV programs among U.S. multicultural Asian homes in September.

In the Philippines, the show airs at 8:40 PM until Friday on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, WeTV, and iflix. Viewers who use any digital TV box at home such as the TVplus box only need to rescan their device to be able to watch “Huwag Kang Mangamba” on A2Z and TV5. Viewers outside of the Philippines can also catch it on The Filipino Channel on cable and IPTV.

For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.