CINEMALAYA 2013

by: Andrea Navarro

The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and Competition is a film festival of the Philippines. It is a key project of the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. held annually in the month of July, which was established since 2004 for the following purposes: encourage the creation of new cinematic works by Filipino film makers with fresh insights and artistic integrity; to promote Filipino Independent films locally and internationally, and to establish a network for change, communication, and cooperation among members of the independent film sector.

Luckily, I was able to witness the opening ceremony for these years CINEMALAYA that was held last July 26 at Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). An entry of 10 new breed, 10 short films and 5 directors showcase. I was able to watched three films from the Directors Showcase Category which is Sana Dati, Amor Y Muerte and Liars. And one from new breed which is Babagwa.

“Sana Dati” is my first ever encounter of independent film and I can truly say that it is pleasing. “Sana Dati” or wish before is the third part of Jerrold Tarog’s camera trilogy. It is a love story about a woman whose wedding is thrown into confusion when a strange person arrives and reminds her of the man she really loves. It is a bittersweet compromises and real-life decisions.

Andrea (Lovi Poe) meets Dennis (Paulo Avelino) on the afternoon of her wedding day. Dennis was hired as the videographer to cover the entire occasion, from the early preparations until the reception. He interviews andrea and her groom (TJ Trinidad) for the wedding video’s additional snippets. As the hours of preparations draw to close, Andrea remembers her past realizing that the young man hired ro cover her special day brings back a former love.

Being the first ever independent film that I’ve watched which I don’t regret but instead, I was eager to watch more indie films. Honestly, when I saw the trailer of the film, I was confused for it shows 1 girl and 3 other boys. Of course, my initial reaction as a viewer is that the girl has three boys in her life at the same time. So I was not totally convinced by it. But while watching the film, little by little I was drawn by it. In fact, it’s just a simple film and a typical story that happens or is happening for some people. But what are appealing is how the characters are connected with each other, how the scenarios are being portrayed, and how they throw to the viewers the message or the lesson of the film.

“Sana Dati” is not so much in flashy action but more in sensitive conversations among the characters. Being the first ever indie film that I’ve watched, Sana Dati is a very polished and successful film. The representation is contemplative, humor is wanted and the tension is intolerable. It was all perfectly artistic from the camera angles, colors and the lighting.

What I love the most is that the film takes place in the present during the wedding day, but just before the ceremony begins. However, it would always have flashback sequences that develop the entire plot of the film. It’s like an unsolved puzzle at the first but as the film progress, the pieces starts falling into places and you start seeing the bigger picture, everything would eventually make sense. There may be times where the constant flashback can be a bit disorienting and would leave the viewer lost. However, you will still find your way back and appreciate the film.

Lovi Poe (Andrea) portrayed her role very well as confused women. TJ Trinidad (Robert) is passionately committed in his compression. Benjamin Alves (Andrew) was compellingly ideal in his memory. And Paulo Avelino (Dennis) was consisted being a mysterious guy. One thing that set aside this film from others is that the story didn’t need to have fighting scenes for the audience to feel the pain of the characters. Rather, you could see their pain and longing in the eyes.

Sana Dati creates convincing characters by creating their stories and personalities and then making them go through a very real that we can relate to. Also, the film does not use gimmicks nor expect the audience to like the characters because they are played by a certain actor or actress. it challenges the viewers to ask questions and holds our interest from start to finish. And it certainly helps that the crystal-clear cinematography is an enjoyment to the eyes and one could say it provides a contrast to the intended blur that is the story’s theme. I could say that this film is way different from mainstream films for its diversity and its unpredictable ending. No, Im not asking that we should get rid of mainstream films. But instead, it is for us to see the art behind indie films and what mainstream film could possibly learn from it.

            There’s no doubt that this film wins the Best Film prize in Directors Showcase category, Best sound (Roger TJ Tarog), Best original music score (Tarog),  Jerold Tarog as best director, best supporting actor for TJ Trinidad, best ng (Pats R. Ranyo), Best Production Design (Ericson Navarro), Best cinematography (Mackie Galvez).

 

The second film that I’ve watched after Sana Dati is “Babagwa” by Jason Laxaman. It  is a simple story about a group of swindle people who’s using facebook as a way to victimize “wealthy” persons. Marney needs to pull up his parents from a house that is being threatened to be demolished by the local government. Greg, who only has his afternoon tryst with his girlfriend that seems to be more interested in a vacation that he couldn’t provide.

Alex Medina who played the role as “Greg” pretends to be a rich model named Bam Bonifacio (Kiko Matos) whose sexual orientation depends on the gender of the target victim. In order for him to catch the attention of the person he will victimize, he will post shirtless photos on his FB page and with his soft voice on the phone. Marney (Joey Paras) is Greg’s partner-in-crime who’s being nasty when it comes to money. All is well until one day, Greg strikes a friendship with Daisy who’s a lonely sexy matron, and suddenly falls in love with her.

Alex Medina (Greg), plays his role quite well, the confident was there and he portrayed his role as what the audience was expecting although there were times when I hardly understood what he was saying and I had to read the subtitles just to understand. On the other hand, However, The role of Joey Paras (Marney) is not totally convincing being “gay” as the mastermind of anything connected to lust, money and deception. Maybe because our society still regards homosexuality as perverted and ugly.  Which is for me, was not true. It would have still worked if Joey Paras’s character was a straight man or a woman. Thankfully, Joey Paras came to handle his role and never fail to give punchlines to the viewers. Alma Conception (Daisy) surprised the crowd with her cheesy romantic lines that drew the loudest applause during the film.

It was fun watching Babagwa though it was not a glamorous film and polished after watching “sana Dati” were all actors were fair-skinned and donning make up. Babagwa presented its characters in the most stressful way which is a good way to show that being in such situation is really traumatic. There were also a lot of scenes that could be shortened or removed altogether particularly the sex scenes. Although, I understand that some were presented to show the enthusiasm of the main character.

                I felt that the ending scene was satisfactory and that the audience felt the tension on what was going to happen. Maybe some already predicted the ending and was just waiting for the way the director was going to show it on screen. But still, it was a successful film for me and for the most people who watched based on the spontaneous loud applause after the screening.

“Babagwa” is a very simple film from its setting and has only few characters but then,  the whole concept of Babagwa is probably one of the more relatable ones in this year’s batch. While one does not need to do fake profiles in order to relate to the film, it tackles the unveiling of one’s identity in this time of social media obsession.  It is a good way to show or for us to realize on how social media could possibly affect/connect us like a spider web. We do have different reasons on why we are being attached to social media. Some may want to meet new friends, to air out their feelings or simply just to go after the trend. But social media does not always bring out the best in us, but rather, it provides us a new way for exploitation. This film makes us become conscious on making new friends or simply meeting people from social networking sites for it can leads us to trouble to the extent that we could fall for someone who has a dreadful intention to us.

Lastly, “ Amor Y Muerte” by Cesar Minguez Evangelista which is set in 16^th century. “Amor Y Muerte” means love and death. It is examination of the initial encounter between the indios (natives) and their colonizers (Spaniards) and their contradicting views on love, passion, religion and sexuality. The personas in the films represent the main players in early Philippine History. We have the old Babaylan, the native non-chauvinist male, the Spanish priest, the deceptively kind, naïve, but powerful abusive Spanish General, the old datu and the free spirited young native woman.

During 16^th century, somewhere in the katagalugan region, Amor (Althea Vega), the daughter of one of Lakandula’s distant relatives is married to Diego (Markki Stroem), a half Spanish general. Together with Tia Soleded (Ama Quiambao), they live a very simple life in a small hut with only a few neighbors. The couple makes love passionately every night, and her scream of pleasure is capable of being heard throughout the town has led the town priest to wonder how the native woman could have a strong libido. As her husband is summoned to Manila to suppress a rebellion in intramuros, Amor turns to the pagan snake charmer living by the waterfall and when his husband comes back the start of the conflict arises. 

Honesty, this is my least favorite among the entries that I’ve watched to the fact that this one of the Director’s Showcase category, It was just so disappointing. There are many reasons why I do not like the film and probably most people who have watched it has the same basis. There are like half a dozen sex scenes between Amor, Diego and Apitong. Though people could freely watched indie films regardless of their age, still this is not obviously a family movie which you could watch with kids, a obvious reference to the Spaniards thrust in trying to penetrate themselves, their ideas, their religion and culture during the colonial period.

However, what I commend about “Amor Y Muerte” is the Redeeming factor of the film is its technical achievements. The music adds more interst, and some shots were memorable, although way too overdone. I also commend Althea Vega for she is really good in here, capturing the conflicting character of her natural feelings and she showed no signs of inhibition at all. So all in all, I’d say that “Amor Y Muerte” strength lies in Vega’s performance and its technical achievements than what it wants to say in its story.

Overall, being able to watch some of the entry for Cinemalaya was a satisfactory. Each movie that I’ve watched tells different story and depict different styles and techniques that definitely catch my attention. They made me realize how wonderful Independent films are and how it is different from mainstream films. Yes, Independent films are different from mainstream films for its diversity and its unpredictable ending. But I’m not asking that we should get rid of mainstream films. But instead, it is for us to see the art behind indie films and what mainstream film could possibly learn from it. I hope that they will keep doing this kind of films that gives entertainment, appreciation and excitement to all moviegoers. Also, I hope that Cinemalaya will spread not only in our country but in the whole world for others to see how beautiful Filipino movies are and to appreciate the beauty of art that’s behind indie films.

 

Cinemalaya Marathon

First film and I was late. I entered the theater a couple of minutes late. The film was already starting and I didn’t have time to look for my friends plus, I’ve wasted a few more minutes looking for a free seat. Luckily, I did find one—between what I think is a couple and a group of peers. Watching Sana Dati alone? How fortunate. MassComm students shouldn’t be really late, lesson learned. Anyway, I tried my best to focus watching the film despite my mood. It didn’t take too long until I appreciated the film.  Eventually I was too focused in the film I became oblivious in time.

Sana Dati was set on Andrea’s wedding day faced with a couple troubles—with her shoes left at home, a troublesome sister and a mysterious guy that appears in her special day. Moreover, her real dilemma wasn’t really about her shoes. She doesn’t even care if her sister, who looked for her shoes at home, won’t come back for a thousand years. In fact, she’ll be very much delighted if it happened. Her problem is that her husband-to-be, Robert, is not the person he truly loves. Truth is, she still in love with Andrew, a videographer he met in a wedding before. The film showed in flashbacks how Andrea and Andrew are so madly in love with each. They even runaway together, leaving their families behind. Sadly, because of some unfortunate events, they didn’t end up together. The real reason why they didn’t end up together wasn’t revealed in the film until sometime later. Meanwhile, the confused Andrea was more bewildered by Dennis the mysterious videographer of her wedding. While filming her interview for the wedding video, she found out that Dennis was actually Andrew’s brother. Surprised, Andrea and Dennis spend time together, reminiscing their memories of Andrew. Through their conversations, it was revealed that Andrew had died because of sickness. The wedding was almost postponed because Andrea was missing but in time, Robert has found her and wedding has finally started. After the wedding ceremonies, Andrea tried to run away with Dennis. Fortunately, Dennis is sane enough to refuse the offer and leave, besides, all he wanted in the first place to meet the girl his brother loves until his last breath. At the end of the film, Andrea visited Andrew’s grave and left everything that will remind her of him. Though she left one thing with her, the shoes Andrew gave to her and the same shoes she wore on her wedding saying she’ll need on her way commuting home. ON her way out of the cemetery, she was surprised to find Robert waiting for her. It turned out; Robert knows everything about her past love with Andrew all along. And since Robert came to drive her home, he took off her shoes before entering Robert’s car. For me, and I guess most the people who have watched the film, this is the best scene of the film.

Sana Dati was a great film, story-wise and technically. I thought the screenplay was written well. The story didn’t have much stereotyping in its characters. Andrea, played by Lovi Poe, wasn’t the typical bubbly female leading character, though a little damsel in distress—another classic—she make her own way out of the trouble. Another character was TJ Trinidad’s character, Robert, an unfortunate politician and Andrea’s fiancée. Far from the typical greedy politician, he portrayed a rather service-oriented person. He explained this during his conversation with Dennis, Paolo Avelino’s character. The plot itself wasn’t the typical boy meets girl, boys gets the girl film and predictable compared to most mainstream films. Like I said, it was well written and I really liked how the film managed to have a positive ending despite the fact that the two main characters didn’t end up together and how it build up Robert even in

the last seconds of the film. Sana Dati also aced technically, especially its cinematography. The feel of the film is like watching a pre-nuptial or a wedding video; it definitely sticks with the theme. The flashbacks, though shown part by part, didn’t make the film confusing. The scenes were neatly edited. The film also provided a good selection of score, though I didn’t really paid much attention to its musical soundtrack until the closing credit where Indak performed by Up Dharma Down is played which is perfect for the film. As whole, I think Sana Dati was far from what I was expecting. And knowing that Jerrold Tarog was a well-known director for horror films—with works such as Shake, Rattle, and Roll and The Healing—Sana Dati was a big surprise. I felt like the seventy-seven pesos and twenty five centavo I paid for this film was not enough. I will even pay much more if I had the chance to watch it again. Actually, I didn’t expect Sana Dati to receive many awards, but nonetheless, I think it deserved every award it received. Like I mentioned earlier, it was a good film, and what makes it different than other finalists, it’s not over the top and overrated. No pressure, it seems like all the filmmakers wanted is to tell a story, and they did. Beautifully, indeed.

Just when I was ready for a film that exploits poverty or features corrupt politicians, Sana Dati surprised me with a film with quality that of a mainstream film. If an independent film can be this good, why can’t our mainstream media be?

The next film we watched was Amor Y Muerte, definitely not my cup of tea. I’m fond of movies that are less passionate and liberate than this one, no offense to the makers of this film. My peers and I thought that this film was filled with ‘intense’ scenes. Although, this is something I expected and readied myself when it comes to watching indie films, I didn’t expect it to be that much. But in fairness with Amor, it is somehow essential to the plot. The film is set on the Spanish Colonial era in the Philippines and focused on Amor, a tagala married to Spanish soldier, Diego and their life as a married couple. The film showed how the people around them, both Spanish and Filipinos, affect their relationship. At one point, Diego became anxious for Amor when the friar-curate started giving rude comment about his wife. This is the reason why he started ‘transforming’ Amor into a true Spanish. While Diego become fond of Amor’s changes, Amor, on the other hand, started getting bored being prim and proper. Then, Diego was called to Intramuros to take part in the battle against Filipino revolts. However, neither Diego nor Amor knew that her father, Felipe, was part of this revolt. Meanwhile, while Diego is away, Amor had an illicit love affair with Apitong, a native. That’s when the story became a mess. One night, Amor found out that their helper, Soledad, is still into paganism despite being a Christian convert. The two of them agreed that each will keep each other’s secret from Diego. However, the friar-curate sensed that Apitong and Amor were having an affair so he encouraged Apitong to read the Church’s teaching. After being taught these teachings, Apitong was converted to Christianity. Realizing their wrong doings, he decided to stay away from Amor. Once Diego was back from the battle, their friar-curate told him about Amor’s affair with Apitong. Amor then was very surprised when she went home and found Diego furious and their house is in chaos because, apparently, he has also found out about Soledad’s paganism and ended up hitting her. Diego has gone mad and wanted to hit Amor. She tried to fight back and ended up killing Diego. Such a tragic story.

At first, it shows that despite many differences, intermarriage between a native and a Spaniard is possible.  However, as the film progresses, it shows how Spaniards dominated Filipinos at that time. The domination is not only within political aspects but also within their very own homes. The film also focused in religion, on how native Filipinos accepted Christianity after it was first brought in the country by the Spaniards. Though most Filipinos were converted into Christianity, some of them still believe in paganism or Catalonan. I personally didn’t like the Amor’s story. At one point, it seems like Amor and Diego are so happily in love, then right in the middle of the film, Amor had an affair with Apitong.

Amor Y Muerte wasn’t quite impressive and didn’t really leave me at awe. The last scene even made me wanted to leave the theater. I thought that scene was very unexpected, like, out of the blue, the film became violent and gruesome. It wasn’t also technically great, though I assume that they used natural light very much since most of the scenes were shot outdoor and during daylight. The great nature surrounding was also featured in the film though the set wasn’t really realistic because it looks like they’re the only ones living in their community. It was too limited far from what I expected to see in an Spanish-colonial community where communities were form like Plaza Complex.

For the last film, we watched Babagwa. A plot-driven film, Babagwa focuses on the life

Facebook scammers, Greg and Marney. The film shows how they deceive their prospects. They started befriending them, eventually making them fall in love to their make-believe account, Bam. Then, they will start asking for money through a bank account and once they got the money, they’ll be out of the lives of their prospects. Greg and Marney, along with the real owner of the bank account will divide the money among themselves, where Greg receives the smallest part. In reality, Bam Fernandez aside, Greg lives a life of mess. Though it wasn’t directly shown in the film, it was heard in the background whenever he’s at home, that his parents argue a lot and it was explained later in the film that they were, in fact, an illegitimate family. Despite his chaotic family, he has a good relationship with his girlfriend though they encounter quarrels when his girlfriend started bugging him to go on a trip to Palawan. One night while checking the Bam Fernandez account, a Daisy Simbulan added Bam on Facebook. Attracted to her, Greg accepted the request and one night, Daisy unexpectedly messaged him and then they exchanged number. From Facebook friends, they became phone pals. Greg eventually falls in love with Daisy and they seem to have a good, flirty relationship. Greg’s flirty days ended when Marney, a gay who acts as his handler and dictates him to do that, do this, ask him to get money from Daisy. Greg told Marney to just spare her from the scam but he didn’t agree and end up asking money from Daisy. When they were dividing the money they got from Daisy, Marney said insulting words about Daisy and, hearing those words; Greg was offended and started arguing with Marney. This argument turned into a rather big fight between the two. Marney got angrier when he realized that the reason why Greg is ating that way was because he is actually in love with Daisy. Greg said he’ll quit being a scammer and Marney blackmailed him that he will tell Daisy the truth. Greg became anxious so instead of Marney reavilng his secret, he confronted Daisy revealing his true identity that he’s not Bam Fernandez but rather, he’s Gregorio, a facebook scammer. Daisy felt betrayed and, at first, got angry at him. A couple of days though, she once again contacted Greg and told him that they should meet. Greg taught of running away and living with her and she agreed. The last scenes were Greg’s trip to Daisy’s house and that’s when we found out that Daisy was also a poser using a photo far from her real look.

The main concept of Babagwa is very real, while it’s not common to everyone; it certainly happens in some Facebook users. I also admired how the script was written. The film, set in Pampanga, was consistent in using Kapampangan as if each and everyone in the cast is native Kapampangan. I also thought that the director, Jason Paul Laxamana, did well in showing different perspectives in story by means of showing scenes where the prospect imagines that the person he talks to is really the person in the display picture of the account. It was a bit confusing at first, I had to explain the concept twice to my friend before she understood it, but as soon as you got it, it was rather creative. And the director used the same tactic to deceive even the audience and until the very end, the same strategy is what kept the audience on hold. I’d like to praise the continuity of the screenplay and since it’s a plot-driven film, the audience became part of the progress of the film. What I enjoy the most is the final part of the film. It was literally breathtaking! The film’s sound was also good, especially when Pusong Bato was played at the end of the film. It was just undoubtedly perfect for the film.

Babagwa told a story about social issues without exploiting the problem. Poverty was of course a main factor in the film but watching it didn’t feel burdened. It was rather entertaining, not that seeing poverty was entertaining but the film didn’t focus on it. Apart from it, I guess what the film pointed out is the social acceptance between different social classes and the film did it in a very entertaining way.

9th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival

On July 26, 2013, that is my very first time to go to the Cultural Center of the Philippines for the 9^thCinemalaya of the Philippine Independent Film Festival. This is also my first time to watch an indie films and go to a special event in our country. So the theme is Cinesthesia, which means "synergy of the senses". The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is a film competition and festival that aims to encourage the creation of new cinematic works by Filipino filmmakers - works that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.

The day after the opening of the 9^th Cinemalaya, July 27, 2013, we’ve watched the first film entitled “Sana Dati” casting Palo Avelino as Dennis (younger brother of Andrew), Lovi Poe as Andrea (girl friend of Andrew), Benjamin Alves as Andrew (the older brother of Dennis and the boy friend of Andrea), and TJ Trinidad as Robert (Andrea’s husband). 

Directed by: Jerrold Tarog

At first, I feel so awkward because on the name of Lovi Poe as Andrea, and because that is my name. And also her nickname as Drea, and that is what my family and my friends call me. On the other hand, it is a love story about a woman whose wedding is thrown into disarray when a mysterious person arrives and reminds her of the man she really loves. Who is a person that can be able to move on if his/her love one left him/her? Of course, on the situation of Andrea, it is hardly to move on and forget those things and memories that she and Andrew had.

If I were on her situation, I’m still not able to move on in what had happened to the person I really love. It was an accident, and of course, I have no choice on how can I return the past and change everything. But in the condition of Andrea, she’s trying her best on how she can let things go.  One incident was her wedding. Andrea was just been constrained to marry Robert because she has no choice. She lost her loved one, and her mother forced her to marry Robert. That’s why she has no choice. When the time came that Andrea was supposed to commit suicide, I get confused. Why? First, she will just ruin her own wedding. Second, all of her will families and friends will get sad or disappoint. And third, nothing will change.

Then after watching the movie “Sana Dati”, I think that there’s something wrong or I just misunderstood. Dennis never saw Andrea even before his brother died, so it makes me get confused and makes me think on how Dennis recognizes Andrea on her wedding?  

Then, I just realized that the scene where the wedding happened was only taken in one day. The whole scenarios are on the wedding day that some were just flashbacks. I like the way how the sequence of the movie made. It was almost a reality that sometimes, it’s just throwing some flashbacks. Then I also realized that while I am watching some movies, I am focusing on the sequence, the outfits of the actors and actresses, and also the theme. In the characters outfits, I figured out that their clothing was still the same and they’d never change or anything. But of course, their clothing changes when it has some flashbacks. 

So, on the theme of the movie, I figured out that its main insight of the movie was the shoes Andrew gave to
Andrea. Because on the part when Andrea wears
the shoes on her wedding, it shows that she’s still have feelings for Andrew even though she’s getting married to Robert, and she doesn’t care what can happen on the day of her wedding. Also, some people say in some couples that giving a shoe with their partner, means that one of them will leave in their relationship. And then I think that the blue shoes, means that Andrew will leave Andrea. But it is just what I realized about the sayings of the people. 

Moving on, I laughed on the part when Jaime, the younger sister of Andrea, lost her iPhone on the cab and her sister Andrea told her to stop crying because she’ll buy another one. And she says she want a new Samsung phone instead of iPhone again. So in case I lost my cell phone. I’m also going to tell my sister to buy me an iPhone, though I am using Samsung. 

Therefore, I conclude that the theme of the movie is a love story and a little bit comedy. Also, I like the way on how the film was been taken. I like it because it was almost a reality and I like the way on how they included the flashbacks. At the end of the movie, I almost cry because Andrea left the shoes on the cemetery which means, she is already forgetting Andrew, their past, or also those memories and she’s starting to move on and have a new life. And on the part where Andrea says I love you to Robert, I feel so sad. Because all the memories Andrea and Andrew had done, were unforgettable for me. I thought that Andrea doesn’t really love Robert that’s why I get a little confused at the end of the movie. I really like this movie because romance was one of my favorite in genre.

On the second film “Amor y Muerte (Love and Death)”, I thought that it’s about an action and love story. But I was wrong. It is all about the passion, religion, love, sexuality, death and historical.

Directed by: Ces M. Evangelista

At first, I'm confused on how was it started. I mean, on how the whole introduction was played. I was just shocked when those sex scenes were played, but of course I should focus on the main insight of the movie. But I didn't get it. I just found out that it was all about love and death. But for me, the introduction wasn't detailed.

I didn’t watch the trailer that’s why when the movie starts playing, I am really shocked on the scenes. While watching, I feel awkward because there is a guy on the back of our seats. It’s just, all of the scenes were just about sex and then those guys were re-acting in every scene. I get irritated because they’re so noisy that’s why I can’t focus on the movie. Then, while I am focusing on main point of the movie, I realized that it was all about sex and full of lies. Not literally all the scenes were all about sex, but some of those. They were lying with each other, but of course, all secrets revealed. I was really confused on what is the main point of the movie.


From the beginning, it is well orderly made. But on the part when Diego, Amor’s husband, left, the movie began to start its humor. From the start up to the end, it is funny because I know that there’s something wrong. The movie would be nice if it’s properly ordered. That’s why I think that the director is the one who is wrong, but not the script. The good performance of the actors and actresses were just wasted. Yet, if the director really does better, for sure, the movie will not have its humor.

On the setting of the film, I find out that it was only taken in the same venue in every scene. But what I really wanted to know more about the place was the place where Diego encounter between the Indios or the natives and the Spaniards or the colonizers. It is not shown in the movie or any of those scenes about the encounter of the Spaniards and the Indios. It only shows on the part when Diego’s apparel was full of blood.




For the theme of the movie, I realized that the snake is the main point of the movie. When Amor left the house and tells Apitong that the snake is already gone, I realized that it determines Amor, which means the snake is Amor. On the other hand, some people says that a snake means a traitor. So it means that Amor is a traitor. She betrayed her husband and her religion. That’s why because of the snake, the death came.



Moving on to the next scene that really makes me confused is the scene where the massacre came. The killing seems so fake. Especially when Diego stabbed Soledad, the knife was so bloodless and I find out that the scene should be taken twice. That’s why there is really something wrong on the movie. If it’s properly in order, the movie might not have some humors. Thus, it will really be a great movie if it’s in a proper sequence, more places, and be more realistic.

But the genre of the movie was more historical, so it is worth it because I understand about the encounter. It is worth it even though it has some humors. Therefore, for me, the movie was all about betraying with each other and because of love, the death came. So if I would have a relationship, I would not betray my partner. Because what is trust if you will just betray your partner? But of course, there are no perfect relationships. But still, I will keep my relationship lasts forever.


Lastly, on the third film “Babagwa: The Spider’s Lair”, all I know that it is about social networking sites and love. And I am right. Because I haven’t watched the trailer of the movie before we went to CCP.

Directed by: Jason Paul Laxamana

But on the beginning of the movie, I sensed what the movie is all about. It is about social network, and relationships. On the social networking sites, people can find out what's happening in our surroundings. And also, people can find some person that they can be attracted with. Like this movie, "Babagwa", because of an Internet scammer, he was easily get attracted and fell out of love to a girl that was actually a gay. In social networks, there could be a lot of changes that might happen.



While watching, I get a little confused on the different characters in every scene. There is a guy who’s in the province, a guy who’s pretending as a rich man, and a guy who’s lonely or depressed. But that guy is just an imaginary guy, and that is Bam. That’s why I am deeply confused on how does Bam and Greg connects with each other. But of course, I understand on the middle part of the movie. The movie is getting intense in every scene of Greg and Daisy that people makes people heart throb. It’s also because we are serious in watching the movie.


What I really like the most is the last part when Greg was supposed to be with Daisy, and the real Daisy was also a fake one. So it means that Bam was Greg that I really get confused. Then Daisy was a gay that really never give up in pretending. Though, it means that they’re just pretending with each other, and because Greg was really attracted to Daisy, that's why he almost trusted Daisy.





But Daisy was just brilliant that he didn’t give up in pretending on the two of them. Greg was really attracted on how Daisy got the feelings of Greg. Surely, Greg will really regret when he knows the real Daisy. I wonder what happened if the movie didn’t end yet. What I really like was having a relationship even though they didn’t saw each other. But then, the producer was so brilliant that he/she intended to have another visual to make people imagine and get people intense in the movie.



RATINGS:

On the three movies that I’ve watched, I rated all of them. So my top 1 was “Sana Dati”, top 2 is “Babagwa”, and top 3 “Amor y Muerte”.   

“Sana Dati” is my first because romance is my favorite genre at all. But if “Amor y Muerte” is just really in a proper sequence, it would be my number two out of three. “Babagwa” is my second because I really like being intense and deeply focusing on the movie. “Amor Y Muerte” is my third because there is something unique on the story of the movie. But all of them were great.

I am very well impressed in all the indie films that I've watched. By next year, I'll surely make to watch all the new indie films even though I will waste my money just for the Cinemelaya. I wonder where am I going to work after college, being a film maker or advertising. I am hoping that someday, I would be part of any movie. Though, I’ll study better to reach my goals and because of these three indie films, I am so inspired in all of them. ☺

Rynona Alexis A. Arellano

Cinemalaya 2013 (Cinethesia)

What is Cinemalaya? 

Cinemalaya

The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is a film competition and festival that aims to encourage the creation of new cinematic works by Filipino filmmakers – works that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity. It also aims to invigorate the Philippine filmmaking by developing a new breed of Filipino filmmakers. Each year, ten fresh talents are given a seed grant in order to create the film of their dreams. These films in the New Breed Full Length Category are then featured in festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines every July and compete for the coveted Balanghai Award. Awards are also given in the Short Feature Category and the Directors Showcase. Along with these competition films are an array of exhibitions that include Tributes to Past Indie Mavericks of Pinoy Cinema, a Cinemalaya Kids’ Treats, World Premieres of New Digital Works (the Cinemalaya/NETPAC Prize), and other modules.

Aside from the screenings are other exciting film-related events: the Cinemalaya Film Congress, a two-day conference that looks at all aspects of independent filmmaking and distribution; the Cinemalaya Sine Taktakan, a forum with the year’s batch of new Cinemalaya filmmakers; and a host of other events.

Cinemalaya Foundation Inc.

The Cinemalaya Foundation is a non-stock, not-for-profit, non-government foundation, committed to the development and promotion of Philippine Independent film.

The Cinemalaya Foundation was established for the following purposes: to help develop and support the production of cinematic works of Filipino independent filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity; to discover, encourage, support, train and recognize gifted Filipino independent filmmakers; to promote Filipino independent films locally and internationally; and to establish a network for exchange, communication, and cooperation among members of the independent film sector.

The core project of the Cinemalaya is the annual Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition which provide financial grants for the production of, at most, 10 full-length feature films which will then compete for the Best Full-length Film award. It also awards financial grants to the production of five full length feature films by veteran directors in the Directors Showcase category. The Cinemalaya competition also recognizes the work of short filmmakers . The Cinemalaya Independent Film Congress is an important component of the Festival, providing a venue for interaction and dialogue between alternative filmmakers and those in the mainstream.

The Cinemalaya Foundation also aims to support other projects such as national outreach, seminars and workshops on production, marketing and distribution of independent films. It hopes to strengthen the presence of Filipino independent films in foreign festivals and competitions, encouraging Filipino filmmakers to enter and be part of the international film circuit.

Source: http://www.cinemalaya.org/about

In this year Cinemalaya, The theme is Cinethesia which means synergy of the senses. Multiple elements working together, while in art Cinethesia Is the simultaneous perception of multiple stimuli in one single experience. 

It speaks of the changes that have occurred during the past nine years, how filmmakers and audiences have matured, and learned to work together.

"Nagsimula kami sa ganto.. Paikot ikot, padapa dapa. Sakit pwet... Parang action star"

Our Family enjoys watching movies especially indie films, even before my first experience of Cinemalaya i've known about the film festival because of my dad is in the industry and what indie films are and it's difference with mainstream films, i'm fond in watching indie films because it shows the reality of our society and the film makers has a different way of delivering their stories, a unique and very artistic way. In Cinemalaya we can  see the freedom of film makers, no buts no doubts but i hope that they won't abuse that freedom, I've notice some people when they hear  "Indie Film" they immediatley think of nudety,malicious or liberated scenes  and i've notice that this year's entries containted nudety and etc... but for me Indie films are form of art, realism and brings message differently or outside the box. 

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So it's my 3rd year in Cinemalaya, my first was back when i was in 4th yr high school. it was a requirement for our club Angelicum's Film Critics Club, we watched Sana Dinig Kita by Mike Sandejas. it was a great movie and it made me want to watch more indie films.

The second film that I've watch was The Animals by Gino M. Santos last year with my blockmates. That film made us to more be careful now a days. 

And for this year I've watch 3 film entries. Sana Dati by Jerrold Tarong, Amor Y Muerte by Ces Evangelista, Babagwa by Joel Paul Laxamana. 

Sana Dati by Jerrold Tarog

DIRECTED BY:
Jerrold Tarog.

 MAIN CAST: Paulo Avelino, Lovi Poe, Benjamin Alves, Ria Garcia, and TJ Trinidad

Andrea Gonzaga has accepted her fate by agreeing to marry a man she does not love.  But a few hours before her wedding, someone arrives to remind her of the true love she once had and lost.  SANA DATI is a love story about bittersweet compromises and real- life decisions.  It is the third part of Jerrold Tarog's Camera Trilogy after CONFESSIONAL and MANGATYANAN.

Source: http://cinemalaya.org/news_cinemalaya-2013-announces-films.html

A normal wedding of Andrea Gonzaga became a reminisce of what happened to her months ago because of the hired videographer Dennis. Through his questions he made Andrea reveal  her true feelings for the man that she is about to marry, former politician Robert. 

The story was so different from any other love story, not the usual love stories I've watched. The art of Letting go, It also showed the concept of singularity. When the past, the present and the future are all happening and defined in that one moment. Andrea's character is very catchy, it made me imagine my own situation right now, too hooked up with my ex to the point that i'm not ready to love again. like Andrea, Robert is different from other love stories, i want him to win Andrea because of his care free attitude towards Andrea's behavior before they get married. Dennis a videographer made the film so interesting, the exploitation of the film made me curious of who is the real love team. Robert and Andrea? Dennis and Andrea? Or Andrea and Andrew? 

I really loved how the story was told, very interesting and creative. Made me wait what will happen next, made me ask what happened before and what will Andrea do after meeting Dennis in her wedding day .. Andrea fight for her freedom and took the opportunity of the love that Robert offers, that made a great impact to me. Andrea took the opportunity to love and to feel every feeling in this planet. She grab the opportunity even if she disobeyed her mother. That's love, Andrew on the other hand did the same thing, he took the risk. He took the opportunity to love, even in his last breath. Robert showed what unconditional love is, even if he knew that Andrea don't love him, he fight for it and ready to do anything to win Andrea, he accepted the fact that Andrea needs a patient man because of what happened with her and Dennis and she is having a hard time to move on but at the end is ready to move to the next chapter in her life... With Him. Dennis, showed his love for his kuya by letting andrew be with Andrea even if he knew anytime Andrew can die,  he wants to know if his kuya was happy before he dies and becoming the videographer in Andrea's wedding was his solution in his question. 

Sana dati's cinematography was great. The characters drove the story of the film. The shots gives you a certain meaning, very beautiful. Transition of scenes we're well layed. Confusing and it is one of Jerrold's techniques,  Present to past.. Showed flashbacks by connecting it to a certain object. Mis en scene is very powerful, the scene in the cemetary.. When Andrea leaved the shoes then left the cemetary with robert, it shows that she let go and ready to love again. 

Sana dati is a great movie, it's not a ordinary love story. A must watch film, two thumbs up for the whole team. :bd it was my favorite entry. 

Amor Y Muerte by Ces Evangelista 

is an erotic 16th Century period drama; an examination of the initial encounter between the Indios (natives) and their colonizers (Spaniards) and their conflicting views on love, passion, religion and sexuality.

Source: http://cinemalaya.org/news_cinemalaya-2013-announces-films.html

The film is about Love, passion, religion and sex... actually more on sex. Amor is married to Diego a Spaniard, they have a lot of differences. Cultural, traditions and especially spiritual beliefs or religion. despite of their differences Diego loves Amor but he doubt's Amor's father who is a leader, planning to revolt against Spaniards. Diego wants to turn his wife like a European, because of how load Amor when they make love and because he believes that Amor should embrace the culture of the Spaniards because she is now married to him, Amor ends up cheating his husband. She went all the way to the forest just to make love with Apitong. but in the end Diego knew about the affair Amor and Apitong had, and the secret of Amor's father. So Diego ended up killing Solidad and Amor's father then Amor had the guts to fight against Diego then she killed Diego. 


To be honest, i didn't enjoy the film. it was so confusing. The attack of the story is not that clear, they focus on the sex scenes. Story telling was not good, disappointed. It's a love story of a Spaniard and a Native Tagala but it the film didn't emphasize it, The film was so staged, A period film is hard to produce in a low budget because of it's production design.
Markki was a revelation, first time to do it and he had no clothes on in the sex scenes.. big revelation it is. Althea Vega's look is very accurate with role, very filipina. but her acting was not that great. The late Ama Quiambao did a great job with her role, as usual. 

Babagwa by Joel Laxamana

DIRECTED BY: Jason Paul Laxamana
MAIN CAST: Alex Vincent Medina, Joey Paras, Alma Concepcion, Kiko Matos, Nico Antonio, Chanel Latorre, Marx Topacio, Raqs Regalado, Garry Lim, Sunshine Teodoro

An Internet scammer falls in love with a wealthy old maid while trying to swindle her using a fake Facebook profile.

Source: http://cinemalaya.org/news_cinemalaya-2013-announces-films.html

Watching the film was really fun, because it showed how modus operadi was being done. Especially now a days i've been reading alot about that in facebook and other social networks, the story of the film made it really realistic, actually it made me mad not only to the people behind the modus but also to the victims. I can't believe that there are still people who believes in this modus, i mean trusting someone who you just met online? Trust is really a big and important word. You can't just give it away to someone you barely see or know. 

The attact of the film was accurate with the story, the shots we're stressful that it will make you feel how stressful the situation of the character, because the story was stressful. Transition of the story was good, Kiko Matos and Alma Concepcion's portrayal is a great technique made the modus realistic, and made you imagine that there is a Bam Bonifacio and Diasy . The ending was a big surprise! New twist, very entertaining. The scenes before the ending made me and my friends argue about what will be the ending or what is Daisy real score or real identity. But i'm the who got the right guess! The film was great! Very new for me. Not boring at all! :) congrats to the whole team :bd 

RATINGS: 

SANA DATI 4 out of 5

Amor Y Muerte 2 out of 5 

Babagwa 4 out of 5

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Our Country has many talented film makers that are now coming out, and with the help of Cinemalaya they are able to give opportunity to express their talent, advocacy or say in our country or as a person, i know lot of aspiring film directors/writers are now inspired to do or to pursue their goals as a Film contributor and Me myself is one of them, i cannot wait to make my own indie film and join in Cinemalaya in the future. 

It was a great experience! Can't wait for Cinemalaya10. Mabuhay ang malayang pelikulang pilipino!