Cinemalaya 2008

As I was not able to catch Cinemalaya's first weekend, I had a Cinemalaya marathon last Saturday. (Too many movies, not enough time! Hope they can extend the run next year.) I arrived at CCP quite early and since Paolo lent me his Prod Pass, I didn't feel the need to rush thinking that just like last year I only need to show the pass to the ushers. But I was wrong. I still needed to get the complimentary tickets at the Ticketron and by the time I was made aware of this, all the tickets have already been taken.

This was only when I realized that lines to the Box Office were impossibly long! Really really long! I will not be able to watch the first few scenes of "Ranchero". I talked to the other person inside the booth selling the tickets if it was possible to get the daily pass without queuing since the students buying the tickets are taking forever. Thankfully, he agreed and I was able to miss only the first sequence of the film.

I was not able to catch "Jay" and "Boses" since tickets were all sold out. I, however, was able to watch apart from "Ranchero" which I liked, "Concerto" which I found to be technically sound, "Imoral" which surprisingly, I also liked (eversince Donsol and Kadin, I vowed never to watch an Alix film in theaters) and "100" which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Above, is my picture with Direk Connie Macatuno. I have been a fan since her impressive OBBs. The highlight of the day is seeing Joanne's face light up upon hearing that Arnold Reyes is in the LT lobby! I will leave the reviews to the professional cinephiles but would definitely recommend catching the films if they get shown in IndieSine at Galleria or if you live near UP, catch the Cinemalaya run there this July and August.

Virgin Labfest 4

After quite sometime, I found myself back in CCP. Gratefully so, I was able to catch Tuxqs’ and Shamaine's powerful performances last Sunday as I watched one of the 5 sets in this year's Labfest entries. Among the three plays in the set, theirs is without question, the best!

The first one, Ang Mga Babaeng Too Bright, is funny, thanks to the animated performances of the actors. I don't know if there were miscues but I found the lighting design to be a bit distracting.

The third play, Ang Pangalawa Niyang Libing, tackles an interesting topic. Interesting, because not many Filipinos are aware of the customs of the Muslim families, but that's about as far as my interest in that play goes. Next.

Floy Quinto's Ang Kalungkutan ng Reyna is relevant and hilarious. It was a joy watching Tuxqs and Shamaine. If only for this play, troop over to CCP tomorrow night for their last performance. It's so worth it!

Yesterday, thanks to the Pasig Day celebration, I had time to catch Pagbabago, Paghahanap and Pagkakataon. Another set in this year's entries. 2 of the previous Didis are here so expect to laugh out loud.

Ricci Chan and his Mengina is surprising. A tragic ending turned out to be not so tragic after all.

Ang Bayot...is my favorite from this set. It provides the audience with insights regarding discrimination without really trying too hard. I loved the approach plus both Joey and Arnold were both outstanding.

The third play, Ang Gumamela, had its moments. It is predictable and the lead's powerpuff alter-egos are a joy. The fact that they were the gayed up version of his lovers is brilliant.

I'll still be catching the last 2 sets this Sunday and I really can't wait to see "Las Mentiras de Gloria". Regrettably, due to my schedule, I won't be able to watch the restaging of Ellas Inocentes.