The Best & Worst Filipino Movie Posters Of 2016

A movie poster can either make or break the film, believe it or not. A good poster is equal to a good marketing strategy, which contribute to the film's success. I've always been fascinated with movie posters. Because the poster is the first thing you see before the actual movie. Now, I know that the first quarter of 2017 is already done and we are almost nearing end of the second quarter. But it's not too late to pick out the best and worst Filipino movie posters of 2016. This list includes all Filipino films (whether it was released commercially or screened through film festivals) from 2016.

The Worst

10. Mano Po 7 : Tsinoy
Seriously. I know the film has a star-studded cast, as seen in the trailer. But crowding this poster with all the characters of the film is just way too much to handle. This isn't another Star Wars sequel, for God's sake.

9. Kabisera
The poster would have worked with Nora Aunor alone in it. But cramming too many faces into the picture just messed it up.

8. Barcelona : A Love Untold
I am big KathNiel fan for six years now. I've watched all their films and television series. This movie was actually okay, but that poster isn't. I know Barcelona is a great place for an epic love story, but this poster makes me feel like the movie's a period drama, which it is not. Too dramatic, perhaps?

7. This Time
I know I sould feel a kilig sensation here but this poster is just too plain and unimaginitive. It doesn't do the film any justice. It doesn't do James Reid and Nadine Lustre any justice either. They deserve so much better. Take this from a Jadine fan for four years. Their poster for "Talk Back And You're Dead" was way better and more acceptable.

6. Just The Three Of Us
Where are you looking at, John Lloyd Cruz? Seriously?

5. Imagine You And Me
Aside from the movie's title being a reversed version of 2005 German-British romantic comedy "Imagine Me & You" starring Lena Headey (can't they think of any more generic title?), this poster is eerily similar to the poster of the #8 movie in this list. Just saying.

4. Everything About Her
Why do I feel like Ms. Vilma Santos' head is not equally proportional to her body. And that nose line? Ugh. I love Angel Locsin's facial expression though.

3. The Super Parental Guardians
Just like the problem with almost all Pinoy movie posters. Overcrowding it with all the characters from the film. And just look at poor Onyok Pineda's body here. Equal proportions, guys. Please.

2. The Unmarried Wife
Feels like something any seven year old with a smartphone could do with a photo-grid app. Did they ran out of ideas for a poster? Ugh.

1. That Thing Called Tanga Na
A poster that tries to be funny but ended up lame and tasteless. Sorry.

The Best

10. Ma'Rosa
The film's gritty and realistic depiction of drug trafficking and police brutality is perfectly captured in this poster, featuring a still from the film.

9. Hele Sa Hiwagang Hapis
Though this isn't the poster they used for the theatrical distribution of the film (they choose the one featuring Piolo Pascual and John Lloyd Cruz, for obvious marketing reasons) this is the better one for me. It's simple yet it thought-provoking. And it also adds more mystery for the film. No need for star-power.

8. Always Be My Maybe
Of all the posters of the dozen romance flicks from Star Cinema last year, this one really stood out. It's simple, sexy and sweet. It looks natural too. Not computer-generated. And the chemistry of the two actors fills up the picture.

7. Apocalypse Child
How can you ignore this beautifully watercolor-painted poster courtesy of the brilliant Christina Dy, who is known for her large-scale illustrations, and also happens to be the production designer of the movie.

6. Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2
This colorful poster for this film seems like a throwback to the old school Technicolor films of yesterday. Not to mention, the posing of the lead gives a satirical stab on the romance films of today.

5. Baka Bukas
Simple, yet elegant and stylish. This poster perfectly captures the spirit of today's millennials. The juxtaposition of the lead character and the title (which literally translates to "tomorrow maybe") evokes a sense of hope that, maybe tomorrow, everything would be better for her.

4. Sakaling Hindi Makarating
This colorful postcard is not only gorgeous to look at, but is actually an integral part of the film's story. I actually bought a copy of this postcard during the film's screening in UP Diliman last year. I just love it.

3. Mercury Is Mine
Pokwang's clingy gesture says it all. Plus, that big knife she's holding adds a grim and unsettling look to this poster of this dark comedy film.

2. Seklusyon
Though we see a lot of characters depicted in this poster, it doesn't feel so overcrowded. Instead, it actually makes it more catchy with the way they are arranged. And Rhed Bustamante's look couldn't be much more scarier.

1. 2 COOL 2 BE 4GOTTEN
This was the first poster they released during the film's film festival run last year in the 2016 Cinema One Originals. It perfectly captures the film's 90's vibe with it's polaroid styled image of the three lead characters, plus the way the credits were placed here makes it look like one of those high school projects that you used to do before you discovered the power of computers and printers. An instant throwback to the yesteryears.

So do you have some other eye-catching movie posters from Filipino films released in 2016 that you have in mind and you think should have been included in the list? Share us your thoughts in the comments section below!

Coming-of-age film 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten Hits Theaters, Gets R-18 Rating

The teen coming-of-age film 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten from director Petersen Vargas (Lisyun Qng Geografia, Hanging Out) starring Khalil Ramos, Ethan Salvador and Jameson Blake hits theater this Wednesday, March 15, 2017. The film is one of last year's critically acclaimed Filipino films and has won numerous awards in the 2016 Cinema One Originals, from Best Picture, Best Cinematography and Best Supporting Actor for Jameson Blake. The movie is the second Cinema One Originals film entry that Star Cinema has picked up for nationwide distribution after Samantha Lee's Baka Bukas. But on March 14, a day before the film's release, the film was given an R-18 rating by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). The film was originally given a much lower R-16 rating by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) during it's limited theatrical run as part of the Cinema One Originals Film Festival. The R-18 rating surprised many, and was met with negative response from critics and audiences alike. It can be noted that the recent Hollywood release, Beauty and the Beast (2017) was rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for some action violence, peril and frightening images, but was rated G (General Audiences) by the MTRCB, meaning viewers of all ages are admitted even without a parent or supervising adult.

"No redeeming social value. Uhm... so coming out and discovering one's self has no value at all?

Wow. MTRCB.

#2Cool2Be4GottenNowShowing 

 - @theFelixSalonga"

The youth-oriented film is set in the late 90s in Angeles, Pampanga, almost a decade after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Felix Salonga, a friendless achiever, is bent on topping his class to elevate his status from a resettlement area. Magnus & Maxim Snyder, half-American brothers, want nothing but to escape life from the Philippines with their prostitute mother and live with their American GI father in the US. The Snyder brothers each have their own way of reaching this dream. One struggles to finish high school with the promise of America after graduation while the mischievous one has a dark, sinister plan. As Felix develops a relationship with the brothers, he unearths desires within him he never confronted before. He slowly learns that behind the manicured lawns of “Little America,” each of his actions can lead to fatal consequences.

Francis Joseph Cruz of Rappler describes it as "intelligent as it is emotionally potent" while PEP.ph calls it a "roller coaster of emotions". So make sure that you don't miss one of 2016's best films that's definitely "not to be missed... an experience that's too cool to be forgotten". 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten is now showing in select theaters nationwide.

2 COOL 2 BE 4GOTTEN Hits Theaters This 2017

"You will never forget your first..."

2016 is probably one of the most unforgettable years in Philippine Cinema as there have been a resurgence of Filipino films of great content and quality within this year. We received great pride and recognition from films like Ang Babaeng Humayo (The Woman Who Left) winning the highly coveted Golden Lion award at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival and  Jaclyn Jose winning the award for Best Actress award from the 2016 Cannes Film Festival for the film Ma 'Rosa. The 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival also made headlines as it choose to screen films with quality content than box-office appeals, unlike the previous years.

This year, one of the most-critically acclaimed films of 2016 will finally hit theaters nationwide. Star Cinema has officially announced that last year's Cinema One Originals Best Picture 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten will be released in cinemas nationwide this March 15, 2017. The coming-of-age dark comedy film written by Jason Paul Laxamana (Magkakabaung, Babagwa, Mercury is Mine) and directed by Petersen Vargas in his full length feature debut follows Felix (Khalil Ramos), a friendless, eccentric high school topnotcher who's life turns upside down after he meets the new transferees to their school, the mysterious Film-Am Snyder Brothers. As he becomes increasingly closer to the elder Snyder, Magnus (Ethan Salvador), he is also pushed into darker territory by the younger brother, Maxim (Jameson Blake) entangling him in his dark ambitions. Aside from grabbing the Best Picture award of the 2016 Cinema One Originals, the film also won Best Cinematography for Carlos Mauricio and Best Supporting Actor for Jameson Blake.

The film set in Pampanga sometime in the late 1990's, bravely tackles themes about growing-up, friendship, love, homosexuality, sexual awakening and teenage angst mixed with social satire. Francis Joseph Cruz of Rappler describes it as "intelligent as it is emotionally potent" while PEP.ph calls it a "roller coaster of emotions". So make sure that you don't miss one of 2016's best films that's definitely "not to be missed... an experience that's too cool to be forgotten". 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten hits theaters nationwide this March 15, 2017.

For updates, check out the film's official Facebook page here.

Sakaling Hindi Makarating review

Love is one of the main recipes of every Filipino film. It's present in almost every single film released locally. It's like a film is not complete without it. And most of the time, the film presents love as something that is to be shared with someone else. A partner. A lover. But here's one movie which portrays love in a new light. Sakaling Hindi Makarating.

It's a romance movie, but not exactly. Well, it does have a bit of romance injected in the story, but it doesn't really focus the whole movie on that aspect alone. Usually, romance movies portray people finding love and happiness in another person. There's like three other local movie releases this month that does exactly that. But Sakaling hindi Makarating stands out among these film not because it deals with a poetic love story that is bound to be tested by destiny and time. Instead, it's focus on showing us that one can also find love and happiness without the need of another person in your life. It's a romance story that will inspire you to love yourself.

Let me just clarify something before we proceed. This is not the first time I have watched this film. This movie is actually one of the entries in last year's CineFilipino film festival. It is also one of the festival favorites, as it won 7 awards during the festival including 2nd Best Picture and Best Director. I first watched this film when it had a rerun in UP CineAdarna last April 2016. The director, Ice Idanan, some of the crew and cast members were even present for a Q&A after the screening. I even got to ask them a question which made the whole (packed) theater laughed: "Para po makatulog ako ngayong gabi, can you tell me kung sino po talaga ang nakatuluyan ni Cielo?" Then, I was able to watch it the second time last December 2016 during the Inquirer Indie Bravo Festival at Cinema '76 Film Society, a micro theater in Mandaluyong City. There, I met the movie's producer, Melai Entuna who shared some trivias and fun facts about the film. And finally, after a long wait, the film had it's national theatrical release last February 1, almost a year after it's original showing.

Sakaling Hindi Makarating is the first independent Filipino film that I watched and enjoyed inside a theater. It is also the first film that made me fall in love with indie films. I don't know what happened to it but it put a spell on me after, that I craved for more indie films as the months passed. Then, a friend of mine,  Jonell Estillore, a movie blogger and founder of Cinema Bravo, brought me to Cinema '76 which was a haven for indie film lovers. And since then, I started watching more and more indie films that I could watch, from Nestor Abrogena's Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa to Marie Jamora's Ang Nawawala. And even though Petersen Vargas' 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten already holds the title as my most favorite film of all time, Sakaling Hindi Makarating will always have a special place here in my heart as the first indie film I've fallen in love with.

Sakaling hindi Makarating (In Case They Don't Arrive) is about a heartbroken woman named Cielo (played by Alessandra De Rossi). She and her finacee have just broke up after that latter decided that his life is in the States and wanted the two of them to live there permanently. Cielo does not approve this as her life is here in the Philippines, causing their break-up. She ended up staying in the apartment that they shared, crying herself to sleep every night (with some alcohol on the side). There, she met her neighbor, Paul (Pepe Herera) who handed her some postcards that were dropped in their mailbox. The mysterious postcards depicted different provinces in the country, but she doesn't know where and whom it came from. The only thing she knows about the sender is that he hides in a pseudonym, M. So she embarks on a journey, travelling to each of the provinces depicted in the postcards, in hopes of finding the real identity of the anonymous sender, M.

Just like what I've said earlier, this film is a romance film, but not quite. It shows romance in a different point of view. The movie is like a discovery of one's self. Of finding a new meaning for love. Ice Idanan wanted us to see love in a different angle. She wanted to show to us that you don't need someone else, a man or a woman, to complete yourself. To make you feel full in your life. She wanted to show to us that we can be happy and feel loved even if we are single or alone. She wanted to focus on showing us how to love ourselves. If you search for the word romance /rōˈmans,ˈrōˌmans/ in Google, one of the definitions you will get is that it's the feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love. It's doesn't necessarily mean that you need someone to have romance in your life. The fact that you love yourself is already enough. But I guess we all miss that point at this era where romance is all about love teams, blockbuster hits and Wattpad chicklits.

One thing that really made this film so memorable too was the performance of the actors. Alessandra De Rossi is definitely one of the most underrated actresses in the country. I mean, she should be given more and more projects where she can utilize that talent. She was so amazing in her portrayal of Cielo. She was able to make us believe in her character. I remember watching her in another indie film before, Antoinette Jadaone 's Relax, It's Just Pag-ibig (2014). And she was so amazing there despite her short appearance. She totally stole the show. And seeing her again in Sakaling Hindi Makarating, I must say that she did it again. Pepe Hererra was also great in his role as Paul. He adds a little bit of humor in this film, and somehow makes us want to have a friend like him who would always be my our sides whatever happens. JC Santos in his pre-Till I Met You days was also great. He looks dashing in that long hairdo and also shares a great chemistry with Alessandra De Rossi. The rest of the cast, from Teri Malvar and Hiraya Plata, were also outstanding in their roles.

Aside from the great cast, one will never forget the film for it's gorgeous cinematography. The film, which was shot in five of the most beautiful provinces in the Philippines, uses these picturesque locations not only as backdrops but tools to move the story forward. As Cielo travels from one location to another, she discovers something new to her life. She slowly grows up into a more matured person. Ice Idanan's cinematography itself will definitely bring out the wanderlust in you. I recall smiling and just staring blankly at the screen, wishing I was inside the movie as it jumps from one gorgeous location to another. Every scene is carefully framed and orchestrated to highlight these locations, from the sweeping aerial shots of the colorful vinta regattas in Zamboanga to the breathtaking cliffs of Batanes, this whole film will impress you. This, mixed with a beautiful soundtrack, is just too irresistible. 

With it's simple yet heartfelt story, outstanding cast, and astounding visuals featuring the beauty of our very own country, is sure to bring delight and uplift one's spirit after watching it. This film will bring you hope that you can find happiness in this world even though you don't have a plus one to celebrate Valentines Day every year. It's a stirring and touching journey in finding one's self, and a realization in life that happiness, in indeed, in each one of us.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰ out of 5

Sakaling Hindi Makarating (2016)

Starring Alessandra De Rossi, Pepe Hererra, JC Santos

Written by Ice Idanan & Petersen Vargas, directed by Ice Idanan

Best Director-Ice Idanan; Best Actor-Pepe Herrera; Best Cinematography; Best Musical Score; Best Sound; Best Editing; Best Picture (2nd Place)

Top 10 Filipino Films of 2016

2016 has been a year for change. It is notable that the past year marked the new beginning of the new administration, led by our new president, Rodrigo Duterte. As he took over the seat as the head of the nation, a lot of drastic changes have arrived too. And these changes happened not only in our government, but in our Philippine cinema too.

In the previous year, we saw a sudden wave of independently produced films have taken over not only the cinemas across the country, but also the hearts of many. There has been a couple of successful independent film festival sin the country that have produced some of the year's best films - from Unitel's CineFilipino to this year's Cinemalaya, up to Cinema One Originals' very own film festival. but the biggest and probably, most talked-about change in our movie scene last year was the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival. In this past year's MMFF, the committee has chosen to favor quality over the box-office appeal of the film. This is why none of the usual festival's usual entries from Vice Ganda and Vic Sotto's comedies to the annual shake, Rattle and roll anthology from Regal Films were included. Instead, seven out of the eight film of entries were all independently produced, and only one was released by a major film company. This caused a bit of hesitation from moviegoers at first, but later on, after the positive word-of-mouth from people who have watched the films, people start to flock theaters to see the movies for themselves.

Indeed, change has come not only in our government, but also in our cinema. And these changes are all producing positive results: we are getting more and more quality films for the Filipino audience. And I personally think that we should keep on pushing these changes more. We should stop dividing mainstream and indie films and instead, we should look at these movies as one. That is why in my own countdown of my Top Ten Best Filipino Films of 2016, you will notice that it's a mix of commercially released local films to independently produced ones. I wanted to show to everyone that there shouldn't be any line dividing the mainstream from indie films because they are both proudly produced by our very own Filipino filmmakers.

So if you're ready, here comes my Top Ten Filipino Films of 2016.

10. Hele Sa Hiwagang Hapis (A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery)

Directed by Lav Diaz, Starring Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Hazel Orencio, Alessandra de Rossi, Angel Aquino, Cherie Gil, Bernardo Bernardo.

Yes. I am very proud to say that I survived a Lav Diaz film. And it's not like just any of his previous works but his longest film to date. This is the first time that I've watched a film from Lav Diaz and it turns out to be one of my most unforgettable movie experiences. I never thought I could survive being holed up inside the cinema for a almost half a day while watching this film. Local mythology and folklore meets Philippine Literature in this unique blend of fantasy and history as Lav Diaz weaves the story of Jose Rizal's El Filibusterismo with the search of Gregoria De Jesus for the body of her husband, Andres Bonifacio after the latter was executed. Along the way, they encounter mischievous mythical creatures prolonging their journey (and the film's running time). Despite it's long running time, this 8-hour opus never had any dull or boring moments. It's stark black-and-white cinematography is a beauty itself. It's long, lingering shots pulls the audiences into the scene, adding an immersive experience to it. No wonder it won the Alfred Bauer Prize at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival.

Although Lav Diaz released another epic masterpiece last year, the Charo Santos starrer Ang Babaeng Humayo (The Woman Who Left) which competed at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival where it won the Golden Lion award, this movie is still my pick. I don't know. I guess this film is just way too memorable for me. Plus, it's John Lloyd Cruz and Piolo Pascual. C'mon.

9. Apocalypse Child

Directed by Mario Cornejo, Written by Monster Jimenez, Starring Sid Lucero, Gwen Zamora, Annicka Dolonius, Ana Abad-Santos, Archie Alemania and RK Bagatsing

Although the film actually had it's premierre last 2015, the film just had it's commercial release last October 2016. The film follows Ford, a man in the surfing town of Baler, who is believed to be the son of famed Hollywood director Francis Ford Coppola. The director shot his film, Apocalypse Now, in the their town during the 1970's and was believed to have impregnated a young local. In the course of the film, Ford meets his estranged bestfriend, who keeps a grudge against him due an incident during their younger years together. Ford is forced to face this grudge from the past, alongside the secret of his identity.

The film is more of a character study. It focuses on Ford and how he affects the rest of the people around him. It takes time in building each of these characters, without losing the focus on Ford. These are characters are so beautifully written and brought to life by each actor that they feel so real and natural to me. Then, the film brings all these character together in a mind-blowing twist and turns of events during the third act, making everything go wild and crazy. It also features Annicka Dolonius and Sid Lucero in probably their best performance to date. Plus, it boasts some gorgeous surfing moments that will invite you to actually visit the Baler and take a dip in their waters. It's probably the best Pinoy summer movie, not released during the summer season.

8. Always be my Maybe

Directed by Dan Villegas, Starring Gerald Anderson and Arci Muñoz

One might find the story of this romantic comedy from Star Cinema a bit familiar and cliched. Jake, a carefree bachelor who have finally decided to settle down, proposes to his girlfriend. Unfortunately, she has already decided to dump him after years of dealing with him being with other girls. On the other hand, Tintin, a make-up artist, becomes viral on social media after she posts a make-up video tutorial wherein she ended up ranting about her ex-boyfriend whom she found out is already engaged to another woman. They came across one another and they end up spending one entire night drinking and talking about their personal lives until dawn. Before they part, they exchanged numbers and agreed to meet in Manila. I know the story sounds so common and recycled. Yet what makes this film different from the rest of the romcom genre is the way the story is told and portrayed.

I've been a fan of director Dan Villegas after I've seen his 2014 hit English Only Please. He has been one of my most favorite directors when it comes to the romance genre. I love all his films because they don't feel so corny and cheesy. He is able to bring these characters to life and make them look like they're really in love. And this movie is no exception. It's like the whole film is playing on every guy's fantasies, and Arci Munoz' character embodies that. That' probably why many calls it a romance movie made for boys.

7. Pamilya Ordinaryo

Directed by Eduardo Roy, Jr, Starring Hasmine Kilip and Ronwaldo Martin

Some may call Eduardo Roy, Jr's tour de force just another of those poverty-porns, an independent film that focuses too much on the gritty side of life among the less-privileged citizens of this country and exploits the theme it to a pulp. Call it whatever you want, but it is undeniably one of the most harrowing and unforgettable movie experience from last year's Cinemalaya film Festival. It follows the lives of a pubescent couple, Jane and Aries, who lives in the streets of the city, stealing wallets and cellphones for a living. But one day, they came across a young innocent baby that they've decided to adopt for themselves. They treated the child as their own and decided to raise it as their real son. But fate turns back to them and they find themselves in a frantic search for their child.

The film may feel a bit too long, despite a short running time of one hour and forty seven minutes due to it's long and elaborate sequences. But despite that, the film will surprise you in many ways you haven't imagined. The couple's search for their stolen baby will take you to a nightmarish trip across the city, as they tries to do everything and go through all lengths so that they can to get their kid back. The above-average obstacles they had to pass to retrieve their kidnapped baby may be too much, but it's what makes the whole film one crazy and exhilarating ride.

6. How To Be Yours

Directed by Dan Villegas, Starring Bea Alonzo and Gerald Anderson

The second film from director Dan Villegas in my list, and probably my most favorite from all his work to date. This film is a realistic portrayal of a couple, Anj and Nino as they struggle to balance their life as a couple. The film starts with the day they first met, and continues as they fall in love with each other and starts a life together. Then, a change in career and shifting of priorities starts to put a strain to their relationship.

Just like what I have previously stated, Dan Villegas has this amazing gift of bringing his characters to life. In this film, he's able to bring out the surprising chemistry between the two leads, Bea Alonzo and Gerald Anderson, and squeeze them out to the film's advantages. It features a plot so real and familiar to each and everyone. It makes us feel as if we are watching the lives of someone we know or even our own lives coming to life on screen. The dialogues are so raw and natural. The characters are so lifelike. The story, so grounded in reality. Every moment is heartfelt, and at times, heartbreaking. This film is definitely one of the best Filipino romance films I've seen to date and one that I highly recommend to everyone.

5. Sunday Beauty Queen

Directed by Baby Ruth Villarama, Starring Hazel Perdido, Cherrie Mae Bretana, Mylyn Jacobo, Leo Selomenio, Rudelyn Acosta

I'm not really a big fan of documentaries. The only closest thing to this genre that I have seen and enjoyed watching was the mockumentary Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay by Antoinette Jadaone. I thought the genre was just way too serious for me. I usually find it hard to focus my attention for a long span of time when watching these types of films. I'm just not built for them. But the recent MMFF changed that with the first documentary to enter the festival,Sunday Beauty Queen.

Baby Ruth Villarama's documentary follows the lives of different overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong, as they go through their everyday routine, and their preparation for the annual beauty pageant for OFWs held in that country. It tells the true stories of these migrant workers, the loneliness they carry in their hearts, the longing to go back home to be with their families, the hardships they go through everyday and the joy and satisfaction that their annual event gives them. The film is surprisingly good. It's full of heart and will make you laugh, cry and smile at every point. I can't remember how many times I shed a tear or two all throughout the film. No wonder why it won the Best Picture award from the recent Metro Manila Film Festival. You can check out my full review of Sunday Beauty Queen here.

4. Mercury is Mine 

Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, Starring Pokwang and Bret Jackson

The first entry from the crazy but clever mind of Jason Paul Laxamana in this list. In this dark comedy about an aging woman who lives alone and runs an eatery at the foot of Mt. Arayat. Her business is barely even making any profit, so she has already decided to close it down. But one, rainy night - the same night she has decided to close down her eatery - a lonely young American boy asks for her help. Adamant at first, she changes her mind and offers the teenage blonde some food a place to stay for the night. In exchange, she takes him as her assistant and she reopens her eatery which, surprisingly start to attract customers (all of which are curious about her new foreign assistant). Things started to go crazy when she becomes obsessed of this blonde boy and decides to be his very own mother.

Jason Paul Laxamana writes and helms this crazy dark comedy which tackles the Filipino's fascination with foreigners and our obsession with the Western culture. The film takes over themes of murder, sex, and loneliness in a loud and funny way. Pokwang excels as the obsessed Carmen and Bret Jackson will sweep you away with his performance as the innocent blonde Mercury. This is probably my most favorite Cinemalaya entry of all time.

3. Ma' Rosa

Directed by Brillante Mendoza, Starring Jaclyn Jose, Julio Diaz, Baron Geisler, Jomari Angeles, Neil Ryan Sese, Mercedes Cabral, Andi Eigenmann, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Felix Roco and Mon Confiado

A powerful drama about the harsh realities of life, this critically acclaimed film the one and only Brillante Mendoza plays themes of poverty, drugs, police brutality, corruption and injustice to maximum effect. In the film, Rosa, a mother of four, runs a sari-sari store in a squatter's area in Manila. Their income coming from the earnings of the small convenience store business isn't enough to meet the family's daily needs, so she decided to secretly sell illegal drugs particularly "ice" or crystal meth. One day police officers raid their store and arrest Rosa and her husband for "pushing" or selling drugs and ask them for "bail money" or a bribe for their release. Rosa's children, left on their own to deal with the struggles of daily life, tries to find a way to free their detained parents.

The film's documentary style cinematography adds grittiness and raw look and feel to the whole movie. The realistic acting of it's amazing cast mixed with the director's bravura direction makes this film a superb masterpiece. Jaclyn Jose stands out with her outstanding performance, earning her the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for 2016.

2. Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2

Directed by Marlon Rivera, Written by Chris Martinez, Starring Eugene Domingo, Kean Cipriano, Cai Cortez, Khalil Ramos with Joel Torre and Jericho Rosales

The sequel to the 2011 box-office hit from Cinemalaya, this sequel follows Rainier (Kean Cipriano), a director, as he and Jocelyn (played by Cai Cortez), his production manager together with their newbie production assistant, Lennon (Khalil Ramos) as they try to convince Eugene Domingo (who plays an exaggerated version of herself) to star in their new project, a romance drama film. This film entitled "The Itinerary", written by Rainier himself, is about his personal struggle in his marriage. He has a vision already of how the film would look like, yet as Eugene Domingo comes on board with the project, she requests a lot of drastic changes to the final product, causing a rift between her and the director. 

While the first movie was a satire on Filipino indie filmmakers as they exploit the so-called poverty porn genre, this sequel is a satirical take on the mainstream film industry in the country and the cliches and stereotypes of the Pinoy romance genre. This clever meta-comedy film serves as Eugene Domingo's comeback vehicle after staying away from the movie scene for at least two years. Here, she gives out a one of a kind performance as an over-acting control freak actress. Check out my full review here.

1. 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten

Directed by Petersen Vargas, written by Jason Paul Laxamana, Starring Khalil Ramos, Ethan Salvador and Jameson Blake

This dark coming-of-age tale is another brilliant product of Jason Paul Laxamana's demented mind (the second in this list), this time with Petersen Vargas helming the film in his outstanding full length feature debut.

2 Cool 2 Be 4Gotten follows Felix Salonga (in an unforgettable performance by Khalil Ramos) a friendless, overachieving top notcher in a typical public high school in the province of Pampanga during the late 1990s. The whole film is told from his point of view, and is usually narrated through passages from his daily journal (which was supposed to be a project for their English class). He looks over his classmates as inferior to him because he is intellectually inclined. He usually spends his time alone. Felix' life is then turned upside down after the Film-Am brothers Magnus (Ethan Salvador) and Maxim Snyder (in an award-winning performance by Jameson Blake) transfers to his his school. He became acquainted with the two brothers and soon develops a strong, unusual friendship with them, which ultimately leads him to be entangled in a dark path involving a plan for murder, his sexual awakening and his first heartbreak.

As I watched the film during it's initial theatrical run, I felt somewhat connected to the film's characters. At one point of the film, I suddenly realized that I've been seeing myself in Felix' shoes. It was like I was watching selected moments from my life being projected into the screen. Yes, I admit that there were a lot of moments in my life that was exactly the same with what's happening in the story. I guess that is one of the main reasons I got drawn into watching it over and over again. Gorgeously photographed and brilliantly acted, this film is definitely the most unforgettable Filipino film for me from 2016.

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