Top 10 Best Filipino Films of 2017

2017 was a great year for Philippine cinema. Despite the failures of the Metro Manila Film Festival in maintaining the changes that were implemented in the previous year's festival (which is one of the best and most unforgettable edition of the MMFF), we were still blessed with other Filipino films of outstanding quality, some of which came from other film festivals in the country such as the annual Cinemalaya International Film Festival, and the first ever Pista ng Pelikulang Piilipino. We also got the chance to see some independent films from 2016 getting wide theatrical release last year. Therefore, it was quite hard to pick just ten out of all the films that I've watched last year.

Here are the few Honorable Mentions:

• Patay Na Si Hesus (2017 Theatrical release)
• Triptiko
• Smaller and Smaller Circles
• Deadma Walking
• Ang Manananggal  sa Unit 23B (2017 Theatrical release)

Now, without further ado, here is my own pick of the Top 10 Best Filipino Films of 2017.

10. Ang Larawan. Directed by Loy Arcenas, based on A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino by National Artist Nick Joaquin, starring Joanna Ampil, Rachel Alejandro, Paulo Avelino, Sandino Martin, Nonie Buencamino and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo with Celeste Legaspi, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Dulce and Ogie Alcasid. Ang Larawan follows the Marasigan sisters, Candida (Joanna Ampil) and Paulo (Rachel Alejandro) as they struggle living in poverty in their ancestral home with their reclusive artist father Don Lorenzo. Their siblings Manolo (Nonie Buencamino) and Pepang (Menchu Lauchengco) who both live luxuriously kept on convincing them to sell the house, but they always reject the idea. The last painting that their father finished before he got into his "accident" can save them from poverty, but the sisters don't want to give up their father's final masterpiece to preserve their family's legacy.

One of the grandest Filipino films of the year. I'm really glad that I chose to watch this during the start of the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival on Christmas Day. From it's rich visuals, outstanding music and bravura performances, Ang Larawan is a must-watch spectacle... Pinoy musicals have never been this gloriously stunning and entrancing.

9. Kita-Kita. Written and directed by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo, and starring Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez. Lea (Alessandra De Rossi) and Tonyo (Empoy Marquez) are two Filipinos living in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Lea is a Velo taxi tour guide. She suffers an accident which leads to her being affected by temporary blindness. Her blindness, if not cured in a few weeks, could become permanent. Tonyo is also a Filipino who lives right across from Lea. Lea tries her best to ignore him at first because she is scared of not seeing him. But Tonyo is persistent and is determined to be her friend, using humor and kindness to make a connection. With every effort that he makes the two gradually become closer. In an ironic way, becoming blind allows Lea to see the true character of Tonyo.

Kita Kita is one of the biggest surprises of the year - a funny, charming, delightful type of entertainment that will leaves a smile in your lips (or a tear in your eye for others). It's an unconventional movie with a heart, overflowing with charm that never overstays it's welcome.

8. Kiko Boksingero. Directed by Thop Nazareno, starring Noel Comia Jr., Yayo Aguila and Yul Servo. In this coming-of-age drama, Kiko (in an award-winning performance by Noel Comia Jr.), an 11-year-old boy left aimlessly alone with his nanny Diday (Yayo Aguila) after the recent death of his mother, rekindles a long lost relationship with his father (Yul Servo) in an attempt to find a new lease on life. His father, a washed-up boxer, is currently staying in Baguio for a few days while waiting to find a buyer his home. During his stay, he meets Kiko who, unbeknownst to him is his son. After finding out the truth about the kid, the two of them starts to bond together through boxing. As Kiko starts to spend more time with his father, he starts to grow up and change too.

This is probably the simplest entry from last year's Cinemalaya International film Festival, yet it's also the most heartfelt film among other entries.  It's sweet, humorous, heartwarming and full of emotions. Kiko Boksingero is a small film with a big heart. A champion by all means.

7. Birdshot. Directed by Mikhail Red, starring Mary Joy Apostol, Arnold Reyes, John Arcilla, and Ku Aquino. The coming-of-age thriller tells the story of a young farm girl who wanders off into a Philippine forest reserve. Deep within the reservation, she mistakenly shoots and kills a critically-endangered and protected Philippine Eagle. As the local authorities begin a manhunt to track down the poacher, their investigation leads them to an even more horrific discovery.

Birdshot is undeniably one of the most compelling stories from the Philippines. It's story mixes a coming-of-age tale with a mystery thriller angle as it follows Maya, a teenage girl who is forced to face the consequences of her actions which results to a twisted and tragic fate for everyone involved. The characters in the story are all entangled in a web of lies and deceit, and the choices that they make eventually causes them to get pushed further into a darker path. Mixing sharp social commentary with a compelling story, coupled with great performances of the cast and brilliant direction of it's helmer, "Birdshot" is a one-of-a-kind, must-see movie that elevates Philippine Cinema to a whole new level.

6. I'm Drunk I Love You. Directed by JP Habac, starring Maja Salvador and Paulo Avelino. Maja Salavador and Paulo Avelino plays Caridad Sonia “Carson” Herrera and Dionysus “Dio” Brillo respectively. They're best friends who are finally about to graduate from college after their long overdue stay in UP for three years. They've know each other for seven years, and they've gone through a lot of stuff already that they're practically closer than BFFs. Days before their graduation, Dio invites Carson to go on one last road trip to La Union for a music festival. Carson agrees, and she is joined by her ever supportive gay bestfriend Jason Ty (played by indie favorite Dominic Roco). Little did Dio know is that Carson has been harboring feelings for him for the past seven years. Problem arises when Dio's ex-grilfriend Pathy (Jasmin Curtis Smith) shows up in the picture to reconnect with him. Will Carson finally get the courage (with the help of a bottle of beer) to tell Dio her true feelings for her before it's too late?

It is very rare for movies to tackle romance in a gritty, real way. Most of the time, romantic films focus on how good it is to feel in love. Most films we see today uses romance as an escape to reality. But then, there are those films who would rather hit us with the painful truth about love than portray it as a colorful adventure. And I have never seen a movie to ever do that as hard as I'm Drunk I Love You. JP Habac's film is a lot of things. A coming-of-age story. A wake-up call. A self-help manual. A reminder. But most important of all, it's a slap in the face. A harsh slap to make you realize that hey, it's time to grow up and move on. 

5. Love You To The Stars And Back. Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, starring Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia. Feeling out place in her own home, an eccentric and socially awkward girl, Mika (Julia Barretto), decides to go on a road trip with a very strange goal – to look for aliens. In her trip, Mika accidentally bumps into a simple and good-humored boy, Caloy (Joshua Garcia), whom she chooses to give a free ride to until he reaches his destination. Mika is surprised to know that Caloy has cancer. But despite his condition, he has learned to accept his fate and remained positive and joyful. The two embark on a roadtrip filled with adventures and misadventures, not knowing that it will lead them to experiencing their most memorable romance at such a young age. They unexpectedly teach each other an important lesson on love and life – one that takes most people a lifetime to learn.

Antoinette Jadaone's Love you to the Stars and Back proves that mainstream cinema can still come up with great stories. It is one amazing romantic coming-of-age movie that reminds us of her great skills as a director and writer, and also serves as a proof that the JoshLia tandem is a loveteam to watch out for. It also features one of the year's best performance by actor, with Joshua Garcia's heartbreaking portrayal of Caloy. It's a movie that is full of laughter and pain, oozing with kilig and tears.

4. 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten (2017 Theatrical release).  Directed by Petersen Vargas, starring Khalil Ramos, Jameson Blake and Ethan Salvador. Felix Salonga (in an unforgettable performance by Khalil Ramos) is a friendless, overachieving top notcher in a typical public high school in the province of Pampanga during the late 1990s whose life is 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. Felix becomes curious at the two mestizos, particularly with elder Magnus, after his first glance of the boys. As days passed by, he soon develops a strong, unusual friendship with the brothers. He gets to know more of their background, particularly their family. As things get more complicated, this relationship with the Snyder brothers ultimately leads him to be entangled in a dark path involving a plan for murder, his sexual awakening and his first heartbreak.

Petersen Vargas' feature film debut is sweet, humorous, romantic, yet turns dark and disturbing as it moves along, dragging the willing audiences back into one of the hardest phases of a person's life-growing up. It's an experience not to be missed. An experience that's too cool to be forgotten. No pun intended.

3. BLISS. Directed by Jerrold Tarog, starring Iza Calzado, Ian Veneracion, TJ Trinidad and Adrienne Vergara. BLISS tells the story of an aging actress, Jane Ciego (played by Iza Calzado in her most daring role yet) who started acting in showbiz at a young age. Now in her 30s, she decides to produce her own film to win some respect in the industry. But things do not go as planned and an accident on location cripples her. Jane wakes up unable to walk and trapped in her own home, a large house filled with strange sounds and people who may want to harm her. She is looked over by her cold husband Carlo (TJ Trinidad) and a sadistic nurse named Lilibeth (Adrienne Vergara), and then there is Rose, a nurse wanted by authorities for sexually molesting a patient. She mysteriously enters Jane’s life and soon begins affecting her dreams as much as her waking life. Jane’s sanity begins to crumble as the horrors pile up in a symphony of blood, tears and madness. What was supposed to be a simple dream for Jane soon becomes an endless nightmare.

BLISS is one of the most fucked up, unapologetic, disgusting, shameful, and demented Filipino films I've seen on screen. But it is also one of the most fun, mind-boggling, surreal, riveting and wildly entertaining local films I've watched. Intelligently written, imaginatively directed and brilliantly acted, this film pushes the boundaries of Philippine Cinema way past it's limits. BLISS is deliciously disturbing. It's like that little, sugary confection that you've been warned not to eat because it's bad for your health. Problem is, once you get a taste of BLISS, you'll be craving for more.

2. Bar Boys. Directed by Kip Oebanda, starring Rocco Nacino, Carlo Aquino, Enzo Pineda and Kean Cipriano. The film follows the three (yes, just three) young men as they enter law school and how their lives are drastically changed by this new world. Here, they have to endure fraternity initiations to terror teachers, on top of their own problems with their families and relationships.

This film serves as my top pick from this year's Pista ng Pelikulang Piilipino (next is Triptiko). Everything in this movie is just perfect, from it's slick, production design to it's awesome soundtrack (that sequence featuring APO Hiking Society's San Na Nga Bang Barkada triggered my memory of my school days!) to it's outstanding direction and bravura performances. Kip Oebanda's Bar Boys is no doubt my most favorite entry of all the films I was able to watch. It's a youth-oriented comedy drama, a coming-of-age story, and a throwback barkada flick rolled into one. It's a hilarious, heartwarming, emotional, and inspiring feel-good joyride that will leave more than what you expect.

1. Respeto. Directed by Treb Monteras II, starring Abra, Dido Dela Paz, Loonie, Kate Alejandrino, Chai Fonacier and Silvester Bagadiong. Henrdix (played in a surprisingly effective performance by Abra) is a wannabe rapper who's trying to make a name for himself through the underground rap battle known as "Berso". He aspires to make it big and hopes to get out of the life that he was born with- an abusive home (his sister and her drug pusher boyfriend) and a violent surrounding (as people from their squatters village always ends up being killed by unknown assailants supposedly due to drugs). Soon, he meets Fortunato Reyes, known with his nickname Dok, an old poet and Martial Law victim (played by veteran Dido de la Paz) who ends up helping him straighten up his life and puts him in the right direction.

Treb Monteras II's Respeto is undeniably the breakout film of this year's Cinemalaya Film Festival. It's a very powerful film that disguises itself as a simple movie about rap battle. It's a tragedy of a young man, his mentor and how the world around them led them to destruction. It's a satire to our government's actions and brutality. It's an elegy to the dying moral of our society. Respeto will also leave you breathless with it's heart-stopping and jaw-dropping ending. One of the most unique and most heart-wrenching endings in a Filipino movie in recent memory.

And that sums up my Top 10 Best Filipino Films of 2017. Looking forward to more amazing Filipino films this 2018. 'Til next year's countdown!

MMFF 2017 Movie Review : Loy Arcenas' "Ang Larawan"

"Life, like art, is intricate." So is this beautiful big screen adaptation of one of the most celebrated plays by Nick Joaquin.

It's the time of the year again for the country's biggest and most anticipated film event, the Metro Manila Film Festival. And even though I am very disappointed with the MMFF focusing again on commercial viability for it's criteria this year and turning this festival into nothing but a money-making scheme, I am still excited to see some of the festival's entries, particularly this one. I used to have a tradition of watching only comedy films on Christmas Day. But this year, I decided to break away from that tradition to see this one.

Ang Larawan is the film adaptation of Larawan, The Musical which is based on National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s three-act English play A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino. First published in 1952, Joaquin’s work has been depicted numerous times on stage on screen and in English and Filipino—making it one of the most pedigreed literary works of the Philippines. In 1997, Musical Theater Philippines (now Culturtain Musicat Productions Inc. ) headed by singer Celeste Legaspi and talent manager/producer Girlie Rodis staged Larawan, the first musical rendition of Joaquin’s great play, at the CCP. The elegaic play was transformed into a musical with a libretto written by National Artist for Theater Rolando Tinio and music created by iconic original Filipino music composer Ryan Cayabyab. This year, Culturtain with the help of supervising producer Alemberg Ang, shares Ang Larawan, The Movie with the global audience. Loy Arcenas, a multi-awarded Broadway theatrical set designer and director, was at the helm of the much-awaited film. The film had it's premiere last October 30, 2017 in Japan as part of the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival. Set in a mansion in Manila in 1941 just before the Pacific War, Ang Larawan is a romantic family-themed musical with brilliant singing by world-renowned musical stars.

Rachel Alejandro as Paula and Joanna Ampil as Candida
Source: Ang Larawan official website

Joanna Ampil and Rachel Alejandro with Sandino Martin as Bitoy

The film follows the Marasigan sisters, Candida (Joanna Ampil) and Paulo (Rachel Alejandro) as they struggle living in poverty in their ancestral home with their reclusive artist father Don Lorenzo. Their siblings Manolo (Nonie Buencamino) and Pepang (Menchu Lauchengco) who both live luxuriously kept on convincing them to sell the house, but they always reject the idea. The last painting that their father finished before he got into his "accident" can save them from poverty, but the sisters don't want to give up their father's final masterpiece. They try to find ways of earning money, like renting out a room to a piano player at a local vaudeville, Tony Javier (Paulo Avelino) who also tries to convince them to sell the painting. The sisters struggle to resist all the temptations around them, hoping to keep their father's final masterpiece, maintaining their family legacy and tradition.

To start off, this is probably the most stunning local film production this year. From the sets to the costumes that they've utilized in the film, everything is top notch. They really took the time and effort in maintaining the period setting of the story, even to the most minute detail. Despite being situated in a single location, the house of the Marasigans, the setting never looked boring or tiring. The costumes are gorgeous, especially when the scene involves other characters. The overall look of the film is a visual feast to the eyes.

Menchu Lauchengco as Pepang and Nonie Buencamino as Manolo

Paulo Avelino as Tony Javier

Another thing that I liked about the film is it's beautiful soundtrack. I loved all the songs that they performed in the film, which were all composed by maestro Ryan Cayabyab and were rendered by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. I loved the fact that unlike most musicals, the songs are not treated as musical numbers or set pieces. Instead, the dialogues were integrated/ blended with the music so that the introduction of the songs have a smooth flow, similar to Tom Hooper's 2012 adaptation of Les Misérables. I particularly loved the song number of the vivacious senator's wife Doña Loleng (Celeste Legaspi) upon her arrival at the house of the sisters, together with Conga Queen Elsa Montes (Zsa Zsa Padilla). It was one of the most fun and energetic performances in the film. 

Cara Manglapis as Patsy, Robert Arevalo as Don Perico, Celeste Legaspi as Donya Loleng

Aicelle Santos as Violet and Cris Villonco as Susan

The cast itself is enough reason to see the film. This is one of the best movie ensemble in a local production this year. With the likes of Cris Villonco as Susan, Aicelle Santos as Violet, Nonie Buencamino as Manolo, Menchu Lauchengco as Pepang, Robert Arevalo as Don Perico and Celeste Legaspi as Doña Loleng, the supporting cast is already packed with so much talent that fills up the screen. I especially loved Celeste Legaspi's fun portrayal of Doña Loleng. She lights up every scene whenever she's part of it. We also get to see Zsa Zsa Padilla and Ogie Alcasid in small yet fun roles in the film. I must say that I was really impressed seeing Sandino Martin and Paulo Avelino singing. It was my first time to see them sing and they were really good. Martin was really adorable in his portrayal of the Marasigan's family friend Bitoy Camacho. On the other hand, Avelino is perfect for the role of the charming but naughty Tony Javier. I don't know why but Paulo just look so good in every scene of the film, even during those moments when he's already beaten up. I guess that is one of his greatest assets: the camera loves just him.

Of course, the film belongs to Joanna Ampil and Rachel Alejandro. Their portrayal of Candida and Paula Marasigan were both amazing. One can really see their commitment to their roles. Each one of them were given their own moments to shine. For me, Joanna Ampil stood out during the part when her character was confessing something about her sister during the film's third act. On the other hand, Rachel Alejandro was able to showcase her talent during the scene when her character had a fight with Candida, leading to a sexy seduction scene with Tony Javier.

I have to admit. There were moments when I felt like the film could be a bit more than what it is now. There were production numbers that I think could have been bigger and more explosive in regards to the presentation. Something that can take the whole film into a much higher point. But given it's single location setting, the events are all contained in a smaller scale. It doesn't mean that the film isn't good though, because it sure is amazing as hell. But as a fan of musicals, I can't help but feel as if the movie needed something to push it into a more bombastic and extravagant. But then, we have to take the film as is. And no doubt that this is one of the best films of this year's film festival and is already running for the Best Picture award.

From it's rich visuals, outstanding music and bravura performances, Ang Larawan is a must-watch spectacle this Christmas. Pinoy musicals have never been this gloriously stunning and entrancing.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

"Ang Larawan" (2017) Directed by Loy Arcenas, based on A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino by Nick Joaquin, starring Joanna Ampil Rachel Alejandro Paulo Avelino and Sandino Martin, with Nonie Buencamino, Menchu Lauchengco, Cris Villonco, Aicelle Santos, Robert Arevalo, and Celeste Legaspi.

Metro Manila Film Festival 2017 : My Pre-Festival Thoughts on the Magic 8 entries

We're just days away from the biggest film festival of the country, the Metro Manila Film Festival. Organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the festival is now on it's 43rd year. The first four film entries of the festival were announced on June 30, 2017 by using the script submission method while the last four official entries were announced on November 17, 2017, completing the Magic 8. So before the festival kicks in, here's my pre-festival thoughts on the 8 entries of this year's Metro Manila Film Festival.

All of You (Romance, Comedy). Starring Jennylyn Mercado, Derek Ramsay; produced by Quantum Films, MJM Productions; directed by Dan Villegas. Three years after their first project together as a loveteam (English Only, Please, 2014), Jennylyn Mercado and Derek Ramsay are back to bring kilig to audiences this Christmas with their latest entry, under the helm of box-office director Dan Villegas (How to be Yours, Always be my Maybe). I loved English Only, Please and I'm a big fan of director Dan, plus I am also a follower of Jennylyn Mercado's recent romance flicks so this film is definitely on my list. The trailer of the film beings back all the EOP feels three years ago and I am looking forward to what their latest team-up movie has to offer.

Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad (Action, Comedy). Starring Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla, Pia Wurtzbach; produced by Star Cinema, Viva Films; directed by Joyce Bernal. So apparently, the organizers of this year's MMFF reintroduced the controversial "commercial appeal/viability" which was previously criticized  because it was alleged that the reintroduction of these old rules was made to to prioritize box-office success over quality films and to accommodate the big mainstream studios that were mostly left out last year. And so obviously, the past MMFF's box-office winners are also back on the scene, led by Vice Ganda. I don't have anything against him. To be honest, I loved his past films with Wenn Deramas (Sisterakas in 2012 and Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy in 2013 are two of my most favorite Filipino films of all time). But his other films these past couple of years were a bit disappointing. Despite that, it's been a tradition of mine to watch his film every MMFF so I am still looking forward to this one (especially because of Pia Wurtzbach).

Meant to Beh (Family, Comedy) starring Vic Sotto, Dawn Zulueta with JC Santos, Daniel Matsunaga, Sue Ramirez, Gabbi Garcia, Ruru Madrid,  Andrea Torres and Baby Baste; produced by OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment; directed by Chris Martinez. I'm gonna be honest with you- I'm not a fan of Vic Sotto. I guess the kind of comedy he's making is just not my type. But with very talented actors and actresses like JC Santos, Sue Ramirez and Ms. Dawn Zulueta in the cast, I am very willing to open my arms to embrace this one and give it a shot.

Ang Panday (Action, Fantasy) starring Coco Martin; produced by CCM Productions, Star Cinema, Viva Films; directed by Rodel Nacianceno. A reboot of the classic adventure featuring the late Fernando Poe Jr., this fantasy flick is helmed by Coco Martin himself, marking his directorial debut. And with his experience of working with the country's renowned directors before like Brillante Mendoza, I am curious as to how his first project as a director would be like. Plus, my mom has already made up her mind to watch this film with the whole family on Christmas Day, so it's definitely on my list.

Deadma Walking (Comedy, Drama, Musical) starring Joross Gamboa, Edgar Allan Guzman; produced by T-Rex Entertainment; directed by Julius Alfonso. Aside from the entries of Vice Ganda, Vic Sotto and Coco Martin, this musical dramedy is one of the film fest entries that has been making a hype on social media with it's out-of-this-world story. The concept of the film: a terminally ill gay man decides to fakes his own death to attend his own wake to hear his friend's views on him. Based on the acclaimed screenplay (Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature 2016 second prize winner), the film is one of my top contenders for the festival's Best Picture category. This one's actually on the top of my list of films to see this Christmas.

Haunted Forest (Horror, Thriller) starring Jane Oineza, Jameson Blake, Maris Racal and Jon Lucas; produced by Regal Entertainment; directed by Ian Loreños. Being a big fan of horror movies, this one's definitely on my list. This year's horror movie princess Jane Oineza (of Bloody Crayons) lead the cast of this upcoming horror film from Regal films. I'm not sure if this is a sort-of thematic sequel to 2015's Haunted Mansion but based on the trailer, this movie looks very promising. Aside from Jane Oineza, we also get to see Jameson Blake in his first foray into horror. Plus, we also get to watch Maris Racal and Jon Lucas in their first movie together.

Siargao (Romance, Drama) starring Jericho Rosales, Erich Gonzales, Jasmine Curtis-Smith; produced by Ten17 Productions; directed by Paul Soriano. A romantic drama set in the surfing island of Siargao is defintely the perfect movie to heat up everyone's Christmas. I've seen Paul Soriano's work before (Kid Kulafu) and I must say that he is pretty impressive. It's also great to see Jericho Rosales back on the big screen, plus he is joined by two of the most talented actresses of the country, Erich Gonzales and Jasmin Curtis. This movie kinda gives me the Apocalypse Child feels and I'd love to give it a try.

Ang Larawan (Musical) Starring Rachel Alejandro, Paulo Avelino, Joanna Ampil; produced by Culturtain Musicat Productions; directed by Loy Arcenas. An adaptation of Nick Joaquin’s revered play “A Portrait of the Artist as a Filipino." One of my most anticipated films in the festival, Ang Larawan had it's debut last October in Japan as part of the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival. It has received rave reviews since then, with Variety critic Richard Kuipers calling it "a handsomely produced big-screen adaptation"... "impeccably performed and crisply photographed"... and "clearly made with the utmost love and care". This is another one of my top contenders for this year's Best Picture. From it's powerful cast (a crooning Paulo Avelino, anyone?) to it's rich technical detail and fabulous musical numbers, Ang Larawan is definitely the festival's must see.

So, which movie are you planning to watch this Christmas? What's your top pick for this year's Metro Manila Film Festival? Share your thoughts and leave a comment down below!