Movie Review: Raya Martin's "Smaller and Smaller Circles" (2017)

Hard-hitting social commentary and solid performances makes Raya Martin's period crime thriller a must-see.

Based on the best-selling novel by F.H. Batacan, this crime thriller follows two Jesuit priests,  Father Gus Saenz (Nonie Buencamino) and Father Jerome Lucero (Sid Lucero) as they help in the investigation of a serial killer in Payatas, who leaves the bodies of his victims- young boys in particular- in the dump. The film, directed by Raya Martin, also Carla Humphries, Ricky Davao, Bembol Roco and Christopher De Leon. I have mentioned before in a previous post that Smaller and Smaller Circles is one of my most anticipated Filipino movies of the year. It's been months, almost a year, since I've heard about this project and I've been looking forward to seeing it in the big screen. Fortunately, the long wait is finally over and it was worth it. Raya Martin's adaptation of F.H. Batacan's novel (considered as the Philippines' first crime thriller novel) is slickly made and highly entertaining.

Screenshots from the trailer

The film is set in 1997 and opens with a voice-over from the killer, expressing his thoughts to the audience. This sets up the over-all tone of the film. It is obviously not your typical murder mystery that focuses on who is the killer. Instead, it's focused on finding out why the killer is doing all of this. What caused him to do these inhumane acts. After this, we follow Father Gus Saenz (Nonie Buencamino) who is currently trying to pin down a fellow priest who have been reported to be molesting children under the latter's parish. Unfortunately, this bastard is friends with Cardinal Meneses (in a wicked performance by Ricky Davao) who helps the son-of-a-bitch escape prosecution by transferring him to another parish (to continue his reign of terror). National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Lastimosa (Bembol Roco) and  contacts Father Saenz and asks for his expertise in  forensics anthropologiy to help to solve a series of murders, much to the dismay of lower-level agent Ben Arcinas (Raffy Tejada). Children are being murdered, their their faces, hearts and genitals removed with surgical precision, removing everything that makes them human, and then dumped like garbage. Together with his colleague Father Jerome Lucero (Sid Lucero) a clinical psychologist, they start picking up and putting the pieces of the puzzle behind the murders, while the body count continues to rise.

Though set in the 1990's, the film never relies on nostalgia. One wouldn't even notice that it is a period piece until you see one character using a beeper and an old-style chat session (plus cellphones were a luxury that time so only one character is seen using it). Instead, it relies on building up the mood of the film. From it's dark, dreary locations such as the dumpsite where the bodies are found and the narrow maze of alleyways of the squatter's residences, the film's look echoes a depressing time in our country's history. The gorgeously shot cinematography by J.A. Tadena, adds up to the bleak, somber atmosphere of the film. The film is also unapologetic when it comes to it's display of gore. The sadistic killings of the perpetrator is not shown in full detail, but the results of these murders are shown in their full glory. The desecrated bodies of the young boys are shown in detail, from their missing genitalia to their faceless heads. Some may find it downright repulsive, but for a gorehound like me, it is truly satisfying. With all this, Raya Martin successfully crafted a neo-noir world ripped right out of the novel's pages.

The film's powerful cast is one of the reasons why this movie is very entertaining to watch. Ricky Davao plays Cardinal Meneses with so much wickedness. He is a perfect match to Bembol Roco's Lastimosa, a man of authority who's only goal is to find the truth in all this evil around him. Their heated argument is probably one of my favorite part from the film. The same goes for agent Ben Arcinas (played by Raffy Tejada). his portrayal is so effective that you'll definitely feel the hate to his character, to the point that you would start conjuring plans in your head to bring him down yourself. There were some noteworthy appearances from TJ Trinidad, Gladys Reyes and Tessie Tomas that were so memorable and fun to watch (especially Reyes' character). Carla Humphries was such a delight to watch as journalist Joanna Bonifacio, a strong-willed, spirited young woman who was schooled in Paris. It seems like she is having a renaissance in her career: first is her short yet memorable portrayal in the Cinema One Originals horror flick Nay, and now this. I'm really looking forward to her next projects. Of course, Nonie Buencamino who plays Father Gus Saenz and Sid Lucero playing Father Jerome Lucero both deserve a round of applause for their outstanding performances in this movie. Nonie Buencamino was especially good whenever he is arguing with Ricky Davao and Carla Humphries' characters. His interactions with these two perfectly shows his control over his character. He can be clever and intimidating, but also has a soft spot.

But what makes Smaller and Smaller Circles one of the most important Filipino films of the year is it's hard-hitting social commentary on the corruption and incompetence of our government, the sexual abuse and abuse of power among the clergy and the poverty and injustice of the indigent. The film tackles them layer by layer and even though it doesn't offer much solution to these issues, the film can make it's audience think about them even after the movie has ended.

Raya Martin's Smaller and Smaller Circles is a film that needs to be seen by everyone. It's the type of film that sticks with you. One that lingers inside your head, long after the credits roll. Something that leaves a lasting impact even after you leave the cinema.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

Smaller and Smaller Circles (2017) directed by Raya Martin, starring Nonie Buencamino, Sid Lucero, Carla Humphries, Ricky Davao, Bembol Roco and Christopher De Leon

Cinema One Originals 2017 Movie Review: Joseph Teoxon's "Throwback Today"

If given a chance, would you want to change your life? What would you change? Or should I say, when? That is the question posted by Joseph Teoxon's sci-fi dramedy "Throwback Today". The film stars Carlo Aquino who plays Primo, the protagonist of the story. It also stars Empress Schuck, Annicka Dolonius, Allan Paule and Kat Galang and is one of the official entries to this year's Cinema One Originals.

In Throwback Today, we follow Primo, who seems like he has ran out of luck in his life: he is jobless, he's about to get thrown out of their house and the girl he loves is about to get married. That is until one day, he discovers that he can communicate with his younger self through an online chat room. Primo is convinced that he is failing so much today because of what he has done in the past, so he decided to convince his younger self to help him change the past to change the future.

Carlo Aquino plays Primo
Screenshot from the trailer

During the first few minutes of the film, I immediately thought that this has some similarities with the Hollywood movie The Butterfly Effect (2004) starring Ashton Kutcher. Both film feature a male lead character trying to change his current situation in life by changing things from his past. Both films have drastic consequences in the present for every change that takes place in the past. But Joseph Teoxon's sci-fi dramedy has enough distinction from the latter. Though the two films have a similar premise, Throwback Today has more heart. It's more lighter in tone and thus, far more enjoyable than the other one. Although the concept of changing your past isn't new anymore as we have seen a lot of films recycling the same concept over and over again, this sci-fi entry stands out with it's fun and entertaining execution.

The film's witty and humorous script  was successful in keeping audiences' attention for a long time. There's a lot of really hilarious moments that made the crowd laugh out loud inside the cinema. The film never felt boring or dragging. The pacing was consistent all throughout. The characters were all written very well. It's like they're someone you've known from your high school or college days. These are characters that you can really connect with. That you can see yourself into. That's why it's hard not to fall for and root for these characters. I also loved that the story did not turned out like I expected it to be. The last part of the film was unpredictable. It took  different turn and decided to leave the whole thing to it's main character to resolve. It's nice that the film took a different route for it's resolution. It was totally unexpected and I really appreciate it. It's almost felt like watching a feel good movie.

Of course, the biggest asset of the film is it's talented cast. It's so nice to see Annicka Dolonius again after her stint in one of my favorite indie films, Ang Nawawala (2012) and in the surf movie Apocalypse Child (2015). She fit the role as she has this mysterious aura whenever she's onscreen. Empress Schuck was also good in her portrayal of Primo's best friend. But the real star of the film is Carlo Aquino, who gives a very committed performance as the protagonist, Primo. After his stint in the youth oriented film Bar Boys earlier this year, I've decided to follow Carlo Aquino's next projects and Throwback Today was the perfect movie for him. He definitely looked and felt so convincing as Primo. Whenever he's onscreen, one can't help but to be magnetized with his charm. He is able to shift from high and low emotions and still keep us glued to the screen with presence.

I pretty much enjoyed Joseph Teoxon's sci-fi "Throwback Today". This is the type of film that anyone can easily appreciate. It isn't bombastic in any way. But it's a simple movie that will leave a smile in your face once you leave the cinema.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

"Throwback Today" (2017)
Directed by Joseph Teoxon, starring Carlo Aquino, Empress Schuck, Annicka Dolonius, Allan Paule and Kat Galang
An official entry to the 2017 Cinema One Originals Film Festival

Cinema One Originals 2017 Movie Review: Kip Oebanda's "Nay"

Ms. Sylvia Sanchez is "Nay"

After his critically-acclaimed youth oriented film Bar Boys which debuted at the first Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, director Kip Oebanda is back. This time, he takes on a classic Filipino folklore and gives it a new, millennial spin. Tagged as a gore film, this horror drama mixes shocks with political messages and underlying themes. “Nay”, written and directed by Kip Oebanda, stars a pretty interesting cast, led by Enchong Dee, Jameson Blake and Ms. Sylvia Sanchez, together with Harvey Bautista and Carla Humphries and is one of the official entries to the Cinema One Originals 2017.

Martin's (Enchong Dee) sheltered life is turned around when he gets terminally ill. To save his life, his beloved yaya, Nay Luisa (Sylvia Sanchez) turns him into something truly horrifying. He must choose between dying or becoming a monster that preys on the poor and the weak in city where dehumanization has become the norm.

Screenshots from the trailer

The film is perfect for the theme of this year’s Cinema One Originals film festival: Walang Takot (fearless).The film’s story is not just about the plight of Martin’s character after being turned into an aswang. It also tackles very important and relevant issues today, particularly on extra-judicial killings. Though technically a horror film, Nay hides a lot of political and social overtones underneath it’s bloody and violent skin. It offers a very timely commentary on our society’s morality nowadays, particularly how we are slowly being desensitized to violence around us. At one point of the film, Nay Luisa asks Martin who is he to judge who should die and who should live. This pretty much mirrors how the people responsible for those extra-judicial killings are deciding whether it’s better if one man should just die instead of giving him a chance to change.

The film’s boasts a very powerful cast. Enchong Dee was really good in portraying the young yuppie Martin. He was able to convey a lot of emotions for his character, particularly during the time he was suffering from his illness. Jameson Blake has improved a lot since his past stint in 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten and Nabubulok. He has grown into the craft he is passionate about. I think he should get more challenging roles because for sure, he’s going to nail them. I was impressed with Carla Humhries and Harvey Baustista in this movie. And of course, who can forget Ms. Sylvia Sanchez’ tour de force performance as the title role Nay. She surprised us with her bravura take on her character. She was magnetic and captivating. She quickly shifts from being funny to scary. It was a performance that deserves recognition, perhaps a Best Actress award.

And yes, the film succeeds in it’s promises of gore. Nay is definitely one of the bloodiest Pinoy horror films I’ve seen, with it’s shocking and brutal visuals. It doesn’t care about jump scares an instead, it’s focused on shocking the audience with it’s unapologetic blood shedding. Though it’s not as gory as other foreign gore films I’ve seen, it has enough to satisfy my cravings as a gorehound. The pacing of the film was slow, but it was okay. It wasn’t really boring because of the witty script, combining shocks and humor. So far, this is one of the best Aswang movies I’ve seen in local cinema. Also, some of the scenes of the film reminds me of the Spanish horror film REC . And that ending has some Hannibal feels in it.

Watching Nay was a great way to start my Cinema One Originals experience this year. It’s shocking, brutal and bloody. But it’s also funny and entertaining, plus it’s timely commentary on our society’s issues today is very relevant. A millennial Aswang film? What more can you ask for?

Rating: ✰✰✰✰1/2  of 5

"Nay" (2017) directed by Kip Oebanda, Enchong Dee, Jameson Blake and Ms. Sylvia Sanchez

An official entry to the 2017 Cinema One Originals Film Festival

Movie Review: Toto Natividad's "Riding In Tandem" (2017)

Khalil Ramos plays Jonard in "Riding In Tandem"

Helmed by veteran action director Toto Natividad, Riding in Tandem is a film that attempts to depict one of the most prevalent criminal acts in the country. The act, as we all know, is called "riding in tandem," and it involves two people who work in tandem to ambush their targets while riding in a motorcycle. The backbone of the storyline is the life of criminals, but it also gives the viewers the realistic and driving elements such as family and love. The film is headlined by two of the country's most talented actors, 2008 Young Critics Circle Best Performer Jason Abalos and 2017 Gawad Urian Best Actor nominee Khalil Ramos. The film is one of the two indie films of Khalil Ramos yet to be released. The other one is entitled Kasunduan, a thriller  drama where he co-starred with Joey Marquez, Joem Bascon and Ejay Falcon.

The film follows the story of two people: Miguel (Abalos), an ex-convict and former hired killer who is looking for his wife, and Jonard (Ramos), a young man who sets out to avenge the death of his sister. Together, they team-up and embark on a dangerous path through the gritty and cutthroat world of hired killers known as riding in tandem.  The film also stars Mara Lopez, Sue Prado, Nina Dolino, Joem Bascon, and Victor Neri. It is distributed by Star Cinema, and is now showing in Cine Lokal's 8 SM Cinema: Mall of Asia, Megamall, North Edsa, Fairview, Southmall, Bacoor, Iloilo and Cebu (Ticket price at Php150).

Screenshot from the trailer

To be honest, I had no idea what to expect from this action drama when we watched it during it's special screening in SM Megamall last October 15, 2017. The screening was graced by the cast themselves, led by Jason Abalos, Khalil Ramos and Mara Lopez. I have little background about the film and only got a bit of an idea on what it is all about through it's trailer. I'm also not a big fan of action films and I rarely watch them in cinemas. But I was so surprised when I actually enjoyed watching Toto Natividad's Riding In Tandem.

The story itself isn't something new. The film's drama can be compared to the Primetime series Ang Probinsyano or a late-afternoon soap opera. It's a bit predictable, but there were some nice twists along the way. The film is threading between complete seriousness and outright camp. At times, when the film's campiness works, it works. It makes the film more enjoyable to watch, but not all the time. There's a particular scene featuring a montage of memories of one character that felt a bit out-of-place. There are moments where you would feel like you're watching an overdramatic teleserye, but at least, there were also parts where you can really feel the tension between the characters.

Also, the film's extensive use of slow motion sequences doesn't quite work for the most part. Most especially since it's CGI effects aren't that good. But to it's credit, the film has some of the best opening credits in a local film in recent memory. It also puts a lot of great use to it's drone shots, featuring some dizzying shots of the city. There's also some pretty impressive action scenes and chase sequences featuring Abalos and Ramos that reminds me of those old local action flicks from the bygone days.

The film also boasts an amazing cast. Mara Lopez was really fun to watch as Jonard's girlfriend Ganda. I love Sue Prado in her role as Jonard's sister. It was really nice to see Dido Dela Paz again after his work in Respeto and Birdshot. Nina Dolino was also quite impressive. Joem Bascon's role was a bit short so there weren't a lot of moments for his character to grow. But it was Jason Abalos and Khalil Ramos who really owned the spotlight in this movie. Abalos did an impressive job in his portrayal of Miguel. Ramos was a revelation in his incredible performance of Jonard. Both actors really carried the film from start to finish.




All in all, I pretty much enjoyed it. Though it has some flaws, Riding In Tandem is still an entertaining throwback to our country's action movie heydays.



Rating: ✰✰✰✰ of 5
"Riding In Tandem" directed by Toto Natividad, starring Jason abalos, Khalil Ramos,  Mara Lopez, Sue Prado, Nina Dolino, Joem Bascon, and Victor Neri.

Upcoming Local Horror Movies to Watch Out This 2017!

Halloween is fast approaching. Everyone is already excited not only for the season, but for these upcoming horror movies that are proudly Pinoy.

A scene from "Haunted Forest"

The Filipino horror genre has been very lively this 2017. After the success of last year's MMFF where Erik Matti's critically acclaimed horror pic Seklusyon scared audiences and became a box-office hit, other titles soon followed. Dan Villegas, known for his romance films, tried the genre with Ilawod, starring  Iza Calzado, Ian Veneracion, Xyriel Manabat, Harvey Bautista, and Therese Malvar. Pedring A. Lopez gave us Darkroom, a found-footage film about a group of teenagers who tried to document their ghost hunting adventure and starred Ella Cruz, Bret Jackson and AJ Muhlach. Jerrold Tarog unleashed his award-winning (and highly controversial) pyscho-sexual thriller Bliss which starred  Iza Calzado, Ian Veneracion, TJ Trinidad, Michael de Mesa, and Adrienne Vergara. The said film earned Calzado the Yakushi Pearl Award for Best Performer at the 12th Osaka Asian Film Festival. After two years in development hell, the slasher horror Bloody Crayons, adapted from a hit Wattpad novel by Josh Argonza and directed by Topel Lee, was finally released. It featured an ensemble cast led by  Jane Oineza, Janella Salvador, Elmo Magalona, Maris Racal, Sofia Andres, Diego Loyzaga, Yves Flores,Empoy Marquez, and Ronnie Alonte. During the first edition of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino which ran from August 16 to 22, 2017, we were able to catch Prime Cruz' romance gore film Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B which starred Ryza Cenon, and Martin del Rosario together with Sherad Anthony Sanchez' found-footage horror film Salvage, featuring Jessy Mendiola and JC de Vera. And just recently, Prime Cruz gave us a taste of his color horror flick, The Debutantes featuring Sue Ramirez and Mile Ocampo in the lead roles.

Now that we are already on the fourth and final quarter of the year, it looks like the Filipino horror genre isn't stopping any time soon. Here are the four upcoming local horror films to watch out for before 2017 ends. 

Spirit of the Glass 2 : The Haunted. A sequel to the 2004 horror film that starred Rica Peralejo, it's written and directed by Jose Javier Reyes and produced by OctoArts Films and T-Rex Entertainment. It features an ensemble cast led by Cristine Reyes, Daniel Matsunaga, Maxine Medina, Benjamin Alves, Ashley Ortega, Enrico Cuenca, Janine Gutierrez, Dominic Roque, and Aaron Villaflor. It follows a group of friends who unwittingly opened a door to the spirit world after playing a Ouija board. It is slated for a November 1 release.

Screenshots from the trailer

The Ghost Bride. Chito S. Rono (Feng Shui, Sukod, The Healing) is back with another Star Cinema horror pic. This time, it features Kim Chui in the title role as Mayen, a girl who is offered to become a ghost bride. The film, which plays with the Chinese tradition of Ghost marriage, is her third film with director Rono. The film also stars Matteo Guidicelli, Alice Dixson and Christian Bables, and is also scheduled to be released this November 1.

Nay. After his successful coming-of-age barkada film Bar Boys, Kip Oebanda gives us the gore film Nay. Starring Enchong Dee, Sylvia Sanchez and Jameson Blake, it is an official entry to the 2017 Cinema One Originals this November. Nay follows Martin, a rich, sheltered youth who gets transformed into an aswang by his yaya, Nay Luisa. She teaches him how to hunt the poor and the weak for food, in Manila, a city that consistently dehumanizes and neglects the marginalized.

Haunted Forest. Jane Oineza stars in this teen horror flick from Regal Films as a young girl being targeted by a malevolent entity from the woods. The film, helmed by Ian Lorenos, also stars Jameson Blake, Maris Racal and Jon Lucas with Joey Marquez and Raymart Santiago, and is rumored to be Regal Film's entry to the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Which one are you most excited about? Share us your thoughts and leave your comments down below!

Featured: Ethan Salvador is 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten

Ethan Salvador as Magnus Synder

It's been almost a year since Petersen Vargas' critically-acclaimed coming-of-age film 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten swept everyone off their feet with it's honest and raw portrayal of friendship and first love in last year's Cinema One Originals. The film earned 11 nominations from the festival, including a Best Actor nomination for it's star, Khalil Ramos. The film ended up winning 3 awards: Best Cinematography for Carlos Mauricio, Best Supporting Actor for Jameson Blake and the highly-coveted Best Film. The film also got director Vargas a Best First Feature award in the 27th Young Critics Circle Awards, and nominations for Khalil Ramos (Best Actor, 40th Gawad Urian Awards) and Jameson Blake (New Movie Actor of the Year, 33rd Star Awards for Movies).

But it seems like this was just the beginning for the film's success as it premiered in the recently concluded 32nd Lovers Film Festival - Torino LGBTQI Visions in Italy, where it won the Audience Choice Award. After it's debut, the film garnered critical acclaim from foreign critics. QuotidianoPiemontese.it says "It works perfectly and gives us feelings and fears of the protagonists, surrounded by the new experience it is rolled slowly on their souls and involves their bodies." GayPost.it calls it "One of the most interesting, visually seductive and stylistically impeccable proposals, in competition at the Lovers Film Festival, is without a doubt "2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten". The film also had it's Asian Premiere at the recently concluded 28th Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, and will be having its North American premiere at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

Last September 23, 2017, the film was screened for this year's Cine Europa at the Premiere Theater of Shang Cineplex, Edsa Shangri-la Manila. After the screening, I was able to meet and have a little conversation with one of the film's star, Ethan Salvador who plays Magnus Snyder.

Ethan Salvador in Pinoy Boy Band Superstar
(Source: Pinoy Boy Band Superstar)

Ethan Salvador, originally from Las Vegas where he grew up with his mother, started pursuing his acting career at the age of 16. Acting has always been in his blood, even before he met his estranged father, ’80s Regal actor Emil Salvador. His first venture into showbiz in the country was the now defunct reality show, Pinoy Boy Band Superstar. After this, he got one of the lead roles in Petersen Vargas' full length debut and entry to the 12th Cinema One Originals Film Festival. His performance in the film earned him rave reviews, and even got him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Since then, he had joined different projects here and there, from a cameo role in the Sarah Lahbati horror pic Ang Pagsanib Kay Leah Dela Cruz, as leading man in one of the episodes of the teen anthology series Wattpad Presents (Episode: Breaking the Bad Boy) and now as part of ABS-CBN's newset Primetime series The Good Son.

Source: 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten page

Here is my short interview with everyone's favorite Omega Boy, Ethan Salvador.

Q: Did you had hesitations in accepting the role after learning that it's a queer film?

Ethan: No, not at all. I had hesitations just because it was my first film and because I was originally be casted as Maxim. So when I read the masturbation scene, I was like hmm, i don't know. But I mean, hey, the show must go on. Art is art. So let's just go with it. It's just a character. And then, they put me as Magnus. But I have no objectification against gay people. Lesbian people.

Q: Did you expect that the film would be this successful? I mean after winning last year's Cinema One Originals Best Film award, it got the Audience Choice Award in the 32nd Lovers Film Festival, and now it is being shown in Hong Kong and soon in Vancouver.

Ethan: Yeah. That... That... That blew my mind. I had no idea this film would reach that high of a magnitude. I mean, we won three things but... Everyone loves it. I'm just happy for that.

A scene from the film. Source: 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten page

Q: What was the first thing that you said when you first saw yourself in the movie?

Ethan: I said this is so weird. So weird. Right? You know, when you see yourself on TV, it's just... you're not only watching yourself, you're watching the character but at the same time, it is you. I kinda don't like watching myself on TV or movies. It just feels weird (laughs).

Q: So after 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten, you had a small role in the horror film ang Pagsanib kay Leah Dela Cruz as Sarah Lahbati's younger brother...

Ethan: Oh, yeah. Yeah. Did you see that?

Me: Yeah. I watched it.

Ethan: Wow.

Q: And you were in an episode of Wattpad Presents, a part in the upcoming Goyo film and some endorsements here and there. So among all the characters that you have played, would you consider Magnus Snyder as the most memorable role ever?

Ethan: Uhm... I mean, there's so many movies that I wanna do. But I guess you could say that. This is my very first big movie character. So yeah, he's my most memorable character.

A scene from the film. Source: 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten page

Q: So there were some fans of the film (me included) who were hoping to see a happy ending, or at least see Felix and Magnus being together by the end of the movie (alive). If you were given the chance, would you prefer a happy ending for the two characters?

Ethan: No. No. If I could, no. I like it just the way it is. It gives it more robust, because I mean, the Philippines is all about happy endings. And then, you put a movie like this, it's just like shucks. Everybody would go oh, what? They didn't go to college? Oh, he died. Aw, so sad (laughs).

Q: Okay, so last question. Tell me, why are you too cool to be forgotten?

Ethan:  Because I am chasing my dreams like everyone else, and that everyone can chase their dreams. So, yeah.

Ethan Salvador during the Q&A
after the Cine Europa screening

Everyone is excited
to meet Magnus Snyder

Me, with Ethan Salvador after the Cine Europa screening.

Source: 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten page

To Ethan Salvador, we wish you more success and we look forward to your next story to tell. You are truly 2 cool 2 be 4gotten.

FEATURE: Enchong Dee, Jameson Blake star in Kip Oebanda's NAY

Director Kip Oebanda with stars Enchong Dee & Jameson Blake
Source: @KipOebanda

"After Bar Boys, what are you going to do next?" Director Kip Oebanda asks himself in one of his social media posts.

After his critically acclaimed youth-oriented comedy drama Bar Boys (2017) which was part of the very first Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino and starred Carlo Aquino, Enzo Pineda, Rocco Nacino and Kean Cipriano, what's really next for Director Kip Oebanda? The answer to that question is Nay. An official entry to the 2017 Cinema One Originals, Nay features some of the country's well known actors led by Enchong Dee, Sylvia Sanchez and Jameson Blake. In Nay, Director Kip goes for the supernatural as he makes a film about a rich, sheltered youth who gets to be transformed into an aswang by his yaya, Nay Luisa.

Director Kip Oebanda with star Sylvia Sanchez. Source: @KipOebanda

The project was described by actor Jameson Blake as a gore film, a subgenre of horror film that deliberately focuses on graphic portrayals of gore and graphic violence. These films, usually through the use of special effects, display a fascination with the vulnerability of the human body and the theatricality of its mutilation. This subgenre, though not really popular here in the country, is a staple in American and Japanese cinema as evident in films like George A. Romero's Dawn of the Dead, Eli Roth's Hostel and James Wan's Saw franchise.

This would be the second time that Enchong Dee and Jameson Blake joined the said film festival. Enchong played the lead role in Paano Ko Sasabihin, an official entry to the 2009 Cinema One Originals. Jameson, on the other hand was part of 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten from last year's festival. This is also not the first time that Kip Oebanda became part of the festival. He has previously worked on the call-center romance film Shift by Siege Ledesma in 2013 where he was nominated for Best Editing (Cinema One Currents). Here in Nay, director/ writer Kip Oebanda take on the classic aswang mythology and gives it a fresh, modern look.

Jameson Blake prepares as his head gets casted for the film's FX prosthesis.
Source: @KipOebanda

I was able to visit one of the locations (a bar in Tomas Morato) where they were shooting some scenes for the movie. Based on my observations, Director Kip has a keen eye for detail as he instructs his two lead actors in polishing a bar scene. Both Enchong and Jameson are on their A game despite the tiring shoot. Jameson is focused on perfecting his acting while Enchong looks like he's just having fun playing an aswang. This is not the first time that Enchong starred in a genre flick as he previously played an aswang hunter in the 2012 horror pic The Strangers and as a possessive and murderous zombie lover in the 2016 horror-comedy I Love You To Death. Jameson, on the other hand is currently shooting another horror film entitled Haunted Forest under Regal Films.

Enchong Dee prepares for a scene.

Nay, according to Cinema One, is one of the seven films which were able to "deliver fresh stories with poignant, hilarious and extraordinary accounts that will touch the lives of more diverse audiences." The finalists were picked by the selection committee led by Ronald Arguelles (festival director), Philbert Dy, Rico Gonzales, Oggs Cruz, Jinky Laurel, Kathleen Pador, Richard Bolisay, Sherad Anthony Sanchez, and Jade Castro. All seven finalists received a grant of P3 million to produce their movie and compete in the festival to be held this November 2017, making it the biggest edition of the festival to date. It is no doubt that Nay is one of the most anticipated entries of the festival this year.

The film's official teaser poster.

With "Bar Boys" and "Nay" director Kip Oebanda

With "Nay" star Jameson Blake

With "Nay" star Enchong Dee