People watch her as everyday as the revengeful "Contessa", but this year, people get to see Kapuso actress Glaiza De Castro in a different light as she plays a Martial Law victim in her latest indie film, “Liway” written and directed by Kip Oebanda (Bar Boys).
The film which is based on a true story is an official entry to this year’s Cinemalaya Film Festival and features Glaiza De Castro as the titular character “Liway” who finds herself in the middle of prison during the tail-end of the Martial Law era. The film chronicles their life inside prison as she tries to raise her son, named Dakip (since he was born after his parents got imprisoned) in such environment, that despite of the hard situation that the child finds himself in, he can grow up happy, hopeful and resilient. At the same time, their family is struggling with a difficult question, what is best for their child during that time since the risk for former rebels have already intensified as more people disappear or found dead. The family is in immense pressure not just to survive but to ensure that the child doesn’t grow up traumatized and still remains hopeful despite the situation. Will they let Dakip stay with his family in that prison cell or will they set the child free? But if they were to set their child free, can they take the pain of having your own son grow up not knowing you as his parent?
According to the director, this film is very timely given of what’s happening in our society right now. The film is a hopeful and optimistic tale of a family as they try to survive the hardships that they face. “Liway” wants to give encourage people to believe that no matter what happens in our society, even the times becomes suppressive (like during the Martial Law), there’s a way to speak, there’s a way to act, there’s a way to keep your dignity as a person in spite of what’s happening around you.
When asked whether this film is an anti-Marcos film, director Kip clarified that the film has no intentions of such. “It’s just a true story of a family. Hindi siya kasi nagme-makeng stand na anti or pro-Duterte, or anti or pro-Marcos, ang stance talaga (ng pelikula) ay totoo ito. Ito ang nangyari. Take it or leave it. Now, whether or not the audiences perceives that as anti-Marcos or pro-Marcos, that’s a different story.” He further commented that “I don’t sugarcoat what happened during that era. Towards the end of our film, meron naman kasing documentary/ testimonial proof that all of these things did happen. And for me, malaking contribution na yun to say that these histories are real. That these stories are true. Na totoo itong mga taong ito at ang mga kwentong ito because may movement ngayon to discredit that narrative, to say na exaggerated yan or masasama’t criminal silang lahat. There is a push to eradicate that history.”
Director Kip and his family is a real life survivor of the Martial Law era. According to him, “I care very much about this particular issue, and I get hurt when people say na hindi kami totoong tao, or hindi totoo yung mga narratives namin. People really did suffer. People really did die.” He said that just to be able to contribute to the discourse by saying that these stories are real is already an achievement for a filmmaker like him at this point in time.
As for Glaiza De Castro, he said that by accepting the film despite her busy schedule due to her teleserye, it shows that she’s really interested. He further commented that people are going to see a
different side of her in this film. “It’s a challenging role, I would say. Kasi on one hand, she’s a very caring and loving mom who’s calm and poised, but she’s also the commander of a rebel movement. So it’s a very difficult balancing act of toughness and sensitivity that I think she pulls off very, very well. So I’m very happy for her.”
The film reunites Glaiza De Castro with Dominic Roco who plays her husband. Glaiza and Dominic both starred in another indie film before, the 2015 romantic flick “Sleepless”. The film also stars Soliman Cruz, Renante Samantes, Joel Saracho, Sue Prado, Vance Larena, and introducing Kenken Nuyad as the child Dakip, with Khalil Ramos. The film will debut at the Cinemalaya Film Festival this August 3-12, 2018.
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.
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).
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Petersen Vargas' highly acclaimed coming-of-age film 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten bags the Audience Choice Award at the LGBTQI Film Festival. The film had it's international premiere last June 17 & 18, 2017 at Multisala Cinema Massimo in Turin, Italy as part of the Torino LGBTQI Film Festival. It is the ONLY Asian Film in competition this year, programmed alongside titles like Andrew Ahn's Sundance-winning Spa Night and 2017 Berlinale's The Wound, among others.
"2 COOL 2 BE 4GOTTEN wins the Audience Award at the 32nd Lovers Film Festival - Torino lgbtqi Visions! For a film that has been restricted to be shown to its ideal audience in the Philippines, it has found an enthusiastic, loving audience somewhere far away from home. Bittersweet." Source: 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten Facebook page
After it's successful theatrical release in the Philippines last March 2017, Petersen Vargas' critically acclaimed film finally gets it's international debut. His coming-of-age film 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten is among the films in the Main Competition of the 32nd Torino LBTQI Film Festival (Lovers Film Festival-Torino LGBTQI Visions). Starring Khalil Ramos, Ethan Salvador and Jameson Blake, the highly-acclaimed film, set in the late 90s in Angeles, Pampanga, follows Felix Salonga, a friendless achiever, who 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. [Star Cinema]
The film is one of the most controversial Filipino movies of 2017 after the film was slammed with 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. Nevertheless, the film was met warmly by the Filipino audience, receiving positive response from viewers.
Source: 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten Facebook page
And last June 17 & 18, 2017, the film had it's international premiere at Multisala Cinema Massimo in Turin, Italy as part of the Torino LGBTQI Film Festival. It is the ONLY Asian Film in competition this year, programmed alongside titles like Andrew Ahn's Sundance-winning Spa Night and 2017 Berlinale's The Wound, among others. Also included in the festival is Jared Joven and Kaj Palanca’s short film, Contestant #4, an entry in last year’s QCinema fest. The Torino LGBTQI Film Festival is an important Italian cinematographic event, also well known in the international circuit. It is co-organized together with the Turin National Museum of Cinema and it is supported by public institutions, cultural ones and private sponsors. The festival, initially conceived simply as a programme of films focusing on LGBT themes, the event became a Festival in 1989 and was recognized as such by the Italian Ministry of Culture and Entertainment in 1990. Now, the festival attracts over 45 thousand people and is now the most important LGBTQ film festival in Italy and one of the oldest ones worldwide. [LoversFF website, 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten Facebook Page].
I initially intended to write a second review of Petersen Vargas' film 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten. But then, I changed my mind. I already wrote one before (you can check it out here) and I want to write something different this time. So I planned on writing an article arguing why the film doesn't deserve it's R-18 rating from the MTRCB. But eventually, I ended up here, writing an open letter to the people behind the film, on my thoughts about the movie (after rewatching it for seven times now) and how it affected my life, seriously.
Let me start from the very beginning.
Last year, I fell in love with Filipino indie films. I've been watching Pinoy indie flicks before but I wasn't much of a follower or a fan. Then, I saw Ice Idanan's Sakaling Hindi Makarating, an entry from the 2016 CineFilipino film Festival. I immediately loved the film (not realizing that it was co-written by Petersen Vargas too), and it prompted me to watch some other entries from the said festival. After that, I started looking for more Pinoy indie films to watch and the next one that got my attention was Nestor Abrogena's Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa. I tried to watch it then at Cinematheque Manila, but I didn't know the place so I got lost. Luckily, a new friend of mine (on Facebook) who is a blogger and film buff (let's just call him Jonell Estillore) brought me to this really cool place in Mandaluyong, Cinema '76, a micro-theater screening Filipino indie films. I was able to watch Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa and was blown away with it (that twist ending was Aca-mazing!). So since then, I've been visiting Cinema '76 once in a while to check out their line up of indie films.
Then around November 2016 came the 2016 Cinema One Originals. At first, I wasn't sure which film to pick since it was the first time that I will be watching a Cinema One Originals film fest entry. Plus the list of film titles that they released back then doesn't even have any summary nor genre description included. The first title that got my attention was this film called 2 cool 2 Be 4gotten. I thought it sounded weird but catchy. But I wasn't sure if I'm going to see it since I didn't know what it all about. So I thought I'd just wait for the festival itself, and check out the trailers they will have for each film. After a few days, the trailer for 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten was released. The trailer featured Khalil Ramos as the lead. I've been watching him since he became a finalist in Pilipinas Got Talent before, and I've seen him in a lot of films like She's Dating The Gangster, A Second Chance and Honor Thy Father. The film looked like a barkada type movie, a coming-of-age film (my weakness). The trailer was a bit mysterious (I even thought it was a mystery thriller, ha ha!), but it definitely convinced me to watch it. So I went to Trinoma the next day after I got out of work and went to buy a ticket for the Premier Night that same day. I was surprised when I found out that the screening was almost sold out. Luckily, I got a seat at the far left row. I actually wanted to sit in the middle as I always do when watching a movie inside the cinema but there wen't any available seats left.
November 17, 2016. I thought I was gonna be late for that night gala premiere at Cinema 1 of Trinoma. Lukicly, I got there before the screening started. And I have no idea that this night would turn out to be one of the most unforgettable moments of my life (wow, heavy!)
The cast and crew of the film during their gala premiere.
November 17, 2016. Cinema 1, Trinoma.
After watching the film, I even got the chance to meet the cast, Khalil Ramos, Ethan Salvador and Jameson Blake with their director Petersen Vargas. They were really cool and accommodating. They even stayed outside the cinema to take a photo op with the audiences who watched the film (even if the mall was already closing). After that, I headed for work. On my way, I still can't forget the movie. There is this weird feeling that lingers in me. I don't know what it is. I can't even explain it. I just felt connected to the film. This prompted me to watch the film for the second time during it's screening at Cinematheque Center Manila on November 20, 2016, Sunday. Then, after the film won the Best Picture award at the festival and earned itself another screening, I took that opportunity and watched it again. After seeing it for the second and third time, I finally realized why I felt so connected to the movie. I saw myself in Felix' character. We share some similarities to the point that some scenes in the film even reflect past events in my life (minus the part where he fell in love with his best friend Magnus and that sexually charged one-on-one with Maxim). I guess it triggered something in me. Something in my memory. Something painful. Something so close to my heart.
It was my best friend. One of the most coolest guy I met in my life. He was so close to me. He was the brother that I never had.
March 24, 2016. The day of my birthday. And yes, it was also Maundy Thursday. Probably the worst day to celebrate your birthday since you cannot even celebrate because it's Holy Week. You can't visit the mall because they're closed. You can't even eat any meat because you're fasting. That was the same day that I met him. Actually, I've been seeing him for some time now before that day. He got transferred to our department a few weeks back. I've been talking to him for a while but we were never close. He was this weird, silent kid. Pale white (like Magnus). He was always dressed up so well. So neat. Always sitting away from the rest of the team. But on that day, we became friends. He gave me this chocolate bar as a gift for my birthday and greeted me. That was the best thing that happened to me that day. When we went home, we took the bus together and we talked about a lot of stuff. Random stuff. I found out that we liked the same things, from superhero movies (Marvel vs. DC) to the bands that we listen to. We became really close since then.
Then months passed. We became best friends. We even had a codename. I called myself Steve Rogers and he was Bucky Barnes from Captain America. The greatest best friends in the Marvel universe. We celebrated his birthday by watching a movie together: Now You See Me 2. He would accompany me to SM North whenever I'm buying a new comic book at Filbars. He became a big influence in me. I started dressing up as well. Usually, you would see me coming to work wearing Tshirt. But since I started hanging out with him, I started wearing my polo and long sleeved shirts. I don't know. I had to look neat whenever I'm with him, I guess. I became so hooked with superhero movies and TV series. But after five months, everything changed.
He left the company. He had to go.
August 8,2016. That was the last day I saw him.
It took a big toll on me. I was depressed for weeks. A month even. But after a while, I started to accept the fact that some things in this life just don't last a lifetime. Mostly, the good ones. After a few weeks, I was okay. I guess. Then, I saw this movie. And it brought back all my memories of him. My best friend. The first person that I treated as my own brother.
The movie's tagline was right. You will never forget your first.
This movie brought all my memories of my best friend. All the happy ones. Even the sad ones. Never have I ever watched a movie that hit me so hard like 2 Cool. Okay. Let me clarify something first. I'm not gay. I'm straight. But I could really relate to Felix' character. He felt like a real person to me. Yeah, I fell in love with the character. Petersen Vargas and Jason Paul Laxamana created one of the best movie characters in history (for me). I became so attached to the character that for weeks, I suffered from separation anxiety from him after watching the movie. I guess that's the reason why I went to watch their two screenings of the film as part of the Cinema One Original's rerun at Cine Adarna, UPFI Film Center, UP Diliman last January. I also went to see the film during it's screening for the 5th Freedom Film Festival at De La Salle University last February (where director Petersen Vargas announced the film's nationwide release).
From L-R:
Khalil Ramos, Director Petersen Vargas, Jameson Blake, me and Producer Alemberg Ang
during the Cinema One Original's re-run at the
Cine Adarna, UPFI Film Center, UP Diliman. January 16, 2017.
I became dedicated in supporting Filipino indie films because of this movie. So I started this blog. Originally, I wanted to showcase those Filipino independent films here, but eventually I started including mainstream movies here as well after the success of the recent Metro Manila Film Festival. I wanted to show my support for the film and share it to other people. So I kept on telling my friends about this film and how it affected me, over and over again. When it was announced that the film will be having it's nationwide release on March 15, 2017, I couldn't be more excited. Finally, other people would be able to watch this film and experience how awesome it is. I kept on promoting it to my friends and other people I know. From Facebook, Twitter and even Instagram, I kept on posting about it to let others know how good this movie is.
But a day before the film screens in cinemas nationwide, something unexpected happened. Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) slammed it with a hard R-18 rating, meaning that the movie will only be shown to audiences 18 years old and above. This also means that the film's availability will be limited and the supposedly nationwide release that Star Cinema has announced weeks ago will not be possible. SM Cinema, the country's biggest movie theater chain has been showing the film's trailer days on every screening they have before the film's playdate, March 15 (I even saw it's trailer during a screening of the filmPwera Usog at SM Fairview). But because of the film's R-18 rating, they have removed the film from their line up. Originally given an R-16 rating, Petersen Vargas and the film's team appealed for a much lower (and obviously more appropriate) R-13 rating. But instead, the MTRCB slapped them with an R-18 rating. Only viewers who are 18 years old and above can be admitted in the film's screening. An “R-18” classification advises viewers, parents, and supervising adults that the film may contain any of the elements that may not be suitable for children below 18 years of age.
I couldn't be more frustrated. I was heartbroken. Not only for the film but for director Petersen Vargas. I remember during their Q&A at the 5th Freedom Film Festival after one of their screening that when he was young, he had always wanted to watch a movie like 2 Cool. But during his time, there weren't any Filipino movies like this. There weren't any movie that he can relate to his current situation. And so he dreamed of making a movie for those kids like him before. But because of the film getting an R-18 rating, those kids won't have the chance to see the film. Those kids whom he dedicated this film to.
feels like a cheat to have promised a "nationwide" release & yet find out this is as far your small, small film could go. breaks my heart.
— Petersen 4-Ever (@petersenvargas) March 14, 2017
I have seen 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten. Based on all the movies I've seen, and the ratings that came with them, it does not deserve an R-18.
— Phil Dy (@philbertdy) March 15, 2017
#2Cool2BeForgotten got an R-18 from MTRCB.
Di ipapalabas sa SM.
Because it's 'gay'.
Pero yung sumasabog na bungo sa Logan okay lang, no?
— Juan Miguel Severo (@TheRainBro) March 14, 2017
As I quote Felix' opening line: I am in a conundrum. This is not the first time an MTRCB rating has stumped me. It's just so stupid. Remember that the Hollywood release, John Wick 2 and Logan, both received a much lower R-16 rating despite the heavy amount of violence, blood and gore in the film (Logan even featured a breast exposure in one scene). Another 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. As of today, these Hollywood releases dominate cinemas across the country, with 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten being the only recent Filipino release. According to the MTRCB's official statement, the youth-oriented film has no redeeming social value, therefore making the film inappropriate to be seen by minors. Come on, did you guys even watched the actual film? The film doesn't deserve that freaking R-18 rating. Take it from someone who have seen the film seven times now (the 7th time was during the film's opening day last March 15). An R-13 rating would have been much more appropriate. An R-16 is a bit too much but still acceptable. But an R-18 rating is just plain stupid. Calling it as having no redeeming social value is way more stupid. I mean, coming out of the closet and discovering one's self has no redeeming social value? How about finding friendship as strong as Felix and Magnus? Or fighting for someone you loved, despite the consequences it may bring you? And what about accepting who you really are? Accepting and being confident in revealing the real you? Isn't all that redeeming value?
I hope this will serve as a wake-up call to all the Filipinos out there. We shouldn't let these people in their not-so-deserving government positions dictate us what is good or bad for us. We shouldn't let them tell us which movies are within our morals. We have our minds to decide which are suitable for us and which are the ones that are not.
Despite all that, I am still thankful because I was very lucky to experience this one hell of a film. I'm so thank ful because I am one of those people who have been touched by this little movie in so many ways. I am so thankful for the people behind this film because they made a movie that seemed so impossible to make and release it in mainstream theaters. Thank you, direk Jason Paul Laxamana for creating this marvelous story. Thank you direk Petersen Vargas for breathing life into this characters. Thank you to Khalil Ramos, Ethan Salvador and Jameson Blake for bravely taking these challenging roles and giving justice to each one of these characters. Please remember that I will always be your movie's number one fan.
I guess in the end, all we could do now is to show our support for the film. Watch the film in cinemas while they're still screening. Share it to your friends. Post about it in social media sites and let everyone know how good it is. At least with that, we have a pretty good fight. Support indie films. Show our love for Filipino films.
And to quote Felix one last time...
At this moment, I have this little gem called 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten that I will cherish forever. "And nothing, not even the strongest force of nature can take that away from me."
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?
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.
It was a warm January night when we got out of UP Cine Adarna theater after the Thursday screening of the film 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten. The coming-of-age film starred Khalil Ramos, Jameson Blake and Ethan Salvador. Penned by Jason Paul Laxamana, the film was helmed by Petersen Vargas in his full length feature film debut. The coming-of-age film follows Felix Salonga, a friendless, eccentric overachiever in his second year of high school who's life changed after meeting the Snyder Brothers, Magnus (Ethan Salvador) and Maxim (Jameson Blake) Film-Am transferees to his school. The film was part of the 2016 Cinema One Originals film festival where it won Best Film. “Sentimentality and sociopathy strike a delicate balance in the exquisitely rendered romance involving two brothers and a nerd. Lit, written, acted, and directed with equal parts lushness and restraint, cinema one originals 2016’s best film is sexy, serene, and memorable" - that was the jury citation for the film as it won the highly coveted Best Film Award, alongside the honor for Best Cinematography and Best Supporting Actor for Jameson Blake. (Check out my own review of the film here )
Director Petersen Vargas after the screening of his full lenght feature debut at the Cine Adarna, UP Film Center, UP Diliman last January 2017.
Petersen Vargas started making short films and music videos (one of my favorite is his MV for BP Valenzuela's Steady) before he won the Cinemamalaya 2015 Best Direction award for his short film Lisyun Qng Geografia. Vargas was cited for his “effective harnessing of the technical elements of filmmaking in telling a simple story” of a boy who finds an old map that triggers him to retrace the places that are special to him and his high school best friend. And last year, he made his full length feature debut in the 2016 Cinema One Originals Film Festival entry with 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten. He's actually one of my favorite film directors of all time because of his film 2 Cool. And I am an avid follower of his web series Hanging Out (produced by Team MAG) which has recently finished it's first season. After the screening, me and some students got a chance to have a short talk with director Petersen and ask him about his film.
Me: How many days did you shoot the film?
Petersen: Mga 8 shooting days.
Me: From a scale of 1 to 10, how hard was the whole process of completing the film?
Petersen: 100! (laughs)
Me: Wow. That hard?
Petersen: Hindi. Mahirap talaga gumawa ng pelikula, kahit anong pelikula pa siya. (No. It's really hard to make a film, whatever type of film it is)
Me: But when you saw the final product of your work, what's the first thing that popped in your mind?
Petersen: Ah, dissatisfied (laughs) I think lagi ka na lang madi-dissatisfied sa end product. Pero I guess dahil parang may deadline... kailangang matapos. (I think you will always get dissatisfied with your end product. But I guess it's because you have a deadline... you just wanted to finish it)
Me: Back to the movie itself, I noticed that the color blue seems like a primary motif in the film as there were a lot of scenes where it is present. Was it just coincidence or was that part of your design?
Petersen: Hmmm... Hindi ko alam (I don't know). I guess I just like the color blue. (laughs) Wala naman siyang masyadong importance. (It doesn't really have so much importance) But I mean, we carefully choose naman the things that we put there.
Me: What can you tell those aspiring filmmakers that doesn't know where to actually start achieving their dreams of creating their own films?
Petersen: Wow. Right. Ano lang, learn to love film. Kasi di ka magtatagal maging filmmaker kung hindi mo love yung film. Yun, nood ka lang. Tapos after mong manood ng napadaraming films, I'm sure you'll find it in your heart to start making one. (Just learn to love film. Because you won't last as a filmmaker if you don't love films. Just keep on watching. Then, after watching so many films, I'm sure you'll find it in your heart to start making one)
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Below are some photos of Director Petersen Vargas that I took after watching their screenings of the film (Hey, you're now my favorite director of all time)👌 ) ) . To date, I have already watched 2 Cool 2 Be 4gottensix times before it's nationwide theatrical release. And yes, I am still looking forward in seeing it in cinemas this March 15, 2017.
Director Petersen Vargas with the cast and crew of the film during their Premiere Night at Cinema 1 of Trinoma last year, November 17, 2016.
From L-R: Khalil Ramos, Director Petersen Vargas, Jameson Blake, me and Producer Alemberg Ang during the Cinema One Original's re-run at the Cine Adarna, UP Film Center, UP Diliman last January 2017.
A big crowd lines up outside the Cine Adarna, UP Film Center, UP Diliman as they wait for the screening of the film 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten last January 2017.
From L-R : Jameson Blake, Producer Alemberg Ang, Director Petersen Vargas and Khalil Ramos during their Q&A session after the screening.
Director Petersen Vargas with Jameson Blake, Khalil Ramos and Producer Alemberg Ang as they pose at the marquee outside the Cine Adarna, UP Film Center.
Director Petersen Vargas with Khalil Ramos during their Q&A Session after the screening of their film for the 5th Freedom Film Festival of the De La Salle University last February 2017.
Director Petersen Vargas and Khalil Ramos posing with the organizers of the 5th Freedom Film Festival.
So don't forget to watch 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten starring Khalil Ramos, Ethan Salvador and Jameson Blake, written Jason Paul Laxamana and directed by by Petersen Vargas. In cinemas nationwide this March 15, 2017, distributed by Star Cinema.
