Top 12 Best Performances from "Pista Ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2018"

The annual Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino has finally concluded. Even so, we still can't get over the entries of this year's Pista. Eight original, proudly-Filipino films were shown in all cinemas nationwide from August 15-21, 2018 (though not that exclusively unlike last year). This festival which started last year is a week-long celebration that screens Filipino films exclusively for one (1) week in August in line with the Buwan ng Wika. Organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines in partnership with all theaters nationwide, the first festival back in 2017 was such a success that it led to another Pista this year.

And after watching all eight entries of this year's Pista, we decided to countdown the Top 12 Best Performances From 'Pista Ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2018'.

12. Edgar Allan Guzman in "Pinay Beauty".

Edgar Allan Guzman is Migs in Jay Abello's comedy drama, who ended up owing a P180K debt that he accumulated to help Annie, his girlfriend of 7 years in a perennial quest of the typical Filipina to look Caucasian. during the film's most emotional moments, he cries to Annie who just realized that the cost of her dream of becoming white is her boyfriend's life. "Mahal kita ng sobra, kaso sobra kang mahal!"

11. Mailes Angelina Kanapi in "Madilim Ang Gabi".

Adolf Alix Jr.'s EJK themed crime drama featured a multitude of celebrity cameos, enough to make Marvel's "Avengers : Infinity War" blush. But the most unforgettable cameo of them all was Mailes Angelina Kanapi (from films like "Matangtubig" and "Patay Na Si Hesus") and her heartbreaking moment in the film as a wife of a Japanese businessman who got kidnapped for ransom.

10. Devon Seron in "Bakwit Boys".

Everyone was stunned after Devon Seron's brilliant performance in Jason Paul Laxamana's romantic musical as she was able to showcase her acting chops and her amazing talent in singing. Her soulful voice was perfect for her character as she played Rose, a city girl who helped the Datul boys achieve their dreams in the film.

9. JC Santos in "The Day After Valentine's".

We got a very different JC Santos in this year's Pista as he plays Kai, a distraught man who's trying to fix his life after his break-up with his girlfriend. Portraying a man struggling with depression in Jason Paul Laxamana's latest tearjerker, he proved that he can take on any role given to time and nail it with flying colors.

8. Nikko Natividad in "Bakwit Boys"

Hashtag's Nikko Natividad surprised us with his impressive performance as the shy yet adorable Datul brother Philip in Jason Paul Laxamana's musical.

7. Erich Gonzales in "We Will Not Die Tonight".

Erich Gonzales shocked everyone with her unexpected turn in Richard Somes’ bloody action thriller. From her believable acting to her heart-stopping stunts, everything was on point.

6. Jameson Blake in "Ang Babaeng Allergic Sa Wifi".

Jameson Blake gives his finest performance to date in Jun Lana’s teen romcom. He will surely break your heart with his portrayal of Aries. He blew us away with that emotional scene as he and his brother reconciled, leading to an unexpected twist.

5. Vance Larena in "Bakwit Boys".

Theater star turned indie actor Vance Larena is absolutely brilliant in his sensitive portrayal of a tough yet caring brother in Jason Paul Laxamana’s musical. He manages to make his character stern but sympathetic, while sweeping audiences' hearts with his rockstar voice.

4. Felix Roco in "Madilim Ang Gabi".

One of the best performances from Adolf Alix Jr.’s crime drama is Felix Roco’s powerful turn as a drug user who is caught in the middle of Duterte’s drug war. You can really feel his emotions just by looking at his eyes. It says it all there.

3. Bela Padilla in "The Day After Valentine's".

Bela Padilla brought everyone to tears in her heart-breaking portrayal of  Lani, a strong, confident woman who seems to have answers to all of life’s most difficult questions. During the film's most gut-wrenching moment, he pleads to Kai to be with her. "I fixed you. Dapat akin ka... Ikaw na lang ang meron ako."
Her performance here cemented her status as one of the best actresses of this generation.

2. Nanding Josef in "Signal Rock" & "Bakwit Boys".

One of the most underrated actors of our industry, Nanding Josef truly deserves all the praise for his outstanding performance in two entries of this year’s Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino: "Signal Rock" & "Bakwit Boys".

1. Christian Bables in "Signal Rock".

Christian Bables’ magnificent performance in Chito S. Rono’s drama is one of the main reasons why “Signal Rock” is one of the best films of the year. Period.

"Ito ang nangyari. Take it or leave it" : A Look on Kip Oebanda's "LIWAY"

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.

Movie Review : "Sin Island" (2018)

Star Cinema's latest Valentine offering is probably it's most risqué and controversial film to date. A titillating and suspenseful erotic thriller, "Sin Island" is a movie you will not expect from a big company outfit like Star Cinema which is known for it's family-friendly comedies and romance flicks. And that makes this movie even more exciting. 

Directed by Gino M. Santos, "Sin Island" tells the story of a picture-perfect married couple David (Xian Lim) and Kanika (Coleen Garcia) whose paradise in each other’s arms will be put to the test as she enters into a dangerous affair shortly after his career tanks into a downward spiral. As David discovers Kanika’s transgressions, he flees to Sinilaban Island where he meets and engages in a carnal affair with a girl named Tasha (Nathalie Hart). Despite their mistakes, the couple decides to rekindle their marriage, but Tasha refuses to let go of David.

The film starts off in a rather slow but effective introduction to the pitch perfect marriage of David and Kanika. As the story progresses, we witness David plunge into depression after his business falls down the drain. Because of what event, he eventually gave up on life and retreated into staying at home, cleaning the house and doing home based works. On the other hand, Kanika ends up feeling like she is the only one carrying their whole marriage and becomes exhausted of trying to bring back the old David. She ends up being attracted to a pilot (TJ Trinidad) which David soon discovers. This forced him to take the chance to getaway to Sinilaban Island (hence the title) where he meets Tasha whom he became close and ends up sleeping with her. But Kanika soon realizes that he loves her husband more so he goes after him and decided to fight for their marriage.

The film is basically a rip-off of other past erotic thrillers we have seen in he past like Fatal Attraction (1987) and The Boy Next Door (2015),. But what makes this film much more enjoyable than those mentioned is that the film knows how to have fun. And this is very evident with the laughter and screams inside the cinema when we watched the movie. Gino M. Santos is one of the most promising filmmakers of this country today. And so far, "Sin Island" is his most fun and entertaining film to date. 

Xian Lim took quite a big risk in accepting the role of David. It was so refreshing to see him in a character like this because we have been so accustomed to seeing him in romance comedies and dramas before. Coleen Garcia was really good in portraying the role of Kanika. She has definitely gone a long way when it comes to her acting since her first movie, the indie film #Y (also under the direction of Gino M. Santos). But the real break-out star of this film is Nathalie Hart who plays the antagonist Tasha. She is like the equivalent of Anne Curtis' Kara in "No Other Woman" and Glenn Close's Alex in "Fatal Attraction". Her character goes through a lot of transformation all throughout the film and she was able to be consistent in her character. She also gets to throw most of the film's funniest and unforgettable lines like "I only give my puta self to the man I love."

Technical-wise, this is one gorgeous picture. From the beautiful location of the island to the stunning cinematography, everything is just so pretty and perfect. The scene when David and Tasha first had sex was probably one of the most beautifully shot bed scenes I've seen. It's actually way better than the past "Fifty Shades" movies combined. The execution and direction of the scene was so artistic and sexy at the same time. Then, there are those zoom in shots of the characters which add some campy feel to the movie, like those films from the 80's.And don't start me with that alluring soundtrack featuring KZ Tandingan's cover of "Isang Linggong Pag-ibig".

 The film itself is made more fun because of the sudden shifts in tone from the first to the second half of the film. It change gears and turns into a "Fatal Attraction" type of thriller that will shock viewers and put everyone at the edge of their seats. People were really screaming during the final act of the film and it was so fun hearing them. I must say that Gino M. Santos definitively knows his genre because he maneuvers the film smoothly and very effectively. If he has other plans for a movie like this, then I am looking forward to it.

"Sin Island" is the type of movie best seen when you're with someone, with your partner of friends. It's a sexy yet fun and exciting roller-coaster ride of emotions. An intoxicating serving of a film that is worth the price of admission.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

Movie Review : Mr. & Mrs. Cruz (2018)

After the surprise box-office smash hit of 2017, Kita Kita, director Sigrid Bernardo is back to give us another romance film that will surely give us the feels. Mr. & Mrs. Cruz stars JC Santos and Ryza Cenon as two strangers with similar surnames who cross paths during their soul-searching trip in Palawan. The film is produced by Viva Film who gave us last year's tearjerker, 100 Tula Para Kay Stella, together with Spring Films, the same team behind the movie Kita Kita.

The film follows two strangers, Raffy (JC Santos) and Gela (Ryza Cenon) who flew to Palawan to have some time alone and away from everything else. In a surprising twist of fate, both of them share the same surname: Cruz. This caused an assumption in every people they meet that they are a couple. Eventually, they decided to just pretend that they are a couple and started touring the province together, eventually learning one another's past heartbreaks and getting to know each other. The question is... will they still choose to stay together as Mr. and Mrs. Cruz by the end of their trip?

The film's premise may be a bit familiar to moviegoers as it will remind us of films like That Thing Called Tadhana (2015) or I'm Drunk, I Love you (2017). It features characters travelling around different places in the country as they try to find their-selves while on a road-trip. These road-themed romance films usually features one province, like Sagada (That Thing Called Tadhana) or La Union (I'm Drunk, I Love You) and incorporates the setting into it's story. This movie is no different from these films because the film's setting (Palawan, in this case) also plays a big role in the film's proceedings. Without spoiling anything, most of the movie (except some flashbacks) happened in Palawan-it starts and ends there. The film uses the amazing beauty of Palawan to it's advantage. Every scene is carefully framed and shot to make sure that it will highlight the beauty of the province. The film's shots of the Underground River are truly breathtaking. One can almost feel and taste the clear blue waters of Coron through it's majestic shots. The movie was indeed a great venue to promote the province of Palawan and it's tourist attractions.

The film had some weird moments where the two protagonist suddenly get isolated from the rest of the world. The two characters suddenly being left alone in a boat while cruising the Underground River. The two protagonists dancing while bubbles suddenly flew out of nowhere. As if everyone else around them didn't existed. But aside from these awkward moments, the film was really entertaining and is filled with scenes that will make audiences squeal.

The film's story is quite simple at first, but it gets complicated as we get to know these two characters more. There's more to their story before coming to the island, and this is where the film get's much of it's hugot. These two characters relive each other's past heartbreaks, bringing back all the drama and pain that they've tried so hard to forget. The good thing about this film is that the pain that these characters are experiencing felt so realistic. The actors are very capable in making us believe that these two characters are real humans like us and through them, we can definitely feel that pain. Anyone who has loved before can definitely relate to their characters.

There were some very short moments that admittedly was feeling a bit slow, but they're not that noticeable when looking back at the movie as a whole. The good thing about the movie is that director Sigrid made sure that it takes it's time in building up our two protagonists, Raffy and Gela. Each one's past is slowly revealed through the two character's discussions and conversations. At first, this setup might look boring but JC Santos and Ryza Cenon did a pretty good job in giving life to these characters that we are so hooked to hearing more of their stories and learning more about their lives before. Their self-aware characters were really fun to watch as they deconstruct different concepts of love and marriage and stereotypes of romance and relationships. 

The two of them make for a great pair onscreen. Ryza Cenon was amazing as Gela. This movie was a great way to showcase her acting prowess because her talent was on full display here. In one of the film's most memorable moments inside a bar where the two protagonist are discussing about their pasts while drinking, she shined in her character as she played it with full conviction. JC Santos always impressed me every time I see him in the big screen. From his heartbreaking performance as Fidel in 100 Tula Para Kay Stella last year, he was able to transform into a whole new character with Raffy. He has this great sensibility which aptly matches Ryza Cenon's.

Though not as impactful as director Sigrid's previous effort Kita Kita, the film's ending will still leave a mark in audience's hearts as we watch a fairy-tale come to it's conclusion. The realistic ending borders between sad and hopeful, it's as if the movie is asking us to think what are the possibilities long after the credits roll. It has this lasting effect on you, and it will keep you thinking: what will happen next? 

All in all, the film is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. It is another great addition to director Sigrid's profile as a director, and a great showcase of talent for it's cast.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

Movie Review : Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes (2018)

Star Cinema opens the year 2018 with a bang as they bring together two of the country's box-office queens in one big movie. Judy Ann Santos and Angelica Panganiban both star in Jun Lana's comedy "Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes".  The film marks the reunion of Judy Ann Santos and Angelica Panganiban, who first worked together in the hit 2001 ABS-CBN teleserye "Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka". The film also marks the return of Judy Ann and Angelica to the comedy genre.

In "Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes", Judy Ann Santos and Angelica Panganiban play devoted wives Lianne and Cindy, respectively, who got cheated on by their husbands who turn out to be gay. With their combined forces, they will make sure their exes don’t get what they took away from them: a happy ending. JC de Vera and Joross Gamboa plays Felix Reyes and Gary Reyes respectively, the cheating husbands of Lianne and Cindy. The film also features a star-studded ensemble, led by Gladys Reyes, Carmi Martin, Andrea Brillantes, Nico Antonio, Cai Cortez, Wilma Doesnt, Quark Henares and Kim Molina. The film is directed by Die Beautiful's Jun Robles Lana and is produced by Star Cinema, Quantum Films and IdeaFirst Company.

The film opens with Lianne and her friend discussing about the possibility that her husband, Gary, is having an affair with another woman. Lianne tries to get her husband's passion for their relationship by making herself sexier, even going as far as having a breast transplant. But it turns out that her husband isn't attracted to her anymore because he is already seeing someone else- another man, to her surprise. On the other hand, Cindy, is being pressured by her mother(monster)-in-law to have a baby already with her husband, Felix. Unfortunately, she wakes up one day only to find out that he has left her for another man. After a series of events, Lianne and Cindy discovers that their husbands are having an affair and decided to conjure a plan to make the lives of their exes to be miserable. 

At first glance, "Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes" looks like just another comedy film. But the truth is that the film is actually much deeper than you think. The film is perhaps one of the riskiest projects from Star Cinema in years, one that you wouldn't expect from the country's biggest movie company. The film bravely tackles different mature themes that are all relevant in today's society. Although most of the time, they use these themes to induce laughter from the audience, they are committed to discussing these themes in a serious and relatable manner to give lessons to the viewers. I love how the film tackles a different side of infidelity in marriages. Here, we are given two sides of the coin, the other is from Gary and Felix' point of view. They just want to be truthful to their-selves and they want to be free from everything that is keeping them from revealing their real identities. So they finally decided to come out of the closet so that the two of them can be together, which is what other people would always advise us. But on the other side of the story, we discover that their decision caused others to suffer, particularly Lianne and Cindy. Their wives are left heartbroken after learning that their husbands have cheated on them, and they are left asking themselves where did they go wrong. The film doesn't take sides between the two parties. Instead, it lets the audience realize the consequences of the actions of both parties involved and wants us to understand things from both perspectives.

The film also touches themes of the identification of the LGBT community. The film tackles the different gender identification of the LGBT to shed a bit of light to it's viewers. In one of the film's best moments - scene inside a noodle house - Gary and Felix explains to their wives their identifications. Gary sees himself as a woman while Felix identifies himself as a hetero-flexible, someone who is mostly straight but is still attractive to the same sex. This is probably the first mainstream movie that featured this type of topic in it's storyline. Aside from this, the movie also preaches audiences about the effects of social media and how one simple post online can cause negative effects to the people involved. It gives us an idea on how cyber-bullying can ruin someone else's life, if we are not careful and responsible enough in using social media. Regarding the film's humor, I must say that this is Star Cinema's freshest comedies to date. This is definitely not your regular Vice Ganda comedy. The film is infused with Jun Lana's absurd sense of humor. It pulls laughter from the audience through various aspects, one of which features Judy Ann Santos cursing out loud, a first in movie history. The movie's brand of comedy is very mature, hence the R-13 rating from the MTRCB.

The film's cast deserves a lot of credit in pulling off this film. All the cast were very effective in their roles. Joross Gamboa was believable in portraying Gary, who slowly transitions into a woman all throughout the film. This is probably his best performance to date, way better than the one from Deadma Walking. JC De Vera was also great in his portrayal of Felix. But the film really belongs to Judy Ann Santos and Angelica Panganiban, both who take great risks in their roles here. Angelica Panganiban's performance is reminiscent of her portrayal in Here Comes the Bride and Beauty in a Bottle. Her comic timing was on point and very effective. On the other hand, Judy Ann Santos breaks her reserved persona in this film to take on this very demanding role. Her character cursing out loud is probably the best moments of them. Every time we hear her, we can't help but break into laughter. But aside from their comic timing, Angelica and Judy Ann also manages to show off their acting prowess during the film's heavy moments, inducing a tear or two from the audiences.

Entertaining and thought-provoking from start to finish, "Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes" promises not only laughs but so much more.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

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!