As an aspiring film maker, I’ve always dreamt of attending the Cinemalaya Film Festival. I remember reading nice reviews from movie critics about some of my favorite Cinemalaya movies like Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, Room Boy, Isnats, Endo and 100. I was based in Dagupan during that time. I wanted to go with a blogger friend last year to watch some movies, but my work schedule didn’t permit me to do so.
Cinemalaya Cinco Short Film Finalists
I am grateful to Gibbs Cadiz for choosing me as one of the five bloggers to cover the Cinemalaya Cinco event! Not only did I get the chance all the movies for free, but I was also able to meet and greet some of the directors and casts of the participating films. During the presscon which took place sometime in May, I got the chance to talk to Pepe Diokno of Engkwentro (where I asked him if he’s a bit scared about the issues that might pop-up after the movie’s release), Edgar Allan Guzman (one of the actors of Astig), Alfred Vargas (where the press mobbed him with political and Katrina Halili related questions) and Che Ramos (where I expressed that I am a fan of her effective portrayal as a rich preso girl at Prinsesa ng Banyera LOL).
Cinemalaya Cinco Full Length Directors
Fast forward to two months after where Cinemalaya loyalists and press people attended the Opening night of Cinemalaya Cinco. The directors of the short and full length films were introduced and the trailers were shown. The CCP Main Theatre was unbelievably jampacked mainly because of the opening film – Manila, the black and white indie film starred and produced by Piolo Pascual. For the first time, I heard a number of fangirls scream their lungs out with “Piolo” everytime the actor utters a word. I almost forgot that I went to the same venue to watch Miss Saigon almost ten years ago and we were required to shut up while watching.
Piolo Pascual was accompanied by directors Alix and Martin. Rosanna Roces and Jay Manalo were also present at the opening night to show their support to the team. Much to my surprise upon seeing KC Concepcion at the hall. Oh yeah, Lovers in Paris will be launched soon at ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida.
What can I say about the movie? I do admire the producers for coming up with a tribute film for Bernal and Brocka. I seriously loved the ‘look and feel’ of the film. The only thing that bothered me most are the mainstream actors doing support roles. I loved the “Night” part. I just love watching Jay Manalo, Baron Geisler and Alessandra de Rossi in one film. Talk about superb acting.
Jhed, Shena, Mica
Jhed, LA, Shena and I met at CCP to catch any film. We originally wanted to watch Last Supper #3 for 3pm. Much to our dismay upon seeing the SOLD OUT note at the board. We ended up watching Dinig Sana Kita, a lovestory between a deaf dancer and a rockstar who has a hearing problem. Though my companions were a bit hesitant at first, we all ended up crying (errrr…almost) upon seeing the last scene. Kudos to Mike Sandejas and the rest of the team!
with Romalito Mallari of Dinig Sana Kita
At 6PM, we were able to watch the short films included at the second set. The theme of the films are different from one another, but the short film that really captured our hearts is Bonsai. 😀
Outside CCP
For more Cinemalaya Cinco-related articles, just refer to the links below:
Cinemalaya 2009 Complete List of Winners
Cinemalaya Cinco, matagumpay!
Parazzi Chikka: Indie Piolo!
Premiere Shots: Astig na Astig ang ASTIG!
Premiere Shots: Paolo Rivero and Janvier Daily in Bayaw
Premiere Shots: Mainstream actors, naki-indie na rin!
—-this post will be updated soon—-