Tag: Philippine Cinema

(From the Cultural Center of the Philippines)

AFTER receiving rave reviews from Cinemalaya audiences—who are film aficionados and festival newbies alike—“Respeto” by Alberto “Treb” Monteras 2nd also won the coveted Best Film in this year’s edition of the independent film festival.

An exploration of the Philippine hip-hop underground world where a young aspiring rapper and a Martial Law poet cross paths, “Respeto” emerged as the biggest winner at the awards night held on August 13 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theater. Besides being recognized as Best Film, it also won Best Supporting Actor for Dido de la Paz, Best Sound for Corinne De San Jose, Best Editing for Lawrence Ang, the 2017 NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema) Award and the Audience Choice Award.

Continue reading “‘Respeto’ Wins Respect, Top Awards at Cinemalaya 2017” →

Text and Photos by Euden Valdez

DIRECTED by veteran music video director Treb Monteras 2nd, scored by South Border frontman Jay Durias, and topbilled by today’s most in-demand hip-hop artist Abra.

One would easily think that “Respeto” is film about music, particularly the fliptop scene and how the underdog rapper makes his way to the top of the underground world—as is said in its synopsis. But watching it proved otherwise because all those were secondary to the film’s bigger picture, deeper message and powerful portrayals.

This was what Monteras succeeded doing in his first-ever movie, no less than a full-length entry at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2017. It held its gala screening on August 6 at the main theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), home of Cinemalaya.

Continue reading “REVIEW: ‘Respeto’ Deserves Every Viewer’s Respect” →

Text and Photos by Euden Valdez

TO be fair, “Requited”—a full-length entry at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2017—had potential. Its theme was never before seen at the Cultural Center of the Philippines main theater: cycling and then finding love along the way.

Directed, written and produced by Nerissa Picadizo, “Requited” stars actor Jake Cuena alongside newcomer Anna Luna. Cuenca portrays Matt, a cyclist on a journey from Manila to Mt. Pinatubo via Tarlac in what appeared to be his epilogue to life. He is, after all, suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. Then comes Luna as Sandy, his best friend who joins him along the way.

They had good times on the road, and they had bad times—mostly bad times. Because despite their obvious feelings, they can’t love each other. They have too many complications.

Continue reading “REVIEW: ‘Requited’ Will Test Your Endurance Watching” →