REVIEW: Firefly - Let Your Imagination Make You Cry

GMA Pictures joins the Metro Manila Film Festival for 2023 with an emotional film filled with adventure, love, friendship, and a lot of imagination with FIREFLY. Directed by Zig Dulay, it stars Alessandra De Rossi, Euwenn Mikaell, Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Epy Quizon, Yayo Aguila, and a special participation by Dingdong Dantes.

Interestingly, many films with the word 'firefly' are known to be tear-jerkers with a very moving story. And when I heard the title of the film, I knew that this would really move the viewers and indeed I saw and felt it when I saw this at the premiere night of the film with the stars along with the key personalities of GMA Public Affairs like Jessica Soho and Kara David.

FIREFLY tells the story of a kid named Tonton, who went on a journey to find the island of the fireflies which his mother (Alessandra) would tell stories filled with magical creatures and one can fulfill one's wish when they would reach it. The unexpected travel would lead Tonton to meet Louie (Epy), Linda (Yayo), Billy (Miguel), and Erika (Ysabel) along the way. 

All Star Filipino Film Gets US Theatrical Release in 10 Major Cities

Circle of Bones, an independent horror/action film written and directed by award-winning Filipino filmmaker Vincent Soberano is showing in US theaters starting October 22, 2021 in ten major cities. Released by Vertical Entertainment and represented by Safier Entertainment, it is produced by IndieGo Pictures Entertainment in cooperation with CMB Films and Blackburst Studios. The movie is in Tagalog and English language and was filmed in Panglao, Bohol and Cainta, Rizal. 

“Circle of Bones” is based on Vincent Soberano’s unpublished book, “Yawa” - a tale of local superstitions and modern-day urban legends of the Visayas region. Set in the picturesque island of Panglao, Bohol, the story is told by a lone survivor of a mysterious cult suspected of mass murders and human sacrifices. 

Soberano recounts how the story was developed while he was on location hunting for a different film. “I get my inspiration for stories usually in the most unexpected ways,” he recalls. “I was location-hunting for another movie and I stumbled into a cult temple in Bohol. Curious, I started asking around and based on stories from the locals, I came up with the new plot for Circle of Bones.” 

REVIEW: Mindanao - Bigger Battle Than War

There has been countless films about Mindanao and its people, yet Brillante Mendoza wants to share another view of the diverse island which comprises of many cultures, people, and stories. Though there is still the concept of war still happening in some parts of the island, they also incorporated the story told by a mother to her child with a legend of the dragons of Mindanao.

Starring in the film are Judy Ann Santos, Allen Dizon, and Yuna Tangog as the family who is struggling with both war and the illness of thir daughter, Aisa. Originally titled "Maguindanao" it was later changed to Mindanao to reflect  an expanded worldview. Brillante Mendoza also mentioned that this is part of his trilogy about the region, the first one which is also a MMFF entry, Thy Womb featured Nora Aunor and Lovi Poe tells the story about the Bajao people.

The film garnered the most awards at the MMFF 2019 awards night that includes Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress among it's hauls. Judy Ann already had an advanced best actress award before the MMFF at the Cairo International Film Festival, while Brillante also got  an award for the Henry Barakat Award for Artistic Contribution.

GOYO - Ang Batang Heneral Continues The Revolutionary Trilogy

After the underdog success of Heneral Luna, the "Artikulo Uno" trilogy continues with Gregorio Del Pilar now on the spotlight. GOYO Ang Batang Heneral is directed by Jerold Tarog, and Paulo Avelino plays the role again. 

With Heneral Luna comes a fiesty and strong film about the general's life, Goyo is more of the opposite with a more milder yet womanizing  personality which might come as a shock for those expecting a hot-headed  protagonist. 

The film also brings in the cast of Heneral Luna like Apolinario Mabini (Epy Quizon), Emilio Aguinaldo (Mon Confiado), Manuel Quezon (Benjamin Alves, and Joven (Aaron Villaflor). Though I would also highly recommend watching the filler short "Angelito" which was part of "I'm Drunk, I Love You." but is also available for viewing in their facebook page. 

Heneral Luna Nationwide School Tour Kicks Off

The Heneral Luna school tour kicks off from June to August in thirty schools nationwide.

Organized in cooperation with Dakila, the forum titled “Bayani Ba ‘To?” aims to inspire cultural healing and critical thinking, reawaken patriotism and rekindle a deeper appreciation for Filipino history and culture among today’s youth.

Directed by Jerrold Tarog, the historical action epic based on the life and works of General Antonio Luna features John Arcilla in the title role, with a powerhouse cast of seasoned actors including Mon Confiado (as Emilio Aguinaldo), Epy Quizon (as Apolinario Mabini), Leo Martinez (as Pedro Paterno), Nonie Buencamino (as Felipe Buencamino), Bing Pimentel (as Doña Laureana Luna), Mylene Dizon, and young actors Ketchup Eusebio, Arron Villaflor and Paulo Avelino.