A mission to find one’s true identity in ABS-CBN series “The General’s Daughter”

Angel Locsin gets caught in the middle of the battle between two nemeses that will change her life and identity in the action-drama series “The General’s Daughter”, seen outside the Philippines via TFC

ABS-CBN opens the year with the much-awaited union of generations of grand slam actors in the upcoming series “The General’s Daughter”, which is seen in most countries outside the Philippines via The Filipino Channel (TFC), with its pilot episode streaming via TFC Online (www.TFC.tv) on January 21.

REEL DEAL: Neomanila REVIEW

One of the feature films of QCinema directed by Mikhail Red, the director of the Filipino Oscar Entry Birdshot, Neomanila sparks interest what does this title mean. For me, I immediately think of a sci-fi story or a possible future timeline. However it proved to mean another thing.

Neomanila is something I was not initially expecting yet this is one of the things that gives mystery to the film. Set in present time, with all the present issues of society, and the reality they represent is very close. EJK, Drugs, Crime, Sex, and Money runs around which many films have used many times, now is interpreted by Mikhail Red now rising an acclaimed director.

There are a a great pool of artists for Neomanila which includes Eula Valdez, Rocky Salumbides, and Timothy Castillo. They play Irma, Raul, and Toto respectively; specifically linked to violence and a murder network which works deep in the shadows. 

Probably the only value you can get from this is the value of family, and the others are hard hitting life lessons which had grave consequences.  The film was painfully moving, yet indeed a masterpiece for Red. They went to be as real as possible with scenes that we are familiar with; the slums, the drugs, and possibly the violence. 

REEL DEAL: Pwera Usog REVIEW

This year could be the new era  Pinoy Horror films as new faces and technologies have come to bring to life stories of fear and mysticism. Regal Entertainment introduces their summer scare film with PWERA USOG which is written and directed by John Paul Laxamana (Love is Blind, Mercury is Mine). This latest Regal film features a leading cast composed of fresh faces like Sofia Andres, Joseph Marco, Kiko Estrada and Devon Seron.

As the title suggests, it deals with the supernatural belief of "Usog" which still lingers in modern times yet still prominent in provinces. Integrating it to the lives of the millenial generation is quite a challenge along with other elements which will make the story entertaining yet pleasing to movie goers.

Pwera Usog takes the "superstition" to a new twist with some details of the origin also revealed to help the viewers not familiar with the curse. I have to say that the young cast played their roles well, particularly Joseph for his comedic timing, and Devon for the emotions she shown as Luna. They actually played well with veteran actresses like Aiko Melendez and Eula Valdez who played key characters.

GMA First Bayani Serye ILUSTRADO Airs Tonight!

It is not Independence Day, nor it is Rizal Day but GMA Network paved way for a whole new series that is different from their drama line up this year. As My Destiny of Tom Rodriguez and Carla Abeliana came to a close last week, the new Bayani Serye will now take over the time slot starring Alden Richards as the most notable hero of the Philippine Revolution duiring the Spanish regime, Dr. Jose Rizal in ILUSTRADO.

Some people only know the stories of others tell them, but for the first time in Philippine television history, GMA News and Public Affairs brings one of the nation's heroes to a new light - one that portrays him as human, someone people could understand, and most of all, love once again.

Ilustrado takes a step back and shows the man that embodied the positive qualities that Filipinos aim to be. The series showcases Jose Rizal's journey from his childhood, his colourful travels in Europe, his adventures in love, and most of all - the sacrifices he made for the love of his country.