New on Netflix: More Award-Winning Filipino Films Will Be Available on Netflix Starting This Month

More Filipino content has found its home on the streaming platform!

Keep your eyes peeled for March, April, and June, as seven Filipino gems grace your Netflix screens! These movies stand as a testament to the captivating storytelling prowess of Filipino filmmakers, with narratives spanning from the mundane to the truly bizarre and horrific.

If you’ve missed their theatrical run, don’t worry—these films are coming together on one platform starting this month, with the highest grossing Filipino film of all time, Rewind, leading the charge! Here’s a guide and the movies’ Netflix launch dates before you schedule your next binge-watch session!

REVIEW: Mallari - Let Loose the Serial Killer!

I feel that Pinoy horror and thrillers are making a comeback in Philippine cinema, and for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 we actually have two, one is Kampon and the other one is MALLARI which stars Piolo Pascual. This movie is made by  Mentorque Productions, and for a first in a very long time will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

From the title Mallari, it is a different take about the notorious first recorded Filipino serial killer who is also a parish priest, Severino Mallari. Though it does not take place exclusively on the original time period. For this movie Piolo Pascual will take on three characters in different time periods all leading to the same family and the secrets that they hold.

Along with the serial killings made by Padre Severino Mallari, there is also an element of the Pinoy mystic creatures and witchcraft which also adds to the complexities of his character. Actually the mystic elements to the film overtook the grim reality of the serial killings which the story is primarily about. Though if you would look at the accounts of the killings of Mallari, the motivations for the killings were more of getting rid of the scums of the earth or which is like acting like a vigilante in the night. 

Jose Mari Chan, The Manilas String Machine to join AEGIS for The Christmas Bonus concert

The OPM icon will be performing some of their Greatest Hits, as well as beloved holiday classics

Filipino music icon AEGIS is set to conquer the big stage with a Christmas-themed concert happening at the Theatre at Solaire in Paranaque City, Metro Manila, on December 20, 2023, from 8:00 p.m. onwards.

Dubbed AEGIS: The Christmas Bonus Concert, the year-end celebration aims to showcase the career-spanning legacy of the powerhouse band and its signature anthems that touched many people’s lives on a personal level.

Christmas Tradition of MMFF Continues in 2020 Online Via Upstream

The film industry is one who suffered the most when this pandemic hit. And with the normal movie viewing still limited or even unavailable for many, film festivals were greatly affected as well. But for the annual Metro Manila Film Festival which is the most anticipated movie tradition in the Philippines, it endures and adjusts to the new normal by going online.

This year would have been the 46th season  and is celebrated with fan meets, mall tours, and grand parade which are all halted this year as part of health safety protocols. Despite this huge change, the MMFF 2020 will now focus on reaching to viewers via online streaming which is now the way movies of this year are released.

Why ‘Fan Girl’ is the MMFF Film Everyone’s Talking About

Fresh from glowing reviews from its Japan and Estonia premieres, the latest film from Antoinette Jadaone is about the fan girl in all of us- with brilliant performances from newcomer Charlie Dizon and Paulo Avelino, who’s playing as himself.

If you had one night with your idol, are you ready for the most memorable day in your life?

The story follows Jane (Charlie Dizon), Paulo Avelino’s biggest fan girl. Her obsession with Paulo Avelino (Paulo Avelino plays as himself) leads her to hide at the back of his pick-up truck Described by Asian Movie Pulse as “An intriguing piece of cinematic work” and “A bold and follow him “home”. She ends up in an unfamiliar house in an unfamiliar place with an unfamiliar Paulo Avelino, the idol she thought she knew from head to foot, heart and soul.

REVIEW: CULION - Ensemble Of Emotions From The Colony

As one of the entries for the MMFF 2019, Culion banks on the rich history, stories, and the people which made it a worthy film to be shared this Christmas season. Written by Ricky Lee and directed by Alvin Yapan , Culion goes back to the days where the cure for leprosy is still being discovered and seclusion of lepers remains its only treatment.

The island colony has completely eradicated the disease and now wants the world to know that people can now visit them and get to know their history. There is even a museum about the town and also beautiful mountains and sea views as it is part of the province of Palawan.

The story of Culion in The Commonwealth era are already an ensemble of stories from the patients, government officials, clergy, and Sano (unaffected residents). Being a national institution it also brought in people from different regions in the Philippines, which makes it colorful linguistically.

TFC at the Movies brings Philippine Festival films to the world

Start the year celebrating the Philippine cinema by catching some of the 2018 MMFF entries

The celebration of the Philippine Cinema continues as TFC at the Movies brings five of the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival entries to the world.

Kicking off the celebration were the screenings last December of the films “Fantastica” and “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles” which will also soon screen in other regions worldwide.

The comedy-fantasy film “Fantastica” which stars Vice Ganda is about the life of Belat (Vice Ganda) who hopes to bring back the life in their carnival for her mother Fec (Jaclyn Jose). She will then meet Prince (Richard Gutierrez) who asks for her help to save the world of Fantastica, and in return will help her restore the life of their carnival that is at the verge of being in possession of the family of her former best friend Dong Nam (Dingdong Dantes).

'Surrender' to the comedy-packed film “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles”

Get caught laughing hard during an action scene while watching this family film

If you are into action films but would also love to have a good laugh, then the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles” is just the right film for you, which will start screening internationally on December 27 via TFC at the Movies.

The film produced by APT Entertainment, CCM Productions, and M-Zet Productions stars Coco Martin, Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza who together give the right mix of action and comedy.

The story of “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles” revolves around police officers Jack (Martin), Popoy (Sotto) and Emily (Mendoza). Their paths will cross after Jack and Popoy become partners, and Emily finds herself falling for Jack who she once hated.

Kick off your 2018 with a top-rate experience of the best of Filipino cinema!

“A lavish, absorbing family drama… an elaborate feast of the eyes… Rolando Tinio’s elegantly written lyrics…

Ryan Cayabyab’s affecting soaring score has found its heartbeat” – Oliver Oliveros, Broadway World

“If you’re a fan of #PauloAvelino, I urge you to watch his stellar #AngLarawan.  He doesn’t sing as well as the others, but his acting!

He will be one of the greatest as he continues to grow!” – Lea Salonga, Twitter

“Joanna Ampil, in her first film, has delivered the strongest performance… Her performance at the end of Act 1 alone is heart-rending,

Ang Larawan gets a unanimous “A” from the Cinema Evaluation Board

“Ang Larawan,” the lone musical entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, has gotten a grade of “A” from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB).

The musical written by National Artist for Theater Rolando Tinio and composed by Ryan Cayabyab is the only film this year wherein all CEB eleven members who previewed gave the highest grade. The CEB summation stated, “It is seldom and rare that the members of the Board give a unanimous A to a film.“

Cheers To The Winners of MMFF 2016!

This year's MMFF was indeed a game changer with the 8 entries that gave the festival a whole new light and impact to the public. The festival included showcased the films like Kabisera, Oro, Sunday Beauty Queen, Saving Sally, Vince Kath & James, Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2 #ForeverIsNotEnough, Seklusyon and Die Beautiful. There is also a showcase of short films that were shown before the feature film. This changes did make the festival a refreshing experience to moviegoers.

I have watched 6 of the 8 films which I am very entertained. And with that I have my own favorites and bets for the awards night. HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, remained the exclusive presenter of the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival and its New Wave category.

Check the photos of the Gabi ng Parangal here.

HOOQ Hangouts Presents SEKLUSYON Premiere Night

Upcoming MMFF entry "Seklusyon" by Erik Matti is one of the most awaited films for the season. And with Reality Entertainment's partnership with HOOQ for the upcoming On The Job The Series, they came together for the exclusive premiere night with HOOQ.

The movie stars Ronnie Alonte Neil Ryan Sese, Lou Veloso, Rhed Bustamante, Phoebe Walker, Elora Espano, Dominique Roque, John Vic De Guzman and JR Versales. Set in the 1940s, the movie follows a young deacon (Alonte) who hides from the devil in a sacred sanctuary seven days before he is ordained as a priest.

First Time At MMFF Awards: Winners, Controversies, and Scene Stealers!

It has been a tradition for many Filpinos to watch the Metro Manila Film Festival during Christmas season where parents got their bonuses and children their "aguinaldo" from their ninongs and ninangs. And I also would watch these films, if they seem to get my attention and if I would have time. 

For this year, I am happy that beyond covering press conferences and movie premiere of the films, I will be able to see the Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night which will be held in the newly renovated Kia Theatre (New Frontier Theater) which we visited in our Quezon City Tour. This will be a first for me, even I am exposed to the entertainment industry for years. 

REEL DEAL: Nilalang REVIEW

One of the most anticipated movie for the Metro Manila Film Festival was Nilalang, which features Maria Ozawa as one of the lead roles. Initially the leading man was for Robin Padilla, who backed out of the project to attend to family concerns. However, the movie did push through with Cesar Montano replacing his place for the movie.

This film, from its earlier trailer, shows that there will be a lot of action and horror with a new "entity" that is not from the conventional mythologies. The inclusion of Ozawa for the film gives a very authentic Japanese approach. And being an action-horror film the film the movie invested in a lot of effects to bring out the gore and blood for this and some bondage.

There is also some sexiness that was included for the film, and it does not need to be nasty. They got more sexy ladies playing various roles like Meg Imperial, Yam Concepcion, and a special participation of Aubrey Miles. Though the film is rated R-16, it is more because of the blood and gore. 

HOOQ places student films in the spotlight at this year’s MMFF

HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, has signed a groundbreaking deal with the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) to screen a selection of the official entries on the app. 

“Everyone has to start somewhere and for many directors, that happened while they were in school. Young filmmakers from schools like Ateneo de Naga University and DLSU-CSB made it as finalists in this year’s MMFF” said Jane Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager.  “It is very encouraging that their animated films were chosen among hundreds of entries to take part in this festival,” she added. 

REEL DEAL: Kimmy Dora Ang Kiyemeng Prequel REVIEW

Kimmy Dora has finally reached its final film, it both sad (knowing that everyone love these twins) and happy (for "upgrading" Pinoy Comedy Films to interesting and quality movies) for the franchise which concludes the trilogy with Kimmy Dora Ang Kiyemeng Prequel. Euegene Domingo proved her versatility and charm with the chaotic yet lovable twins Kimmy and Dora Godonghae.

I have to say that the trilogy is composed of different styles of comedy with slapstick, horror-comedy, black comedy, etc. found in a scene in the movie which would cater to all audiences. It would be fitting that it ends its franchise at the MMFF, which is the biggest movie festival in the country (well, movie lovers are either compelled to or authentically love the movie). As I belong to the one who loved the first (but not have seen the second), I made it part of the limited films I'll see for MMFF.

  

Now back to the Godonghae twins, which have won the hearts of the viewers and the first Pinoy film that was successful in doing promotion on social media, they kept the same strategy and finds new ways to keep viewers entertained. Production value is probably the most "bongga" among entries as it made cool effects and production design. And of course it would not be complete without the suprise cameos of stars which also includes the producer Piolo Pascual.

REEL DEAL MMFF 2013: Boy Golden REVIEW

Action movies are making a comeback to the Philippine movie industry, and they are making waves and revolutionizing Pinoy action films are made. With the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) being the most anticipated movie extravaganza in the Philippines, it is also a great time to showcase this genre to compete among comedy and horror films. For this year 2013, one of the action films included here is Boy Golden: The Arturo Porcuna Story.

Directed by Chito Rono, and led by Manila Kingpin, El Presidente star and Laguna Governor Jorge "ER"  Ejercito and KC Concepcion, it narrates the life of the infamous gangster Arturo "Boy Golden" Porcuna during the 1960's (which is similar to ER's last film about Asiong Salonga). 

Being a period film makes it more complicated and detail-oriented, they managed to pull this off make an impression. And that was the struggle back in their previous films, however they learn from their past mistakes and made a lot of improvements for this film. There is also a odd style of lighting technique used for the film which I can describe as "psychedelic" but makes its distinction as not the average type of film.

Fight and gang scenes are the most interesting part of the movie with practically everyone involved in one way or another. Who would thought that gangland Manila was this brutal and chaotic. So far, the only recommendation for improvement would be the special effects, it is decent but might need to be more refined.

Another interesting thing in Boy Golden is the "loveteam" of KC and ER. It may be an unlikely pair for some, but it can be seen as more of "partners in crime" than a romantic tandem. well it is a gangster movie anyway and not a chick flick.

Boy Golden Cast Raid Glorietta For Their Mall Tour

One of the to-watch films for the Metro Manila Film Festival is "Boy Golden: The Arturo Pocurna Story" makes their mall tour before the opening of the MMFF in theaters. The cast led by KC Concepcion, John Estrada, and Buboy Villar takes the spotlight in one of busiest malls in the metro to meet and greet fans and mall goers to watch Boy Golden.

Though ER Ejercito may not be at the mall show, it got a lot of attention with its trailer and some singing acts made by Buboy Villar and KC. Buboy shares that his role is a gay teenager, a huge change from being a child sidekick in his previous projects. John Estrada is also a crowd favorite as he emerges and throws posters and shirts to the crowd. John plays the antagonist  in the movie and also can be considered as his "comeback" as he is very seldom seen doing movies  especially action films.

REAL DEAL MMFF 2013: Boy Golden

Another MMFF entry we love to see this season is Boy Golden : The Arturo Porcuna Story by Screema Concept and Viva Films. Led by ER Ejercito (from Asiong Salonga and El Presidente), and KC Concepcion, the movie is set in the 60's gangland Manila. Drected by Chito Rono.

ER will play the gangster Arturo “Boy Golden” Porcuna whle KC plays Marla Dee. This action-packed movie brings the feel of the old city and the gang wars which happened back then. John Estrada, Baron Giesler, Eddie Garcia, Leo Martinez, John Hillaro, Joem Bascon, John Lapuz, Gloria Sevilla, Roi Vinzon, Dick Israel, Buboy Villar, Dexter Doria and Mon Confiado are also casted for this film where most of them also worked with the past 2 films of ER Ejercito.

A movie of many first for many of the stars, like the partnership of KC and ER, KC's action film leading role. The success of Manila Kingpin and El Presidente paved the way for the anticipation for another action-filled ER movie.

REEL DEAL MMFF 2013: Kmmy Dora (Ang Kiyemeng Prequel)

Kimmy and Dora Go Dong Hae are set to take us back to where it all started.

In 2009, the eloquent and adamant Kimmy and the very naive yet sweet Dora delighted everyone with a very hilarious and family-oriented blockbuster flick Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme. The exciting dual roles were portrayed by award-winning versatile actress, also tagged as “The Global Actess” and “Darling Of Asian Cinema” Eugene Domingo. Written by Chris Martinez and directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal under Spring Films.

The movie revolved around Kimmy and Dora’s battle for their business tycoon-father Luisito Go Dong Hae’s (Ariel Ureta) attention. Aside from the much coveted attention, Kimmy and Dora also battled it out to capture Johnson’s (Dingdong

Dantes) heart. Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme earned a whopping P100 million in just few weeks and currently owns a spot as one of the highest grossing films in the country. One of the cited factors for Kimmy Dora’s record-breaking success was its independent promotion and marketing efforts without any strong push from large mediums like TV. The movie took advantage of promoting on other platforms such as social media. Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme was the successful sequel of the blockbuster giant in 2012. The sequel tackled twin’s horror-comedy quest for life and love. In this installment, Kimmy and Dora married Barry (Zanjoe Marudo) and Johnson (Dingdong Dantes) - their respective partners from part one. Most part of the movie was filmed in South Korea. The sequel also boosted enormous blockbuster returns and marked as one of the biggest players that year.