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.

Babae At Baril - The Power Of The Gun

Not everyone are able to get their hands on a firearm. But when one does, what can it do to the person wielding it? This is what QCinema participating film BABAE AT BARIL wants to showcase. Starring Janine Gutierrez, Felix Roco, Elijah Canlas, JC Santos, and Sky Teotico, the film is also the director Rea Red's solo directorial debut.

It tells the story of a young saleslady which endures a very hard life, harassment at work and on the streets, stressful commutes, and even a unreliable roommate. Though hope is lost for her situation, she stumbles on a gun near where she lives and decided to take it and eventually use it. With a deadly weapon on her hands, she immediately  feel the power and change in her personality to use it to her advantage.

Being part of QCinema for this year, they also got production grant worth P1.5 Million. They are also competing along with Grenn Brarit's The Cleaners and Arnel Kaaway Sa Sulod, and against entries from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, and China.

REEL DEAL: 1st Ko Si Third Trailer Released

With the countdown to cinemalaya comes close, we can now see more information about the featured films like Real Florido's "1st Ko Si Third" starring Nova Villa, Dante Rivero and Freddie Webb.

Bringing the love story of young love at old age proves that first love never dies. Cory, who after all these years gets a letter from his first love and asks her to be with her  to cherish lost moments of love and laughter. We now take a peek at the trailer of the movie which in some way or another would also make you relate to our personal first love experiences.

Also starring in the movie are Coleen Borgonia, Denise Barbacena, Ken Chan, Nova Villa, Lara Morena, RJ Agustin, and Ruby Ruiz.

1st Ko si 3rd is written and directed by Real Florido  and will be showing at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Ayala Cinemas on August 1 to 10, 2014.

Cinemalaya 2014: 1st Ko Si Third SPOTLIGHT

Cinemalaya is days away and with the growing number of patron to this film festival, lets take a look at one of the entries staring Nova Villa with "First Ko Si Third"

First, Second, Third

Nova Villa "takes a chance with the one that got away"

When you retire and fate gives you a chance to pursue your first love, would you?

Follow Cory, who is in her 60's, as she takes a leap to reignite an old flame in a story that would give an interestingly different look at love in 1st Ko si 3rd, an official entry to the 2014 Cinemalaya Film Festival.

The movie is about that "what if" of the heart and giving it a second chance. The lead character, Cory, is played by veteran comedienne Ms. Nova Villa who once again is partnering with her on-screen duo, Mr. Freddie Webb. The latter is playing Cory's love interest, Third.