Cul de Sac - Starring Sam Milby

The showing of Sam Milby’s indie film “Cul de Sac“, which is originally scheduled to open on November 18, has been moved to December 3, this year.

The movie is produced by Cinemabuhay for PLDT-Smart Foundation. Sam is joined by Chin-Chin Gutierrez, Jodi Sta. Maria and Albert Martinez and directed by Juan Miguel Sevilla.

Sam’s character is a ‘bad boy’ in this suspense-thriller movie about people working in the call center industry and viewers are given this fair warning: “What you see is not always what you get“.

Halatang pagod pa si Sam Milby nang pinapasok sa standby area ng mga press for the set visit of the new Cinemabuhay grant movie of new and young filmmaker Juan Miguel Sevilla, ang Cul-de-sac. Katatapos niya pa lang mag-location taping for his ABS-CBN primetime series Dyosa at dumiretso agad siya sa shoot ng nasabing suspense movie co-starring Jodi Sta. Maria and Chin-Chin Gutierrez.

Kapansin-pansin din ang "sugat" niya sa labi at sa pisngi, so PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked him kung totoo ito o kung prosthetics niya ito from Dyosa.

"He did this to me!" joke muna ni Sam habang itinuturo ang napakabatang direktor nilang si Juan Miguel bago niya sabihing prosthetics pala ito sa movie.

Nabanggit namin kay Sam na nasisira na ang mukha niya sa prosthetics niya sa Dyosa. Last time kasi namin siyang nakita sa birthday party ni Cristy Fermin noong end of July, marami siyang pimples na abot hanggang leeg na niya at na-explain niya na dahil nga ito sa prosthetics.

"I know, but how can I complain, it's a job?" sabi niya na lang.

Cul-de-sac is Sam's first independent movie, his first suspense movie, and his first movie outside Star Cinema. An exclusive star of the film arm of his Kapamilya station, mildly surprised kami na napayagan siyang tanggapin ang pelikula lalo na't wala palang clause ang kanyang Star Cinema contract for any outside movie.

"Gusto ko talagang gawin ang movie," sabi ni Sam. "When I first read the script, I was at the edge of my seat while reading it and I finished it in one seating. I love my character here so I asked my bosses if I can do this one."

Mahigit isang buwan daw silang naghintay ng kanyang manager na si Erik Raymundo bago siya napayagang tanggapin ang pelikula. For Cul-de-sac, kahit hindi niya pa nakatrabaho ang director na inilagay ang pangalan niya as part of the director's wish list of actors, tinanggap pa rin ni Sam ang pelikula and even in his below the usual talent fee.

"The script is that good, I want to do this talaga," sambit ni Sam.

Hindi na rin nagreklamo si Sam na kahit kaaalis pa lang ng kanyang prosthetics sa Dyosa ay lalagyan na naman siya for Cul-de-sac.

Nakiisa rin si Sam sa mga producers of the movie headed by Albert Martinez not to divulge his character for Cul-de-sac.

"I'm a mysterious guy here," ang sabi niya.

Basta hindi raw siya bida, hindi siya kontrabida. Top billing siya over Jodi and Chin-Chin at wala silang love interest ni Jodi, and that his character's job is a call center agent.

Source: http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=370231

Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes - One True Love

The chemistry of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera will be put to a test on the big screen via GMA Films and Regal Entertainment's One True Love. It will open in cinemas nationwide starting November 19.

Working together in a movie offers a different kind of experience for Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera. After appearing together in GMA-7's primetime shows, Marimar and Dyesebel, both of them expressed excitement and anxiety over the fact that they're working together in a different medium.

For their first movie project as a love team, Dingdong and Marian will assume mature roles unseen in their past primetime soaps. Iza Calzado also joins the love team in One True Love, which is produced by GMA Films and Regal Entertainment.
In an interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) last October 28, Director Mac Alejandre said that the two lead stars are playing "more matured roles in a realistic setting."

SYNOPSIS
In the film, Dingdong plays Migs, a young man who is in a long-term relationship with Iza Calzado's character named Bela. The relationship was put to the test when Bela and her family decided to go abroad, leaving the two lovers with no choice but to settle for a long distance affair. The couple struggle to keep their long distance relationship but they eventually decide to go their separate ways.

Migs then meets a pretty nurse named Joy, portrayed by Marian Rivera. Smitten and confused, Migs fell in love with Joy and immediately offers marriage, leaving Bela and their relationship behind.

Bela, determined to fight for her love, quickly returns to the Philippines with the intention of winning back her former boyfriend. This situation forces Migs to painfully contemplate whether to return to Bela or move on with his new life with Joy.

Who will be the one true love of Migs: his first love Bela (Iza) or his current flame Joy (Marian)?

IS IT TRUE LOVE? "The film poses several questions," explains Direk Mac. "Some questions are answered, some questions may not be answered. But some of the questions, ang true love ba ay ‘yong pag-ibig na ipinaglalaban o ‘yong pag-ibig na nagpaparaya? Kasi minsan ang pag-ibig na nagpaparaya ang pinaka-epektibong paraan ng pakikipaglaban, ‘yon ‘yong isa sa mga tanong. Ikalawa, ang love ba ay nagsisimula sa at nagwawakas sa damdamin o nagwawakas sa isang desisyon? That was another question posed. Number three, ‘pag ikaw ay nagmamahal, hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon nagtutugma ang utak at puso, ‘pag nangyari ‘yon ano ang nararapat mong sundin?"

He further added: "Given the situations of the character they play, these three people are put into a situation where they have to answer through actions these questions and, more often than not, the result is not as joyful as expected."

One True Love aims to present all the extreme emotions involved in falling in love, including pain and happiness—elements that were vividly touched in the film.

GOING DARING. In an separate interview, Marian said that One True Love is her most daring roles so far due to the love scenes required from her and Dingdong.

"Sa Dyesebel kasi kiss lang kami, dito kasi may mga atake na ginagawa si direk Mac [Alejandre] na ginawa namin pero dahil sa mga camera niya, kung paano niya iikot so mag-iiba talaga sa paningin ng tao. Instead kasi na focus agad sa mukha, kunwari balikat muna. So, ginawa niyang mas kapanapanabik siya at mas kaayaaya siyang panoorin na parang hindi bastos pero wow! Parang nakaka-in love," explained the young actress.

Direk Mac commended Dingdong, Marian and Iza for their cooperation and professionalis m especially when it comes to the intimate scenes. "Walang ilangan," he proudly stated, "absolutely wala. And I think because they were well trained for that."

The film was entirely shot here in Metro Manila. Direk Mac stressed that the project's main strength is the story itself and that the film aims to focus on this concept as envisioned by its writers.

"I think it's the formulation of the story and the magic of the actors that created the visual delight of the film," he stated.

Watch Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, and Iza Calzado in a dramatic love triangle in One True Love, which opens in cinemas on November 19.

Source: http://www.pep.ph/forum/index.php?topic=2940.msg436547

Polo Ravales and Joseph Bitangcol as Gay Lovers in ‘Walang Kawala’

“Walang Kawala” (No Way Out) is a gay-themed movie by multi-awarded director Joel Lamangan and could be the Philippine’s answer to the Oscar-winning “Brokeback Mountain” and “Pulp Fiction.”

“Walang Kawala” features Polo Ravales and Joseph Bitangcol playing the most daring role in their career so far. Produced by Manny Valera with screenplay by Eric Ramos, Walang Kawala is a very promising movie that could reap various awards abroad.

Also starring in Walang Kawala are Jean Garcia and Emilio Garcia. Introducing in the movie are newbies Althea Vega and Marco Morales.

Synopsis
Joaquin (Polo Ravales), an unassuming fisherman, is forced to confront his homosexuality when his sex-starved wife Cynthia (Althea Vega) returns from her overseas job eager to get pregnant. His young and impulsive lover, Waldo (Joseph Bitangcol), flees to Manila in disgust. After a month of hesitation, Joaquin leaves his wife to follow Waldo. His search takes him on a seamy yet colorful trip through Manila’s gay underbelly. He discovers Waldo’s dangerous flirtation with Rufo (Emilio Garcia), a bisexual rogue cop who holds the clue to Waldo’s disappearance. Rufo lures Joaquin into his home and introduces him to his submissive wife, Beng (Jean Garcia). A sadist who beats up Beng regularly, Rufo turns Joaquin into a prisoner and sex slave — like he did to Waldo. When Joaquin is finally reunited with Waldo, he discovers that Rufo is about to sell them like fish to an international sex trafficking ring, along with his personal harem of male and female captives. With Beng’s help, the two lovers plot their escape.

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2008/10/07/polo-ravales-and-joseph-bitangcol-as-gay-lovers-in-walang-kawala/

Zanjoe Marudo’s indie film "Altar" opens on Oct 29

Isang suspense-drama ang kauna-unahang independent-film na ginawa at pinagbidahan ni Zanjoe Marudo, ang Altar. Sa ilalim ng direksyon at panulat ito ni Rico Maria Ilarde noong 2007 pero magkakaroon ito ng theatrical release sa IndieSine, Robinsons Galleria from October 29-November 4, 2008.

Zanjoe plays the role of Anton, isang boxer na aksidenteng napatay niya sa ring ang kanyang kalaban sa U.S. Nang magbalik siya sa Pilipinas, wala na siyang bahay at trabaho. Doon naman siya ini-hired ng mysterious foreman na si Erning, along with Lope (played by Nor Domingo) upang mag-renovate ng bahay na puwede ng mapagkamalang haunted house.

Dito na nila nadiskubre ang isang lihim na altar na nagtataglay rin ng kakaibang lihim at misteryo.

Ayon kay Zanjoe, ang director nila na si Direk Rico Ilarde, son of Eddie Ilarde, ang siya raw nagga-guide sa kanya with his character dahil towards the end, medyo naging dark rin ito.

"Si Direk Rico, siya ang tumutulong sa akin. Ini-explain niya sa akin ang bawat eksena. So, hindi ko alam kung nagampanan ko ba ng tama o ano," plaiwanag ni Zanjoe sa ginanap na press conference ng Cinema One para sa Altar.

Hindi kontrabida si Zanjoe sa Altar, contrary sa impression ng ilan sa kanyang role. In fact, ayon nga kay Zanjoe, bida na may pagka-hero ang dating ng kanyang character.

Tinanong ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) si Zanjoe kung ano ang mga experiences na hindi niya makakalimutan while doing Altar?

"Unang-una, ‘yung makatapos ako ng isang full-length film in eight days, ‘yun pa lang, hindi ko na makakalimutan yun, eh. Isang camera lang ang ginagamit. At saka, yung lahat-lahat halos...iba kapag indie film. Iba lahat. Mararamdaman mo yung paggawa talaga ng pelikula.

"Hindi ka ituturing na parang artista rito, lahat kayo, tulong-tulong."

Kung si Zanjoe raw ang masusunod, type raw niyang masundan pa ang nagawa niyang Altar ng iba pang mga indie films na matsa-challenge pa siya ng husto.

"Oo, gusto ko ng isa pang magandang movie na gagawin ko ulit. Kasi, medyo matagal na rin kasi itong natapos kaya gusto kong iba naman."

Dapat abangan ang magiging ending ng Altar na para sa amin ay hindi ordinaryong napapanood sa karamihang suspense-drama. Ang Altar ay bahagi ng 2007 Cinema One Originals at pagmamay-ari ng Creative Programs Incorporated. Aside from Zanjoe and Nor, kasama rin sa movie sina Dimples Romana, Dido dela Paz, at Kristalyn Engle.

Si Direk Ilarde naman ay masasabing nahasa ang directing skills sa pamamagitan ng television drama anthology ng kanyang ama noong araw. Nakagawa na rin siya ng mga movies tulad ng Dugo Ng Birhen (1999), Sa Ilalim ng Cogon (2006) at ang "Aquarium" segment sa Shake, Rattle and Roll 2k5 (2005).

Last year, marami rin nominasyon na natanggap ang Altar at nagwagi ito ng Best Music for Malek Lopez sa Cinema One Originals. Naging entry rin ito sa 2008 Vancouver Film Festival at Udine Far East Film Festival sa Italy.

Source: http://www.pep.ph/guide/2794/Zanjoe-Marudo%E2%80%99s-indie-film-Altar-opens-on-Oct-29

Glydel Mercado goes mad in "Lukaret"

Synkronicity Films' Lukaret marks the return of award-winning actress Glydel Mercado to moviemaking after a few years of being away from the big screen. Recently though, she has been doing teleseryes, most recent of which is GMA-7's Gagambino.

One of Glydel's movies, Sidhi co-starring Nora Aunor and Albert Martinez (directed by Joel Lamangan), gave her a number of best supporting actress trophies.

Now, Glydel is back at the movies as the title roler in Lukaret. A black comedy, this is written and directed by Felino Tañada, who also directed the indie film Hanggang Dito Na Lamang At Maraming Salamat (starring Nonie Buencamino and Jon Santos). Hanggang Dito is the film version of the Orlando Nadres classic play of the same title.

When Glydel first read the script offered to her by the writer-director, she fell in love with the character and said it was a different, offbeat role to do, hence she told her manager Lolit Solis that she'll do it even if it's an "indie" film, now the current trend in movie making.

The story of Lukaret is set in the remote town of Sta. Lucia. Glydel plays Marlina, a 40ish yet still alluring spinster, runs a small carinderia that sells various dishes made of "lamang loob" or internal organs. She keeps herself well dressed all the time for she expects her boyfriend to appear any day to take her hand in marriage. But that day never materializes. And so she waits...

Until she meets Daniel (played by newcomer Ralph Darell Mateo), an 18-year old orphan who recently moved into town to live with his uncle Peding, an aging funeral shop owner. His uncle passes on his skills in building cheap coffins which he learns very quickly. In the meantime, Marlina and Daniel become good friends. She develops a strong liking for him.

Soon his uncle dies and Daniel inherits his funeral shop. Unfortunately, the town is so small that there's hardly any need for his newly acquired funeral business. When Daniel tells Marlina of his plans to move his business somewhere else, she convinces him to be a little bit more patient. She says the need for his coffins will pick up soon.

And as she has predicted, deaths in the town has grown, albeit gruesome. Daniel's funeral business jumps back on its feet. But the local townsfolk are afraid a serial killer or an "aswang" is on the loose as the cause of deaths are strikingly similar. What makes the murders scary is the way the victims had been left to die, with their inner organs missing. The town lands on the national tabloids as local fumbling cops try to solve the murders.

This indie film also stars Johnron Tañada (of Viva's Men of Provoq) who was last seen in the digital film Kambyo of Viva Films.

Lukaret opens on October 22, Wednesday, at IndieSine, Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas, Pasig City.

Source: http://www.pep.ph/guide/2780/Glydel-Mercado-goes-mad-in-Lukaret

“Dayo” Animated Movie Character

From Cutting Edge Productions comes the first Filipino full-length animated feature film in an all digital studio equiped with the latest in animation technology.

“Our vision is to create an original film that would showcase world class Pinoy artistry in content development and animation: from pre-production to post-production, all the way to original music and sound design. With our state of the art technology, what was once an elusive dream is now within our reach.”

Cutting Edge Productions opened their doors to guests, showing us never-before seen raw clips from parts of the movie. I must admit, I sort of had a hard time keeping a solitary tear from rolling off the side of my cheek as the inks began to move with precision along side those goose-bumps-inducing original background music (I’m not even over exaggerating yet). Yes, it’s no secret that I cry while watching animated films, with “Meet the Robinsons” being my last wail-all-you-can fix. It’s thus a welcome relief that they only showed us four snippets.

During the “tour,” we were also made to listen to the movie’s theme song “Lipad,” done by Lea Salonga, and composed especially for this movie. “Lipad” + the “flying scene” = FTMFW!

There’s one other detail that made me bite my lower lip with delight. The director, Robert Quilao, had a visual readied on his monitor to show us how the composting process is done to bring together the separately drawn elements of the film. I wasn’t surprised when I saw them using Adobe After Effects: a powerful tool used by geniuses (saw what I did there?). Right then, an epiphany hit me: done right and with a liberal amount of OC-ness with the final render, this movie could most probably hold a special place in my heart, closing in as second to Titan AE, to be followed by the rest of my anime favorites (even if I’ve already read the entire synopsis).

Still off the “making” video, here are some of the actors portraying the characters in the movie:

Nash Aquas (Bubuy)
Katrina Legaspi (Anna)
Michael V. (Narsi)
Noel Trinidad (Lolo Meong)
Nova Villa (Lola Nita)
Igi Boy Flores (Mark)
John Manalo (Carlo)
Carl John Barrameda (Arvi)
Pokwang (Vicky)
Johnny Delgado (Carpio)
Peque Gallaga (Nano)
Laurice Guillen (Diwata/Bruha)

Source: http://fritzified.com/2008/10/09/dayo-animated-movie-character-photos/

Sundo with Robin Padilla

Super action star Robin Padilla will be back on the big screen via “Sundo”, a horror film directed by Topel Lee and produced by GMA Films.

Robin also said that he’s been really preparing for the role, and even went as far as changing his diet just so he could get “the look” of a military man. With him in the movie are Sunshine Dizon, Katrina Halili, and Rhianne Ramos.

Robin also has a new project in the kapuso network, that’s Totoy Bato, where he’d be playing a boxer.

If it's a tough guy you need, better call Robin’s manager.

Source: http://thefilipinoweb.com/movies/sundo-with-robin-padilla/