IMPALED BY TUHOG.

STAR CINEMA THRU SKYLIGHT OFFERS A DIFFERENT KIND OF TRIP ON A ROAD NOT USUALLY TAKEN BY MAINSTREAM GIANTS. 

In celebration of its 20th Anniversary, Star Cinema's second offering thru its Indie arm Sky Light is definitely a ride you will never forget. 

If you are an internet surfer or a tv addict, you will always hear and read from the promo that it talks about life, that you will exit the cinemas with a smile. Hell no. Its actually more than that. 

I came out of the cinema thinking about my life. The smiling comes after. More than it talks about life, it inspires you to understand life, and how you make the most of it. 

I am quite familiar when it comes to Indie films because I usually watch some when its Cinemalaya Season, Cinema One Season and the likes. I am used to the structure, the story-telling, the realness of the visuals and the truthfullness of the way it is presented. 

What I am curious about is how will they unite Indie fans and Mainstream moviegoers and not upset any of them after. 

With all the tweets, reviews and comments, I am fascinated that it covered both markets. Indie lovers or not.  

TUHOG showed a painful take on a situation that can happen to any one of us, at any given moment, at any given time. 

The story is about three individuals who got into a freak bus accident -- a pole skewered across them three.

TONIO - THE DREAMER

Time passed him by and he just realized he is already old, left out, uncontented, unhappy and at a bitter state of his old life.

Tonio has always dreamed of being a baker, to be able to make  the most delicious pandesal he has always imagined to be -- malutong sa labas, malambot sa loob, madaling nguyain, hindi matamis..

Baking seems to be like heaven for him, his happiness. And with the help of his friends, he is about to pursue this long time dream. 

Direk Leo Martinez' portrayal as Tonio is very relatable, I can't hide the tears in his dramatic scenes. It hits me everytime. Part of me screams of recognition of the feeling, of the frustration that you wasted enough time trying to pursue your dreams yet until now you are unsure if it is worth pursuing at all. 

"Hindi ko alam kung TAMA ako.. Tanga lang.."

These lines struck me, the first pole that skewered my emo heart. 

Dreams are not limited to the young. Everybody has the right to dream. There is always one thing you want to pursue in life regardless of how successful or how old you might be. Unless you are already living the life that you have dreamed of. 

We give less value on time to make this dream come true, until one moment we just realize that time is no longer on our side. 

I love Direk Roni's attack on Tonio's pusoy dos scene with the friends while sharing his fear on betting too much for his dreams because his last card is already at stake. Sugal sa sugal.

Tonio's life is the loneliest in my opinion. But his hope gives me so much hope that it is not too late to do what you can to achieve your dreams. There is no age... because there is no limit in making all your dreams come true. 

FIESTA - THE UNHAPPY PERSON

One thing you can think of in the story of Fiesta Dacanay is it is full of irony, starting from the name. 

Fiesta is a hardcore kundoktora of Janus Express whose everyday seems to be in total opposite of her name. Walang buhay, parang Araw ng mga Patay. She lives, breathe, eat, but no life. 

She was left alone by her Mother when she was 5 and took care of her alcoholic Father, until love comes her way in the person of Nato. 

Nato too is a lonely man, left by his wife and daughter. Finding new love might be complicated but at least he learned to move on, unlike Fiesta, who was surprisingly weak and vulnerable. 

Fiesta's love story came in different but full of kilig. In this life, most of us wish to have a knight in shining armor, ready to sweep us off our feet and save us from all the hardships this cruel world brings. But Fiesta gave it up so easily. Nato's past scared her away amidst of the love he offered. 

THE Eugene Domingo (in a very Babae Sa Septic Tank kind of tone) nailed it yet again with a very truthful, heart-breaking performance. Very in-your-face, painfully straight-forward. The Fiesta character you see is another irony - very tough but very weak. She gives up on happiness like she doesn't deserve it at all. 

Hands down to Mr. Noel Trinidad for his great portrayal. I too felt desperate to take care of a father like him. Nakakawalang pag-asa. 

"Yan, yan ang buhay mo.. Mag-isa ka.. Ginawa mo yan sa sarili mo.."

These lines felt like Nato was telling it to me not to Fiesta. Impaled my heart once again. Huhuhu. Because there is no one to blame of your loneliness, bitterness but you. 

Fiesta's life made me realize that whatever situation I am in, I must find happiness in every thing, i must fight for it and stick to it until the end.

Fiesta lacks positivity. Or maybe she grew up feeling like that because of her desperate father who simply can't move on. 

And when she found love, and encountered conflict, she quickly gave up the possibility of a happy ever after. 

Her character taught me to welcome love, entertain love the moment it comes my way. Happiness is a choice and to be eaten up by loneliness is also a choice. Love is everywhere and all you need to do is embrace it with no doubts, no questions, no fear. Make yourself happy simply because you deserve it. Huwag ka nang maging choosy. :)

CALOY - THE LOVER BOY

When we are young it seems like love is all that matters (familiar song, hehehe) who cares about the future? We have plenty of time for it. But now we must enjoy, be adventurous, fall in love and taste the sweetness of life.

As corny as it may seem, Caloy's major goal in life is to experience his first sex with the woman he loves - Angel.  

Caloy defines a stage every teenager has gone through - sex-curious, tamang libog. 

Compared to the other two, Caloy's story is about young love.  

His desire of doing it  is hindered by his love for Angel, giving value on the promise they made together. Kahit wala namang mawawala talaga sa kanya. 

Enchong Dee here turned out to be more than a heartthrob, oozing with sex appeal that deserves a huge billboard at Edsa. 

He showed here that he can do more challenging roles in the future. Adding up countless possibilities to his acting career. 

To be lined up with THE Eugene Domingo and Direk Leo Martinez and other veteran actors in this film is enough pressure, but he proved that he can and he is worthy of the role Caloy - a new phase in his career as an actor not only worthy of swooning but also an applause for a role well portrayed. A level up indeed. 

Enchong showed more skin here and his very private scenes is the buzz online specially on twitter. I for one got curious. 

But after watching the movie, you get to give less attention to it, if not less distracted with his body because you were already caught up with Caloy, his desires and his frustrations in his relationship with Angel. 

He might think of sex 24/7 but its his love that struck me out of nowhere. Yes the 3rd pole that strucked my heart deeply.  Ouchie ouchie. 

Caloy loved Angel amidst her imperfections, amidst her shortcomings.  

The scenes might not be spoonfed but you get to realize that if this happened to other boys his age, Angel might end up trashed, dumped, or even humiliated. But Caloy is different, he can't stop himself from answering her video call, he can't stay forever angry. He loves Angel in whatever virginal status she's in. 

Speaking of Angel, Empress is one of Kapamilya Network's actresses you can't jus ignore. She has the acting chops which she has proven for years but her sexyness here made me realize na ang tanda ko na. I am used to seeing her at Super Inggo before and their loveteam Chongpress in Abt Ur Luv. Now she's got that hot body served raw in jeans. 

"Kung may tae ka sa ulo, gusto mong malaman o hindi...?"

Napaisip ako dito. I never experienced something like that before in my one and only short-lived relationship (boardering to TMI sorry!) but if I am to answer that question, I'd rather not. Or if I'm the one who betrayed, I won't let him know either. 

In any relationship its always trust that is easily destroyed. I am more of the lesser I know the lesser conflict. But if ever you are faced with it, what will you do? 

Only love counts. And mostly it is the heart who decides whether to move on, let go or continue. Because if love is still alive, it can forgive.. It may not fully forget but it forgives.. move on and live some more. 

With Caloy's story I learned that if you love, it must be regardless of any imperfections you see in the person. Pulis man yan, mahirap man yan, may pagka-bobo man yan kadalasan.

Because everyone has the right to love and everyone deserves to be loved. Kung mahal mo, mahal mo, walang kasi-kasi, walang pero-pero. (I think I heard that lines from I Do, Direk Roni's first at Star Cinema with Ms. Jinky Laurel )

HISTORY OF THE BLANK

Caloy's story is a fresh take from the hundreds of teen sexual awakening movies we usually see. We got to see a snipet of his classroom starting with Ms. Blank. I love this scene :) you must watch it to know why. 

The script was furnished to the extent that it has the indie feel but with mainstream appeal. Kudos to Ms. Jinky Laurel and Direk Veronica Velasco. 

In a typical indie film you get to hear lots of cuss words, mura which you usually hear everyday (well depending on your environment) here you are satisfied with just pucha. The scenes went okay with it, sakto lang. Not too much and not too being safe. 

Tuhog's lessons hit you by surprise that you were caught off guard in the middle of the joyride. 

I have my own expectations but this movie showed me more than I have expected. It let me ride with it, taught me, entertained me with the comedy and irony, and skewered me of the lessons that made me ponder on the life that I am living now. I felt tired about the ride but full with lessons and insights about life, like I came from a buffet, busog na busog. 

LIFE IS FAIR BECAUSE IT IS UNFAIR TO EVERYONE. 

I always post this statement again and again on my social accounts to remind me that whenever you think that your life is unfair, it is too for everyone else. God has a great way of balancing everything. 

You might get all the riches in the world but you are loveless or you might be the poorest of the poor but you have a complete intact family. All the plus and the minuses where all placed in a well justified equation of God. 

All you have to do is to live the life that you deserve. Live with contentment. Because with contentment comes happiness and with happiness you get to appreciate love. Pursue your dreams and if in vain, love the things that surround you. These are the things that helped you get to where you are now. Appreciate things that come your way. Death might always be in disguise and so are blessings. Embrace it. So whenever death comes your way, you lived a life that is happy. :)

Tuhog is now showing on its 2nd Week.

Special thanks to Mr. Lord Dennis Joplin Acuña.

MULING BUKSAN ANG PUSO - An Acting Piece for its Actors

PRIME ENSEMBLE.

ABS-CBN has always been successful in mixing up 3 generations of actors not only to showcase exemptional blend of talents but also to provide high-quality entertainment to its viewers that is worthy of awards and high-ratings. Teleseryes like Budoy, Tayong Dalawa, Walang Hanggan, and Ina, Kapatid, Anak proved that this ingredient will result to a primetime success.

A POWER HOUSE CAST. Cliche story or not, these line up of actors will surely give you a different attack, a different kind of angle, making Muling Buksan Ang Puso a classic with a modern texture that is well crafted because of its actors.

 

SUSAN ROCES as ADELINA BELTRAN
(Walang Hanggan)

The Queen of Philippine Movies - introduction worth of every word. Ms. Susan Roces is like a rare chunk of gold that continues to amaze people until now.

From Manang Henya to Adelina, the characters were superb, brilliant and worth of every scene.

I am honestly afraid of her character. Her voice is like thunder that I am affected with every shout, with every anger and with every breakdown.

Her pain and her bitterness were well justified. Adelina is a woman of strength, honed by pain from love, striving to find her happiness and fighting for what is left of her.

I love the powerful dialouges "habang buhay kang kabit! Kabit! Kabit! Kabit!! Its like a spear thrusted into Elvira's heart over and over again.

As a viewer I feel what she is going through. Ang galing nyo po!

DIMPLES ROMANA as young ADELINA
(Mara Clara)

Dimples has become one of the power character actresses we have seen in ABS-CBN. She fitted the Adelina well and with a few minutes onscreen, you sympathize. You were captured.

PILAR PILAPIL as ELVIRA
(Ina, Kapatid, Anak)

Straight from Ina, Kapatid, Anak playing the matriarch Yolanda Elizalde, Ms. Pilar Pilapil has this way of portraying her characters with class. Yes, her character is way too different from Yolanda, but her beauty remains classic, with or without make up.

Elvira is the other woman, chosen because of her child with Bernardo. She lived through insecurity with the living fact that she can never be married with the man she loves because he belongs to Adelina. Yet, she tries to live every single day for her daughter and for her grand children. Her decision to offer the idea to swap the babies might be too cliche for most of the viewers, but for a Lola who wants to save her apo, and secure his health throughout his life, won't you do the same?

Elvira lives in the reality that whatever beauty she possess, her life will still be a struggle every single day. Talk about balance, Elvira may have her family, but living comfortably will always be challenge.

On day 7 we discovered that Elvira and Bernardo loved each other first. But this love is not the right one in the eyes of the people today. Until when will she suffer the consequences of being true to what her heart says?

IZA CALZADO as young ELVIRA
(Kahit Puso'y Masugatan)

I was lucky to get to know Ms. Iza Calzado and I am so proud her. She is a versatile actress and with her, there are no small or big roles.

She fits young Elvira very well. A classic beauty that is worth of a heartbreak. Nakakainis sya. With the flashback, you get to realize why the Elvira now is still insecure, why her life has always been hard.

DANTE RIVERO as BERNARDO BELTRAN
(Princess and I / Budoy)

Mr. Dante Rivero as I remember, Mang Rene of Budoy is one of the high caliber actors I really admire. You may not always see him on tv, he may not say the longest and quotable lines, but his moments were memorable. His mere expression says it all.

CHERIE GIL as MARIETTA BELTRAN
(Rubi / Katorse / Marina)

If you are to trackdown Ms. Cherie Gil's projects, majority of her roles were a high-class villain, beautiful, sosyal.

This is the teleserye were you don't see her in heels, in high fashion. With her very beautiful yet fierce aura, it is indeed a breath of fresh air to watch Marietta in a very humbling situation. In a koprahan, wearing slippers and all.

I love Marietta's vulnerability when it comes to love, I shared her kilig, and I felt her pain when she discovered that the man she loved was in love with her best friend.

I also felt hurt when she decided to follow her mother's suggestion to swap the babies. That in as much as she loved her son, she wants it to live.

The Marietta role was not an old mapang-aping-Nanay-sa-hindi-nya-tunay-na-anak-type-of-role. Her love for Sarah might be little, but she provided anyway. Hers was coming from a hurtful secret that is a big bulk of sacrifice, for a mother who only wants the best for her children.

I love you Ms. Cherie! :)

AGOT ISIDRO as CARISSA BELTRAN
(Tayong Dalawa / Tanging Yaman)

You hated her as Ingrid Garcia in Tayong Dalawa and sympathized with her character as the First Lady Marcella Policarpio in Tanging Yaman. Two characters, each of exceptional performance.

Carissa here in Muling Buksan Ang Puso is an obedient daughter who wants nothing but to please her Mother Adelina even if this costs her freedom a lot of times.

She and her Mother continued their lives moving on from the bitter past that drifted them apart for some time, not knowing that there are still painful secrets awaiting to be unlocked again.

Will they find forgiveness after years of deceit? Will she open her heart again for the return of her one love, Nicholas? Excited for Carissa's momentous explosion once she knew about the truth :)

JESTONI ALARCON as RICARDO /NICHOLAS
(Pangako Sayo)

Who will ever forget about Diego Buenavista of the primetime classic Pangako Sayo? Mr. Jestoni Alarcon continues to be one of the actors with a handsome face that is timeless.

Nicholas has his own history that was not revealed in the first week but I bet his return will affect the lives of the characters. His love story cut short because of judgement and the daughter that he never knew.

DOMINIC OCHOA as EDMUND DELA VEGA
(May Bukas Pa / Princess and I)

Mr. Dominic Ochoa's characters in the past are always mabait but in different gradients. That is what I admire about his acting. There is always difference.

Edmund is the good guy who was always there for Carissa, who patiently waited and conquered. He is a good Father to Francis, yet I feel that there is something wrong.

Nobody's perfect even when it comes to characters. For sure we will soon discover his conflict when Nicholas comes back. :)

DANIEL FERNANDO as IGNACIO

Mr. Daniel Fernando is a refreshing sight on primetime TV. Like Sir Jestoni, they don't seem to age. Unfair, yes.

Ignacio's love for Marietta might be full of pambobola with lots of pick-up lines on the side. But you see the sincerity in all parts of it. His "kakulitan" and his cute "the moves" also made me think that he could also pass as Leonel's father. Or maybe Marietta is just likely to fall victim for those kind of men.

His dissappearance after knowing that Marietta was pregnant can be of two ways: he might have been hurt and would never like to have a responsibility without the full assurance that his love will marry him and that he wants to move on to start a new life again or, he might start something big after informing the police of Nicholas' whereabouts (I assumed he got the reward for himself alone). I can't wait for his return and I hope when he comes back, his love for Marietta haven't changed.

MATT EVANS as PANCHO
(Paraiso / Tanging Yaman)

Honestly I miss Matt with Melissa Ricks - remembering Tanging Yaman days :)

Whats good about Matt is he is very effective when it comes to villain and comedy roles. Looking forward on whatever happens to Pancho in the coming days. Will they ever have a chance to go to school together with Leonel and Sarah? Up to what extent will their friendship go through?

JANE OINEZA as NATALIA
(Maria La Del Barrio)

If the cards will be played right, Jane is a perfect match to Julia's acting skills. Like a fruit riping in time for its season, Jane has the caliber to be one of the top bankable and versatile actresses of the Kapamilya Network.

Her portrayal as Nene in an MMK episode directed by One of my favorite Directors, Direk Nuel Naval convinced me that wow, there goes the next generation after Kim, Maja, Erich and the likes.

Her chemistry with Enchong's character with Leonel is so cute and something new to the eyes, it made me forget that they were siblings back in Maria La Del Barrio. I guess really good actors can differentiate their characters effectively.

I am so looking forward to Jane's character here. There are so many possibilities to her character -- will she be a friend or a foe?

I am happy for the opportunities being opened for this girl. With a beautiful face and a sexy body, it is easy to predict that she is on her way to become one of the future leading kapamilya actresses. A one special package ready to be unwrapped.

ENRIQUE GIL as FRANCIS DELA VEGA
(Mula Sa Puso / Budoy / Princess and I
 

THE NEXT ULTIMATE LEADING MAN.
Being the "I" in "Princesss and I", BJ in Budoy and Michael in Mula Sa Puso, Enrique's features - his looks and built usually falls on the same line of characters-- a lonely Prince who have everything, yet all he wants is the love of the girl he can never have. Different kinds of shades to each Prince-type roles.

Somewhat the same situation but definitely not "Kinda Rustic" when it comes to the role of Francis because basing it on the trailers, this time he gets the girl.

What we are about to see in the coming weeks is how will Francis handle first love, how will he fight for his freedom and how will he stick on love until the end, a teen love story that never failed to make girls fall in love and tweet about him every night.

His eyes make you sympathize with him with or without dialogue. Of course the undeniable swag that he have is a known trademark for Enrique. I wonder what will he look like if given a gusgusin character in the future :)

JULIA MONTES as SARAH BELTRAN
(Walang Hanggan / Mara Clara)

THE PRIMETIME SWEETHEART

Starting as Clara to the very mature portrayal of Katerina in Walang Hanggan, Julia Montes is one blessed actress to be given different kind of roles at a young age.

What exciting about her as Sarah Beltran is that she is portraying a role of her age group. More viewers can relate now with her character's journey.

Sarah Beltran is the underdog in the Beltran household- makes you want to bet for her all thruought. Her pairing with Enrique is nothing new since you saw their chemistry in The Reunion. The Kilig scene last night courtesy of Leonel is somewhat too cute that you will be charmed by the three.

What I am looking forward is the revelation part. Will a fierce Sarah come out of it? Will she hate Marietta and take revenge? That is for us to find out in the coming weeks.

ENCHONG DEE as LEONEL BELTRAN
(Ina, Kapatid, Anak / Maria La Del Barrio / Magkaribal / Tanging Yaman / Katorse)

THE VERSATILE ACTOR.

One element you need to have to be a Primetime star is to make the audience stick with you whatever character, whatever story, and whoever you are casted with. This is what I honestly observed when it comes to Enchong. You don't seem to realize that he never cease to grace your primetime viewing because it is always a delight to see him on TV.

Without any bias, Enchong's strength comes from the different portrayals that captures you slowly but surely as days and weeks go by.

Who didn't fall for Jojo? Who sympathized with Jomari? Who laughed and cried over Caloy's journey? Who got lonely with Luis' rollercoaster love story? And who pitied and cried with Ethan?

Enchong made sure that we feel what his character feels. He makes us part of his character's journey. Saying all these made me think that there is no justification needed for the label "Versatile Actor". As an avid viewer of soaps in ABS-CBN you just openly accepted the term they used for him. He is indeed effective.

What I like about Leonel is his heartless outpouring love for his sister. He is the star who's always watching over her, a brother who is willing to sacrifice just to make her happy.

His comedic timing, and the difference of it from Caloy of Magkaribal is simply a proof that Enchong IS Leonel himself. All natural.

What I am afraid to happen is when Leonel discovers the truth about the 3 of them. Because of the amount of love he has for his sister, will it ever be the same again?

Kudos to you Enchong, a lot of viewers are loving Leonel this early! I can read the tweets. Keep it up!

CHEMISTRY.

Leonel, Sarah and Francis have a very cute chemistry, well at least at the light part of these series. Lets all await when conflicts arise.

I love the first encounter and the second were Leonel was the only one talking. I love the dialogues "May tanong ka ba tungkol sa San Felipe?" , "I'm good", "Ako din good... Sya very good (sabay turo kay Sarah). So funny That I always smile whenever I remember it.

They said that starting it light is just like a full course meal. Always get ready on the way to its main course because this Teleserye would not have a power ensemble for nothing.

Muling Buksan Ang Puso is set to bring you to countless possibilities with TV entertainment at its finest.

Watch Muling Buksan Ang Puso every weeknights after Juan De La Cruz.

MULING BUKSAN ANG PUSO - Something Old but definitely Something New

Sa Ika-60 taon na selebrasyon ng telebisyon, inihahandog ng ABS-CBN ang pinakamalaking teleserye ng taon - Ang MULING BUKSAN ANG PUSO. 

A very big introduction and I bet a bigger pressure for the team behind it. 

After the first week of its premiere, i know this newest teleserye of ABS CBN will live up to its expectations. 

The vibe of a classic story that comes to life because of the beautiful scenery of the koparahan magnified by film-like shots is like watching a movie every night. 

A CLASSIC TITLE. 

ABS CBN has this way of naming their teleseryes after classic Pinoy Films such as Katorse, Sabel, Ina, Kapatid, Anak and now - Muling Buksan ang Puso. i guess this adds more class and adds bigness aside from the story and the ensemble of actors, not to mention the directors I personally admired because of their past works. 

------------------------------------------

The story is set at a koprahan in a town named San Felipe. Mrs. Adelina Beltran is the richest and her business is the biggest. 

She has an adopted daughter named Carissa whom she loved the most. 

In the same town lived a couple named Bernardo and Elvira who had a daughter named Marietta. 

Carissa and Marietta grew up as bestfriends, aside from knowing the fact that Elvira, Marietta's mother is the reason behind Bernardo's separation with Adelina whom he was married to, up to this day. 

Truth is, Adelina made Bernardo choose between her and Elvira. Bernardo then was left with no choice but to stay with Elvira whom he had a child. Adelina can't bear a child at all. She found baby Carissa outside the church. 

Fast forward, Marietta being gullible and easy to fall in love, was impregnated by a mechanic who lives in town and left her alone to take care of her son, Leonel. 

Years after, they never expected that they will fall in love in the same man -- Nicholas who disguised himself as Ricardo. 

Carissa and Nicholas hid their relationship from Marietta which the latter discovered during one of the couple's secret meet-ups. 

She took her heartbreak by sleeping with her long time suitor Ignacio. Fast track to nine months and the bestfriends bore their children in the same kubo. 

Marietta gave birth to a baby boy while Carissa, who lost conciousness while giving birth had a baby girl. Marietta discovered that there is something wrong with her baby and they all went to the hospital to have it checked together with Carissa's newborn, leaving the unconcious Carissa behind. 

Your guess was right. Marietta's baby boy came out with a heart ailment and Elvira convinced her to swap the babies because they cannot provide support in all the checkups and operations the baby needs to go through in order to live. 

They got the healthy baby girl and named her Sarah and Carissa named the baby boy Francis. 

After 16 years Adelina is back in San Felipe, now with Francis who is about to see the mansion for the first time. 

Sarah and Leonel grew up to be very close with each other, with Leonel being the ever loving kuya to Sarah. 

A NEW PRIMETIME HABIT. 

All the secrets we have witnessed is just a hidden door waiting to be opened by the characters, ready to explode right in front of them. This teleserye may have some points of cliche but we are only seeing the first layer of the conflict. We can never say what will happen next. And with a great line up of actors, each will definitely shine in their own way.

Muling Buksan ang Puso might have the main concept of love, but with threats of revenge, when will they discover forgiveness? And with the pain of a heartbreak, will they find love again? 

Love brings us to a different kind of paradise, pain leads it to destruction. Question is, will you even search for that place you thought existed? Will you open your heart to love again?

This almost 2 weeks old primetime teleserye of ABS-CBN gives us that different version of a story about love. A story that is worth of your viewing time. 

As day 7 of Muling Buksan ng Puso ended awhile ago, we slowly understand where Elvira is coming from. Adelina's anger and Marietta's longing for her son Francis. 

Leonel and Sarah proved to be close siblings, what will happen in the coming weeks if Leonel discovers that they are not related at all?

Unravel more secrets and together let us journey with the characters that we are about to love in the coming days. 

Watch Muling Buksan Ang Puso airing weekdays after Juan Dela Cruz.

VERSUS

ALL ON ME. 

When everything about you seem temporary, you also hope that problems, frustrations and dilemma too. 

I have quite accepted the fact that I did something wrong but people seem not to be resolved with the idea. 

Trying to think clearly, yes it is all on me. I am all to blame. Whatever my situation is right now, whatever happening to my career right now is all on me to blame. 

I just wish that it would be like when I was young, I may be a loner but I get good conversations at home. 

When I was in my teenage years where I don't get good conversations at home, I am not alone at school or somewhere else. I have lots of friends. 

I'm trying to believe that these are a series of God's test of maturity for me -- to learn how to keep things to yourself, move on and cope up. 

I need to finish and get through this alone. And I need to go through this alive. Not overdosed with sleeping pills nor gone to a hidden place to start a simpler life away from the city, away from everyone. 

Wait, I think the latter is a good idea... Joke. 

PILED THOUGHTS. 

I know I need to learn, I need to advance, I need to provide more and at my age, it will take longer than I thought. 

DARK ROAD. 

I am not even in the middle of crossroads. I am in the middle of nowhere. I don't know when the next turn will be, or will I ever see a light post again. 

I want to take a shortcut, get a ride to go to my destination, fast. But I guess the road I took was somewhere less taken. I need to walk through this alone. 

I understand the journey, I only got a general idea of the destination. But first I need to survive to get there.

And as much as I don't want to, I only got myself for the rest of the journey. I can do loud cries, but in this part of the road, i need to swallow hard and stop my tears. Because the more I think of it, the more I give up, because I don't like me. 

PRAYER. 

God, I know it is difficult to keep up with me, but please give me patience to do so. Help me accept things may it be too unfair, help me make understand the forces that help me go through this journey with me. Help me appreciate me more. Help me love me more. 

Amen. 

WHAT IS IT ABOUT FOUR SISTERS AND A WEDDING?

THE KICK-OFF PROJECT OF STAR CINEMA ON ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY DEFINITELY KICKED THE HEARTS OF PINOY FAMILIES. 

With Star Cinema being the biggest Film Company in the Philippines that also holds the highest grossing movies of today, it is without a doubt that their opening salvo for their 20th Anniversary --- Four Sisters and A Wedding is one movie you must not miss. 

THE STORY. 

The movie started when Reb-reb, the youngest of the Salazar siblings announced that he is getting married. Being the baby of the family, this alarmed all his sisters. They all went home as per Cj's request because the wedding will happen in two weeks. 

The "pamamanhikan" with the Ba-yags happened the next day and this prompted the sisters to plan for their baby brother's rescue. 

These events led them into realizing each other's shortcomings, flaws and misunderstandings. They realized that they have grown apart and that they have issues within the family all hidden in the closet for so many years. 

THE SALAZAR SIBLINGS. 

THEODORA  GRACE "Teddie" SALAZAR

Tony Gonzaga's role is somewhat tailored fit for her. Most of the first-born, if not all can easily relate from struggles to insecurities up to the issues that would fall on her lap as the first Ate of the Salazars. All first born feel they are to take responsibility for their siblings.  

I am a first born and it struck me when she said the lines "KUNG GANUN, WAG NYA TAYO ITRATONG EMPLEYADO, AKO PA DIN ANG PANGANAY DITO. " her sarcasm, her raw humor and how she handled the whole character is amazing. 

Her breakdown is outstanding yet heart breaking. Kudos Toni! She's one of the reasons why your head will ache because of the fast switching of crying to laughing. 

ROBERTA OLIVIA "Bobbie" SALAZAR

Bea Alonzo for me is like the modern-day spelling of the DRAMA Genre. Tears will just fall in a snap. Her character taps your hidden pain. You will just say "ouch may ganun akong naramdaman noon". 

Bobbie is the achiever among the siblings and the most hated because of her straight-forward and in-your-face brutal opinions. But its all true. We always have this evil sibling who just tells you the truth yet you hate them because the truth they are telling hurts you. Her breakdown is a must watch too. I guarrantee that this will bring you to tears. Well, aside from the tears that Toni will bring you unexpectedly. 

ALEXANDRA CAMILLE "Alex" SALAZAR

Alex reminds me so much of myself. The love for the arts, always broke, with no direction at all (ok enough of the pity-party! Haha) 

Angel Locsin surprisingly pulled a different kind of comic relief here.  Funny at this scene and hurting in the next. In the story, Alex had an unfinished issue with Bobbie played by Bea Alonzo. Relating it again with pinoy families, issues of the heart within siblings are no longer new and unusual in today's setting. Their confrontation was whoah! They matched each other's grit. Galing! 

As for some who felt like Alex has small exposure, I can say that her character also took a full circle from confrontation, patawaran scene and wrapping it up with Mocha / Chad / Salazar Siblings.  Great balancing direk!! :)

GABRIELLA SOPHIA "Gabbie" SALAZAR

Shaina Magdayao has this way of making a character count without much to say. Glad she was picked as Gabbie. 

Gabbie's struggle is not the lovelife part. In the first part of the story, their Mom was persuading her to get Masters abroad. I remember Ms. Coney's lines "you always use us as an excuse". Each parent know the capacity of their child if they can do more and achieve more. That was the conflict between Gabbie and their Mama. She feels responsible all the time. 

In current settings there will always be a sibling who will cook for all, do chores for all and are left to take care of the aging parents. That is the importance of Gabbie's character. The latter part of the movie was really touching and it made me very thankful of my old maid aunts who sacrificed love and spent their future with us, taking care of the family. 

Gabbie is not a small role at all. 

CARLOS JOSE "Cj" aka "Reb-reb" SALAZAR

If you are to pick a kapamilya actor who perfectly fits Cj's character --- charming, loveable, baby brother-type, innocent, who can match the acting levels of the biggest kapamilya actresses, charming (oh I can't stop :), disarming (oh enough! Too biased) who would it be? 

Enchong Dee is dee man perfect for the role. Period. His Man-boy appeal makes you want to side with the sisters in stopping the wedding and then feeling embarrassed for what you did on the next. His character made his sisters realize that their baby brother is no longer a baby. 

This movie made me feel like he's my brother too :) young but matured in thinking. His confrontation scene with the sisters is a revelation. Imagine you need to level your acting with Toni, Bea, Shaina and Angel with intense grit and anger! He passed the scene with flying colors. Enchong, you make me proud :)

And if in any case some of you didn't know the origin of his nickname Reb-reb, its from Rebisco :) subtly cute :)

GRACE SALAZAR

Ms. Connie Reyes nailed the matriarch role. Her breakdown made me cry even more. 

FRODO TEODORO

Janus has always been my favorite character actor may it be comedy or drama. He delivers very well. He's cute for Toni. 

TRISTAN HARRIS

Who wouldn't want Sam Milby as a boyfriend? He's a perfect match for Bea here. His American accent is oh so sexy. 

TRIXIE

This cutie is like an ingredient wherein a scene won't finish without some of the lines that would come from her. So cute. 

TOTI MARIE

In some extended families we share secrets with our cousins, plan something with our household which no one from the oldies must know. I felt these with Toti Marie. 

MANANG

Being the soundboard of the Salazar matriarch, manang speaks the words that their Mom can't. She is the silent witness of the family in all of its happenings. 

THE BA-YAGS

BUBOY / ANGELINE QUINTO / CARMI MARTIN

The Ba-yags added full color in the story. Scenes that include them doesn't just go unnoticed. 

SCENES TO WATCH OUT FOR

Actually, I love almost all the scenes but you must not miss the following:

THE SANDWICH CLUB

The start of the movie. Cute kiddos portraying the salazar sisters. 

PAMAMANHIKAN - Carmi Martin's entrance and actually everything about Carmi is to watch out for. She still remains to be the sexiest and funniest comedian for me from the 80s until now. 

CJ's STAG PARTY

I find this cute. Enchong, Sam and Janus are sooo cute here. 

THE BOBBIE SONG

It comes as a surprise but i love the scene and the way it was revealed. 

CJ vs FOUR SISTERS

So intense! You will have Cj's sympathy after and Alex will make you laugh after that confrontation scene. 

THE CHARADES with BA-YAGS & SALAZARS

The subtle "parinigan" durin the game is so funny. This scene leads to the unstoppable rollercoaster ride of emotions that will leave you crying for minutes! Ready your tissues. 

THE SALAZAR RESBAK

Want to know how amazona Alex can be? Watch out for this!

THE WEDDING

This came as a surprise. Hold on to that twist. 

THE BLOOPERS

Its Direk Cathy's trademark already. Those bloopers that will make you sit, up to the last credit. 

THE WRITER

I have long been a fan of Ms. Vanessa Valdez. Her works really show the reality may it be painful or funny. The characters and the story relatable for different people, for different familes, people in all walks of life. From YOU ARE THE ONE, ONE MORE CHANCE, SUDDENLY ITS MAGIC and THE MISTRESS, I love it! 

THE DIRECTOR

Direk Cathy has always been making films that struck me straight to the heart, making me laugh and cry at the same time. I love YOU ARE THE ONE, MY ONLY YOU and the JLC-SARAH TRILOGY, MY AMNESIA GIRL, UNOFFICIALLY YOURS and the list goes on :) :) and now this. Her tandem with Ms. Vanessa Valdez is always a box office hit, think of ONE MORE CHANCE :) I wish I could work with you in the future!

50 YEARS OF REBISCO

Star Cinema's number one sponsor for this film is Rebisco -- also celebrating its 50 years of love and sharing with the Filipino family. 

I love Rebisco and Star Cinema. The movie started with a unique scene with Rebisco branding yet not in-your-face advertising. The product blended well in the story. Not even mentioned but you feel its presence have carried their family in years. Hope it would be the same for future sponsors as well :)

THE SALAZARS ON TWITTER

Way before the movie was shown, i felt a certain connection between the characters just by reading their tweets. Thank you to the writers and to the think-tanks behind these twitter accounts. 

AD & PROMO

Of course kudos to Sir Roxy Liquigan and Sir Mico del Rosario for the greater push on this movie. I know that with no promo this movie will still earn millions because of the big cast but their efforts made this movie earn millions in just days. Great team!

In the end, this movie teaches us that if there are people who can love us unconditionally, it would be our own family. Forget about being perfect, forget about bein the coolest or even the brightest and the richest. Our family will love us perfectly for who we are and who we may become. They are forever behind you in everything you do. They are always there waiting for you to come back home with open arms, ready to give you the warmest and the tightest hug to last a lifetime. :)

Back to Basics

07/01/2013

IT HAS BEEN A HURTFUL FACT THAT I TURN TO BLOG BECAUSE I CAN'T TALK TO ANYONE. YES, PITY ME. 

Let me start this with my hunger to watch Four Sisters and A Wedding with my well-loved friends. 

They know for a fact that i whole-heartedly love Enchong Dee and that to piss me off (i'm easily pissed-off) by ditching me over and over again is quite a pain I am feeling right now. Yes, by the fact that I am hurt seem too unreasonable at all to blame them in the first place. 

Honestly, these set of friends I have right here are very busy people who are on their way to the top of the entertainment industry. A headwriter for an upcoming series, 2 headwriters of a variety and a talkshow, A junior writer, A music researcher and a Corporate Marketing officer. 

With their busy schedule, it is really hard for them to give time to watch and enjoy the movie with me. Well except for Borj who honestly texted me that he really doesn't want to watch the movie at all. 

I just want to rant this effin feeling of being ditched over and over again for almost 2 weeks. I even mentioned the writer, the director and who is the original concept and screenplay to attract the attention of their creative-minds-who-cares-about-technicalities-because-we-are-oh-so-good-movie-critics but i failed.

Yet I can't avoid the idea that watching a movie with me is only making me kunsinti on how i love Enchong. Cheap thinker I am. 

You see I am fan. And that is not their kind of thing. 

I still believe that they are just busy though. Hopefully the next time, I'd get used to the feeling because the worst is yet to come. 

A lot of ditching will definitely happen. Goodluck!