Tuhog

This Eugene Domingo movie is a black comedy. Black comedy means that it takes a serious topic and presents it with a comedic tone.

IT IS LIGHT.
IT IS HEAVY.
MOST OF ALL, IT IS HEARTWARMING.

1. tam·pon·ade 
   /ˌtampəˈnād/

   Noun Compression of the heart by an accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac. The surgical use of a plug of absorbent material.

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Tuhog

Imagine a hunky Jake Cuenca falling in love with the more mature Eugene Domingo, whose name in this movie is Fiesta. Imagine Empress and Enchong who came from mainstream television tackling sexy innuendos and risque scenes. Imagine Leo Martinez and his buddies (who are great dramatic supporting actors in television soap operas) baking pandesal while playing cards.

It is a movie of many facets. All the main cast are perfect for their characters. Not one of them is forgettable. The story is fast-paced and close to reality. Everything that happened in that happy can happen to anyone.

Even this one.

Will Fiesta be happy at last? The movie is worth it. Watch it in cinemas. That way we can encourage producers to make more movies as entertaining and thought-provoking as Tuhog.

Of Sabaw and Laman

Today, I watched Unofficially Yours with Marde. She was the one who really wanted to watch as everybody in their house have seen the movie, except her.

We headed off to Robinson's Movieworld as it is the only theater here in Dumaguete. The other ones either burned down or closed. When we got there, we got to avail of their Valentine promo. When you purchase two tickets in a single transaction, you are rewarded a 30% discount card for any His & Hers DC items for a limited time.

Unofficially Yours is a Filipino film topbilled by Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz. They were first paired together for the vampires and werewolves teleserye, Imortal. Armed with a slew of pickup lines and a song number, the movie managed to make me smile numerous times. It almost, but barely got there, bordered on the cheesy side which is a good sign. It was daring and funny, at the same time. The former brought on by the very alluring and gorgeous, Angel Locsin. I now understand why she keeps topping those Sexiest Woman in the Philippines lists. This girl just sizzles onscreen. I love all her outfits plus the sky-high heels while fighting for a scoop in the airport. The humor and laughter is brought on by no less than John Lloyd Cruz, who has apparently perfected the naughty-but-nice character that seems to attract moviegoers and women of all ages to his movies (and heart?)

The movie revolves around a guy who can't seem to function alone and a girl who is not into putting labels to relationships. If you're not into Tagalog films, think of it as the Tagalog version of No Strings Attached with a Star Cinema flavor. It starts with talking about sabaw and laman, soup and the meal that comes along with it. It asks why you should settle for a measly soup if you can get the meal along with it. In other words, why should you commit if you can get the benefits without the hassles and the drama? That is the stand of the female character.

Unofficially Yours Soundtracks and Quotes After the Jump

The Vow

I wanted to watch The Vow when I first found out about it. I never viewed the trailer but just presumed that it will be a movie along the lines of The Notebook, etc. Plus, it starred Channing Tatum. Isn't he reason enough?

Thus, I did not know what I was in for.

A love story. An accident. Then, amnesia. It was pretty much predictable, at first. The girl could not recognize the guy anymore (I'm thinking: The Notebook, except it was Alzheimer's and they were old). Then, the guy decides that he has to make the girl fall in love with him all over again. (I'm thinking: 50 First Dates)

What makes this story special is how the guy does everything for the love of his life. He is understanding, gentle, and possibly the most perfect guy in the world. Did he have any flaws? I could not see any, provided that he was being portrayed by Channing Tatum (FANGIRL ALERT!) He always persevered to help his wife regain her memory, even if she could not even help herself do the same.

I will stop myself right here because I might not be able to stop myself from spilling the story. Trust me, this movie is not just about the big scenes. It's about relishing every moment with somebody you love. It's about the pain of being with someone yet the person is still so distant and unreachable. Surely, it will teach you to never take somebody for granted and that you can never really know a person entirely.

PLUS, it's not cheesy at all! I have an alpha-male's point of this so trust me its movie date material. =)

Watch The Vow online for free!

Dagang Guwang

This video is one of the finalists of the Sinulog Short Film Festival. It is entitled "Dagang Guwang" or "Old Maid" in English. It follows a day in the life of a single woman in her forties. On that day, she has decided to end her lonely existence.  It also delves into the Cebuano's faith in the Sto. Nino. Apparently, like most Cebuanos, she is very devoted to the Sto. Nino and questions him how could not have heard her prayers. How could he not have spared her, out of all the 7 billion people in the world, just one person to spend her life with?

It's a film that is full of emotion, heart, and hurt. Solitude: that is something that drives people to do great things but it is also a catalyst for emotion to run wild and take its toll on somebody's spirit.

Despite feeling weary of her existence, the character was still able to poke some fun in her predicament.

Can you see the resemblance between this teenager who prods the lead to always look above and the Sto. Nino, which is the only constant fixture in her life?

Just Watched: The Descendants

You give your children enough money to do something, but not enough to do nothing.

The Descendants (2011) follows the journey of the King family as they struggle to face Elizabeth's (mom and wife) death. She was on a boating accident and has a Do Not Resuscitate order. I'd love to tell you more but it will ruin the film for you. I highly recommend this film as it is never boring, stars George Clooney, and it will make you reexamine your past and make the most of the future. So many unforgettable scenes in this one. Plus, I shed a tear in the second to the last scene. =(

Watch for Free Here:

The Descendants 2011