ISANG BUO AT BAGONG MUNDO, AT, ISANG CARLOS CASTELO.... MINSAN PA!

carlos castelo: artistahin pa rin ang dating

carlos: ang kinis!

carlos minus the beard

carlos: grabe ang sex appeal

carlos: magbabalik-pelikula kung maganda ang offer

carlos: so charming

carlos: kaibig-ibig pa rin

Panahon 'yun ng mga nagguguwapuhang mga lalaki na pumapasok sa mundo ng showbiz. Ibang klaseng panahon iyon, dahil narooon na yata ang lahat ng pinaka-guwapong mga artistang nakita't nakilala namin. Karamihan sa kanila, hindi basta pa-cute lang. Hindi sila mahiyain magsipag-hubad o mag-piktoryal ng naka-swimming trunks. Dahil 'yun ang panahon na kung saan ay papasok na ang 'year 2000's' o "Turn of the Century" na masasabi. Papasok na rin noon kasi ang tinatawag na "Millenial Age".

Sa kuwadra ng mga male talents ng yumaong direktor na kaibigan namin na si direk Maryo J. delos Reyes (R.I.P.) ay nakilala namin si Carlos Castelo. Bagets na bagets pa noon si Carlo, mestisuhin, napakakinis ng kutis at very charming ang dating. Naging kabilang si Carlos sa Batch Two ng binansagang "MARYO J. BROTHERS" (Ang mga original members ng Maryo J. brothers ay sina Robert Aviles, Poppo Lontoc, Zoltan Amore, Jun Palattao, Allyson Seven, Sebastian Cordero at Emilio Malvar. Si Carlos ay napunta doon sa Maryo J. Brothers Batch Two na kinabibilangan naman nina Iraz Melchor, Kiro Amirati at siya nga-si Carlos. Tatlo silang younger members ng Maryo J. brothers noon).

"Una akong napasabak sa mundo ng entertainment world nu'ng maging modelo ako ni Benjie Alipio", naging kuwento ni Carlos sa isang hindi inaasahang pagkikita sa isang blogger na naging kaibigan niya. "Palagi niya akong kinukuhang model sa mga hair & make-up events niya kay Ricky Reyes sa Filhair competitions noon. Hanggang sa isang araw, sinabi ni Tito Benjie na pupuntahan daw namin 'yung sikat na direktor na si Maryo J. delos Reyes.  Hindi ko inaasahan na iyon na pala ang magpapabago ng takbo ng buhay ko."

Pagkakita sa kanya ni direk Maryo J. delos Reyes, sinabi ng yumaong direktor na tutulungan siya nito. Pero ilang buwan din, buhat nuon, na wala silang komunikasyon nu'ng direktor. Hanggang sa isang araw, nakatanggap siya ng isang tawag mula sa batikang direktor. May pictorial daw siya at interview sa mga press people. Laking tuwa nuon ni Carlos halos hindi siya makatulog nu'ng kinagabihan magmula ng tawagan siya ni direk Maryo J.

"Hindi po talaga ako mapakali noon, Kuya Robert, excited na excited ako", muli pang sabi ni Carlos habang kumakain sila sa Kentucky Fried Chicken sa may SM Marikina. "Para ipiktoryal ako at ipa-interview ni direk Maryo J. noon, alam ko pong may mga plano siya sa akin at mabibigyan niya ako ng break sa pag-arte. 'Yun na ang simula."

Sinagot din ni direk Maryo J. ang naging Acting Workshop noon ni Carlos sa PETA. At naging laman si Carlos ng mga sexy magazines noon na tulad ng Chika-Chika, Hot Copy magazine, at iba pa. Lagi siyang nasa cover at posters ng mga magazines.

Gumawa rin ng mga pelikula si Carlos sa kalaunan, mga TV guestings, at naging semi-regular sa TV show noon na Kasangga sa channel 7,  at marami pang iba.

"Ang huling teleseryeng ginawa ko sa channel 7 bago ako umalis patungong ibang bansa noon ay 'yung Munting Heredera", sabi ni Carlos sa amin. "Six months din ako sa teleseryeng iyon. Kasama ko sina Gloria Romero, Camille Pratts, Mark Anthony, at iba pa. Bodyguard ako doon sa mansyon, iyon ang naging papel ko sa teleseryeng iyon. Iyong huling pelikulang ginawa ko naman ay iyong Red Diaries na produced by Regal Films at pinagbidahan ni Assunta de Rossi. Ginawa ko ang pelikulang iyan bago ako nag-Japan."

Dahil na rin sa nagka-pamilya na si Carlos, kinailangan na niyang mas magpursige pa sa buhay at magkaroon ng regular na income. Kaya naman iniwan niya ang mundo ng showbiz by that time. Pagkatapos mag-Japan ni Carlos, sa Dubai, Saudi Arabia naman siya nagpunta.

"Medyo hindi naging maganda ang buhay ko sa Dubai kaya muli akong bumalik sa Pilipinas", pagpapatuloy na sabi ni Carlos. "Nag-iba na rin ang trend sa showbiz industry. Kaya naisipan ko, mag-barko na lang. May nakilala akong tao at hinikayat akong mag-barko. Kaya hayun, for the past few years ay nililibot ko ang buong mundo sakay sa isang cruise ship. Naho-homesick ako kapag malalakas ang alon sa dagat na umaabot sa third floor nu'ng barko. Nakakahilo sa dagat. Pero okey lang, kaya naman. 

"Kakauwi ko lang buhat sa dagat ngayon", dagdag ni Carlos. "Hanggang sa Oktubre pa ako naririto sa Pilipinas. Mga bandang Oktubre 22, maglalayag na muli ako at lilisan. Ngayon, heto at ini-enjoy ko ang pakikipag-bonding ko muli sa asawa't anak ko, sobrang mahal ko sila at sobrang na-miss ko sila. Gusto ko ring makita muli ang mga dating barkada at mga kapatid ko kay direk Maryo J., mga dating ka-tropa't kaibigan. Kasi pag-alis ko, mag-isa na naman ako. Nasa dagat na naman ako."

"Yung dating at kilos ni Carlos ngayon, pati na rin sa porma, pananamit at lalo na sa hitsura- every inch, ARTISTA PA RIN ANG DATING NIYA. Hindi nawala 'yung glamour, 'yung 'star' sa mga mata niya, 'yun bang kikiligin ka pa rin kapag kaharap mo siya.

Fresh na fresh pa rin ang hitsura niya, hindi siya natuyot, at 'yung mukha niya, habang tinitiigan mo, lalo lamang gumuguwapo. May pinagmanahan talaga si Ruru Madrid, dahil tiyuhin ni Ruru si Carlos at pamangkin ni Carlos naman si Ruru. Mga dugong artistahin talaga.

Wala bang planong mag-comeback sa showbiz si Carlos?

"Kung anuman ang dumating. Kuya Robert, hahayaan ko lang", sagot ni Carlos. "Pero hindi ako nage-expect, hindi ako umaasa. Kasi, 'yun nga, pabalik-balik ako sa dagat. Hindi ko naman puwedeng basta iwanan ang trabaho ko dahil may pamilya na ako. Kung maganda naman ang offer at mga chances, puwede sigurong magpahinga muna ako sandali sa paglalayag sa dagat at balikan ang pag-arte. Basta sa ngayon, wala akong inaasahan, Kuya Robert."


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Isang buo, at isang bagong mundo.

Malawak, malayo, malaki...

Mula sa kinalalagyan mo, tatanawin mo ang malalim na dagat, habang sumasalpok ang mga alon at ang hangin ay bumubulusok.

Sa bagong mundo na iyon, mas naging matapang ka na. Mas alam mo na ang pupuntahan mo. Mas matatag ka na rin. Mas kumpleto. Mas sigurado.

Mag-isa ka lang, walang kasama, at ang kalungkutan ay kayang-kaya mo na.

Halos nawala na ang lahat sa iyo. Pero ni minsan, hindi ka nanghina, at hindi ka rin naging mapait.

At sa maliliit na bagay o mga hindi inaasahang pangyayari-

pangingitiin ka ng Diyos. Pasisiglahin. Muli kang bibigyan ng inspirasyon


at,


PAGASA.



MAGPAKAILANMAN.


(salamat, carlos castelo, sa maliit na pangyayaring nagbigay-pagasa muli sa puso ng isang nilalang).--rms*






SINULAT NI ROBERT MANUGUID SILVERIO

JOHN DENVER TRENDING IS NAMED BEST FILM IN CINEMALAYA 2019

"JOHN DENVER TRENDING IS NAMED BEST FILM IN CINEMALAYA 2019"

ARDEN ROD CONDEZ’ John Denver Trending was named the Best Film at the 15th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival Awards held August 11, 2019 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo.

A film about a 14 year old farm boy whose life is upended when a video of him brutally attacking a classmate went viral, John Denver Trending also scooped up five awards, namely, Best Actor for Jansen Magpusao who made his debut in the film in the lead role, Best Original Music Score (Len Calvo), Best Editing (Benjo Ferrer III), Best Cinematography (Rommel Sales) and the NETPAC Award for the Full-Length Category.

John Denver Trending was cited “for its highly relevant subject matter, its highly convincing characters and effective ensemble acting by a cast of non-professional actors; for its nearly epic sweep of its masterful use of the resources of cinema to depict a boy’s entrapment and doom; and for its coruscating critique of the social media as an engine of lies, hate, and destruction.”

The Special Jury Prize went to Thop Nazareno’s Edward, whose lead character comes of age as he is left alone to take care of his father in a public hospital.  Nazareno’s film also bagged the awards for Best Actress (Ella Cruz) and Best Production Design (Alvin Francisco).

The Best Direction award went to Eduardo Roy Jr. for F#*@ BOIS.   The film also gave Ricky Davao the Best Supporting Actor award for his portrayal of a libidinous politician with a fondness for young men.  Davao was cited for “for lending the weight of his artistic acclaim and professional reputation to independent cinema, and for taking on a very daring role and effectively playing it without lapsing into parody or cliché.

Theodor Boborol’s Iska, the story of an impoverished woman who lovingly cares for her autistic grandson, won Best Actress for Ruby Ruiz who played the lead role.  The film also won Best Screenplay (Mary Rose Colindres) and Best Sound (Immanuel Verona).

In the Short Feature Category, the animated ‘Wag Mo Akong Kausapin by Josef Dielle Gacutan grabbed the Best Film plum “for its very unique depiction of the universal rift between generations and for its craftsmanship” while Special Jury Prize went to Shaira Advincula’s Tembong “for its poignant take on grieving and loss and its incisive character study of a man challenging culture and tradition.”

Also in the short Feature category, the Best Direction award went to Don Madula Senoc for Sa Among Agwat while Best Screenplay went to Gilb Baldoza for Kontrolado ni Girly ang Buhay Niya.  Special Mention for Subject Matter went to the film Hele ng Maharlika by Norvin De Los Santos for its “timely but sensitive handling of the trenchant reality of juvenile warriors.”

Disconnection Notice by Glenn Lowell Forneste Averia won the NETPAC award in the Short Feature category.

Audience Choice awards went to Joji Villanueva Alonso’s Belle Douleur in the full length feature category and Julius Renomeron Jr.’s Heist School in the short feature category.

Now on its 15th year, Cinemalaya has supported and promoted the production of Filipino full feature independent films and short films.  Many of these films have won awards in local and international competitions and festivals.  Through the annual festival, Cinemalaya has showcased over 1,000 works by independent filmmakers including full feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics, and art films.

This year, Cinemalaya went nationwide.  It was held at the CCP from August 2-11 and at selected Ayala Cinemas and Vista Malls in Manila, Pampanga, Naga and Legaspi in Bicol, Bacolod, Iloilo and Davao from August 7-13.

Cinemalaya was established in 2005 with the aim to discover, encourage and support the cinematic works of upcoming and veteran Filipino filmmakers who boldly articulate and freely interpret the Philippine experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.

For more information about Cinemalaya, visit www.cinemalaya.org, www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and the Cinemalaya Facebook page. 

COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS AT CINEMALAYA 15 AWARDS NIGHT!

PHOTO COURTESY OF CINEMALAYA//TWITTER

Hosted by beauteous Irina Feleo and hunky Paolo Paraiso, the 15th Cinemalaya Film Festival awards night offered so much young sentiments and brilliant production numbers. Compact and concise, the awarding ceremonies went on fast, and clear, and concise. And Cinemalaya people even promoted other coming film festivals at the end of the program proper, with Mr. Chris Millado (representing the Cultural Center of the Philippines "higher-ups") inviting everybody once more on the coming Cinemalaya 2020 and creating good impressions on everyone about their unselfish convictions.

"John Denver Trending" was the big winner in this year's Cinemalaya 15. But director Eduardo Roy, Jr. (director of "Fuccbois") surprised everybody for the Best Director win, because many expected it's the director of "John Denver Trending" who's gonna grab the directorial award.

The feeling was young, vibrant and alive. And this year, the rains did not show-up on the awarding night. Maybe the prayers of the many young, fresh and raw film makers helped. As their dreams of becoming full-pledged film makers happened and was visibly felt that very night.

Below is the complete list of winners of this year's Cinemalaya 15 Independent Film Festival:


BEST SOUND DESIGN: IMMANUEL VERONA ("John Denver trending")

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN- ALVIN FRANCISCO ("Edward")

BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC SCORE- LEN CALVO ("John Denver Trending")

BEST EDITING- BENJO FERNAN III ("John Denver Trending")

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY- ROMMEL SALES ("John Denver Trending")

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD FOR FULL-LENGTH- BELLE DOULEUR (BEAUTIFUL PAIN)

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD FOR SHORTS- HEIST SCHOOL

BEST SCREENPLAY FOR SHORTS- GILB BALDOZA ("Kontrolado ni Girley....")
                                                                and SPECIAL MENTION:
                                                               NORVIN DELOS SANTOS ("Hele ng Maharlika")

BEST SCREENPLAY FOR FULL-LENGTH- MARY ROSE COLINDRES ("Iska")

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR- RICKY DAVAO ("Fuccbois")

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS- ELLA CRUZ ("Edward")

BEST ACTOR- JANSEN MAGPUSAO ("John Denver Trending")

BEST ACTRESS- RUBY RUIZ ("Iska")

SPECIAL JURY AWARDFOR SHORTS- "TEMBONG"

SPECIAL JURY AWARD FOR FULL-LENGTH- "EDWARD"

NETPAC AWARD FOR SHORTS: "DISCONNECTION NOTICE"
                                                          and SPECIAL MENTION:
                                                          "IN BETWEEN SPACES"

NETPAC AWARD FOR FULL-LENGTH- "JOHN DENVER TRENDING"

BEST DIRECTOR FOR SHORTS- DON SENOC ("Sa Bawat Agwat...")

BEST DIRECTOR FOR FULL-LENGTH- EDUARDO ROY, JR. ("Fuccbois")

BEST CINEMALAYA FILM FOR SHORTS- "HUWAG MO AKONG ISIPIN"

BEST CINEMALAYA FILM FOR FULL LENGTH- "JOHN DENVER TRENDING"




blogged by robert manuguid silverio


(video above, not this year's Cinemalaya performance. credits goes to the owner of the video. thank you...***)

LET THE YOUNG CHILD DREAM (AND THE FULL STORY COVERAGE ON CINEMALAYA 15 AWARDS NIGHT AT THE CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES)....

When all these pretty and handsome bunch of kids (especially the young ladies) began accepting their awards with shrieks, tears, giggles, braveness and over-powering triumphs of hopes and love, one would feel that the real cause of what Cinemalaya film festival was all about had indeed reached its truest intent.

Seeing these kids embracing their dreams right there on the very stage of Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines) as they held-on tight with their trophies, clung upon it deeper and delivered their winning victory speeches, surely, you would say to yourself: "LET THE YOUNG CHILD DREAM".

That was the night of the awarding ceremonies of the most-respected indie film festival in the Philippines- the Cinemalaya Film Festival 2019, year 15. It was the night of July 11, and as early as 2 p.m., Cinemalaya habitues, supporters, fans and friends were already oozing-in at the CCP, hanging-around and waiting for the 6 p.m. official lining-up to enter the Main Theater. Some media people were also early upon arrival, like bloggers Evo Joel Contrivida and "us" (Robert Manuguid Silverio). Other showbiz people also came-in early, yeah, to catch the last screenings of the most successful film this year at the Cinemalaya 15- that was the film "John Denver Trending".

As the winds outside the side but smaller entrance of the CCP (the main facade entrance of the CCP was still closed by that early time in the afternoon) blew stronger and the sun shone a little brighter on that mid-afternoon hour, one soul began capturing the true 'spirit' of this fest. It was a different spirit this time. More vibrant and candid, and a lot younger in smells and tunes.

The excitement never failed. In the faces of mostly young students, young professionals and young aspiring film artists that overwhelmed the basement lobby and most of all, the main lobby of the CCP, you would feel a younger kind of Cinema about to explode and burst into many different forms.

The very first celebrity who came-in early and visibly was film director Neal Tan. Coming in right after was another film director in person of Ces Evangelista and short film maker Dexter Macaraeg. Social Media 'influencer' Dennis T. Sebastian was also early, and the young directors of the 'Shorts' film category were also early in hanging-around the many adjacent interiors of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

More and more people were coming-in. Especially the press people and those who were somehow connected with all the films exhibited at the fest this year. The very first to arrive of the Ensemble Cast film entry were the director and kid-actors of the film "Children of the River", headed by Ms. Maricel Cabrera-Cariaga (the director). Early media bloggers began taking pictures of them.

The tall and handsome director of the film "John Denver Trending" roamed around so happily. And theater and film actor Jude Matthew Sevilla was quietly sitting in one corner of the basement lobby as he played ML on his cellphone. Ha-ha.

Minutes and a couple of hours more passed.  Suddenly, the hard, wooden doors of the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo opened-up. As the people about to watch the awarding rites lined-up and began entering the Main Theater- it was time for the great event bound to be seen and watched.

THE CINEMALAYA 15 AWARDING CEREMONIES.


*************   *************   **************


There was not much spectacle, after all. Yet. the result was even greater. That's how we described the presentation and the production values of the Awards Night. After the provocative "rainy" speech of Cinemalaya head- Ms. Laurice Guillen, and the prolonged introduction of each of the jury members (oh, my-r.s.*)-, the marathon of announcing the winners in many technical categories began right after the other, in an almost non-stop proclamations and distributions. You could hardly hold-on to your breath as the winners got high, tearfully cried and almost jumped coming to the very center stage.

Thanks God, there were the Itchy Worms, the Cinemalaya dancers, the Philippine Philharmonic orchestra, one lone female ballet dancer, a handsome male singer to cut in-between the second part of the program. By the way, the theme song of Cinemalaya was sung at first number of the presentation and it revived the true spirit and nationalistic pride of this prestigious film festival.

The musical, song and dance numbers were history unfolding to the very eyes of all the Cinemalaya film fest habitues who were all there watching at the audience. The musical and dance numbers were interpretative, showing vast and wide, past and present, young and old- Cinemalaya forms and grandeur up there on the LED screen.

Not so spectacular but powerful and brilliant in execution- the production numbers or musical breaks, we meant.

Minus the scene-stealing victory speech of veteran actor Ricky Davao and the funny Tagalog jokes of John Romeo Arcilla and Lou Veloso,  indeed, it were the young that captured the 'awe's and ahhh's' of all those who watched this significant awarding night.

As it came to the highlights of announcing the major winners like the Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Picture- there came a deeper sense and meaning upon it all.

That Cinemalaya 15 never grew older. It became younger still. Amidst the 15 years of its existence- it's now like a boy turning into the Puberty age. A fine, handsome young man out to conquer more of the land.


*************    *************  *************


Seated at the very first row and center spot of the audience seat, a blogger looked behind the row that was at his back. And he saw the young and hopeful faces of the directors of the Short Films. He saw the future of the Philippine Cinema. And he remembered his old dear 'director-friends' who all had passed-away- like the late Maryo J. delos Reyes (r.i.p.), the late Celso Ad Castillo (r.i.p.) and the late Gil Portes (r.i.p.).

This time around, he will let the younger people dream. As he remembered that very night he went back at the CCP (after a few months) to watch the film "Children of the River". It was raining then, and his hands and feet were soaked by the rain.

Suddenly, a very young and pretty Badjao girl held his hand and showed him the 7-11 store for refuge. This young girl gave him assistance, hope and a place to go and hide away from the rain.

They ate biscuits, drank coffee and Milo. And the little girl ate with her. He treated her. As jolly as she was, she said: "Gusto ko po, maging masaya po ang tatay at nanay ko. Paglaki ko po, bibili ako ng bahay namin, kasi po pinapaalis na kami sa bahay namin. Mag-aaral po ako at paglaki ko po, magiging masaya na po kaming lahat."

The little girl didn't see the person in front of her already crying. As he spoke to himself: "LET THE YOUNG CHILD DREAM".

He looked back, yes he looked back. At that very little girl, at the road he once passed by, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines where the film was shown, and at the rains fast catching him still.

Because the soul would linger.


AND THE SPIRIT LIVES ON-




FOREVER.







(as the words were written by: robert manuguid silverio)

the cultural center of the philippines: home of the cinemalaya film festival

ISANG SULYAP SA WALANG HANGGAN (REBYU PARA SA PELIKULANG "CHILDREN OF THE RIVER", NA KALAHOK SA CINEMALAYA 15)....

noel: a very honest portrayal in "children of the river"

May mga lugar at pook na lagi nating maaalala sa buong buhay natin. Maaaring ang mga lugar na iyon ay naging malaking bahagi ng ating kabataan, o naging testigo upang mas makilala pa natin ang ating mga sarili, Mga lugar na sadyang pesonal, mga lugar na pinagmulan natin, mga lugar na kung saan ay nakasama natin ang ating mga kaibigan.

Ang mga iyon siguro ang mga lugar na walang hanggan. Dahil sa puntong iyon ng walang hanggan, nakilala natin ng lubusan ang ating mga sarili.

Iyan siguro marahil ang naging kakaiba para sa pelikulang "Children of the River", isang pelikulang kalahok para sa Cinemalaya 15 ng taong ito.

Kakaiba, dahil sa napaka-simple at napaka- makatotohanang tema ng pelikula. Alam mong hindi pantasya lamang maski ba may pagka-'mala-romantiko' rin ang dating ng pelikula. Kakaiba, dahil kung ikukumpara mo sa nakagisnan nang mga kalahok palagi sa Cinemalaya na mga pelikula, ang isang ito ay hindi nagpakita ng karahasan, ng kapangitan, ng mga maling panghuhusga.

Ang isang ito- na pinamagatang "Children of the River", ay isang tunay na malayang pelikula, tunay ding masasabi mong SINEMA. Walang pretensyon. Walang pagnanasang maging isang dakilang pelikula. Dahil ang basta ipinakita lang niya- isang pagtuklas sa sarili at ang natatagong buhay ng mga batang iniwan ng kani-kanilang mga ama na naging sundalo at lumaban sa giyera ng Marawi.

Gustong-gusto ng karamihan ang mga ganitong uri ng pelikula na walang pretensyon. Hindi nagbabadya. Hindi nagpapanggap. Pero madarama mong may puso ang pelikula. May mensahe. May katuturan.

Yun bang makita naman kahit minsan ng mga kabataan at mga Milenyal na bata ang mga simpleng pamumuhay lamang- malayo sa DOTA o ML games at mga gadgets, sa mga gang wars, sa mga fraternities at sa mga wild parties. Makita man lang nila, kahit minsan lang, na ang mga simpleng kaligayahan sa mundong ito ay mas nagtatagal. Mas aakapin mo rin sa habang buhay.

Malinaw na naipakita ng direktor at manunulat ng pelikulang ito (na walang iba kundi si Maricel Cabrera-Cariaga) ang tunay na diwa at puso ng isang batang lalaking nakararanas ng pangungulila sa kanyang ama, pero pinasasaya naman siya ng kanyang tatlong mga kababata't kaibigan, na kung saan, hanggang sa huli, ay hindi siya iniwan maski ba natuklasan nilang lahat na bakla pala siya.

Maaaring sa pinaka-huling eksena ng pelikula ay nagpa-iwan na ang batang lalaking bida at pinauna na niyang maglakad ang mga kalaro niya, pagkatapos ay binitiwan na niya ang baril-barilan na hawak niya- maraming nais ipakahulugan ang huling eksena na iyon ng pelikula.

Dahil bilang isang batang LGBT, alam niya, hindi na dapat baril-barilan ang hawak niya kundi marahil ay isang make-up kit na o 'buhay na mikropono', mauuna na ngang humayo ang mga kaibigan niya dahil may iba na siyang mga landas na tatahakin pa.

Mahuhusay lahat ang mga nagsipag-ganap na supporting characters sa pelikula- lalong-lalo na si Jay Manalo na maski sa bandang huling parte na lang ng pelikula sumulpot, humataw naman ng husto sa napakaganda niyang monologue sa Eulogy Scene para sa mga namatay na kapwa niya kababata't sundalong namatay sa giyera sa Marawi kung saan ay siya lamang ang nabuhay. Ilang beses kaming nagpahid ng mga luha sa napakagandang eksena na iyon ni Jay, at karapatan siguro ni Jay na manalo ng Best Supporting Actor maski ba napakaikli lang ng mga eksena niya sa pelikulang ito. Sa Hollywood kasi, maski isang eksena lang 'yung artista, nananalo pa rin.

Lahat ng mga batang kaibigan ng bida, kay gagaling ding umarte. Napaka-natural ng pagganap nila. Batang-bata talaga, hindi nag-iinarte, hindi nagkukunwari. Lalo na 'yung batang mataba na nagdala ng mas magagaan pang moments o mga eksena sa pelikula.

Ang lugar na Quirino, Isabela pala ay tunay na kaaya-aya. Hindi pa ganu'n kasikat sa mga tao ang lugar na ito, pero ang ilog na ilang beses na pinakita sa pelikula, sadyang kay sarap yatang pasyalan at puntahan. 

Teka nga pala, nagustuhan din namin sa pelikulang ito si Juancho Trivino, ang lihim na pagibig ng batang bida sa pelikulang ito. 'Yung mga eksena nila nu'ng batang bida sa pelikula, tusok na tusok sa puso. Kuhang-kuha ni Juancho ang tamang pagganap sa karakter niya.


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Sabi nga nila, kapag nasulyapan mo na ang lugar na walang hanggan, wala ka na nga siguro hahanapin pa. Doon na rin siguro matatapos ang maikling biyahe mo sa buhay at pagibig.

Pero gaano man kaikli iyon, kapag may isang batang nakaalalang ngumiti sa iyo, mag-imbita, at magpahalaga, alam mo, hahaba pa rin ang biyaheng tinatahak mo. Magkakaroon pa iyon ng PART TWO.

Dahil tulad nu'ng batang bida na gumanap sa pelikulang "Children of the River", na walang iba kundi si NOEL COMIA, JR., ang pag-arte na ginawa niya sa pelikulang nabanggit ay masasabi mo ngang ISANG SULYAP SA WALANG HANGGAN.

Dahil naroon na lahat ang mga sangkap, mga detalye, mga mas malalalim pang kasaysayan.

Na hindi ikinahiyang gampanan ng isang batang aktor na may malawak na kaisipan. Buong puso niyang binigyang-buhay, buong kaluluwa niyang inakap at pinagmasdan.

Kaya naman, isang mariing saludo sa batang ito

si NOEL COMIA, JR.

Dahil sa kanya 


muling nakita

ng isang nilalang...



ang tunay na kahulugan



ng 





WALANG HANGGAN.









(sinulat ni robert manuguid silverio)

PPO WOWS ANTIQUEÑOS IN SAN JOSE AND PANDAN

"PPO WOWS ANTIQUEÑOS IN SAN JOSE AND PANDAN"

 IN spite of intermittent rains, the lively performance of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera uplifted the spirits of residents in the towns of San Jose de Buenavista and Pandan in Antique.  Held last June 30 and July 1, the PPO’s outreach concerts were undertaken through the efforts of Cultural Center of the Philippines president Arsenio "Nick" Lizaso.

 The PPO’s concerts in Antique were made possible with the support of Antique Congresswoman Legarda, who attended both concerts, Antique Provincial Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao, San Jose de Buenavista Municipal Mayor Elmer C. Untaran and Pandan Municipal Mayor Plaridel E. Sanchez VI. (Photo by Orly Daquipil)

50 YEARS OF PHILIPPINE FILM HISTORY AT THE CCP FOR CINEMALAYA’S 15TH

"50 YEARS OF PHILIPPINE FILM HISTORY AT THE CCP FOR CINEMALAYA’S 15TH"

 THE Cultural Center of the Philippines is proud to present an extensive exhibition on Philippine film history that will open on Saturday, 3 August, 3:30pm at the CCP Bulwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery).  Titled Scenes Reclaimed: CCP 50 x Cinemalaya 15, the exhibition traces the historical participation of CCP in the development of Philippine cinema across its first 50 years of service, culminating in its establishment of the first nationwide independent film festival, Cinemalaya, currently also celebrating its 15th year anniversary.

 Scenes Reclaimed presents a rich array of artworks, artifacts, photographs, and videos representing crucial moments and issues throughout the history of the Philippine film in the context of the CCP. The exhibition begins with the Marcos years and the conjugal dictatorship’s use of cinema in creating their political and cultural mythology.  It then goes into the post-EDSA period of the CCP with its thrust to democratize, decentralize and Filipinize.  The third alcove of the gallery presents the various programs that served as the impetus for the rise in independent film production and regional cinema, leading into the Cinemalaya Festival.  The Cinemalaya section of the exhibition presents the 2019 competition films alongside a study of the annual Cinemalaya Film Congress.  The exhibition also includes a general timeline of the Philippine film industry, with a special focus on the National Artists for film, as well as the relationship between the Philippine film industry and Philippine politics.

 Scenes Reclaimed is curated by the team of Patrick F. Campos, Karl Castro, Tito Quiling, Jr., and Louise Jashil Sonido, with the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division and the CCP Film, and New Media and Broadcast Division.

 Scenes Reclaimed may be viewed until September 24, 2019 at the CCP’s Bulwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery).  Exhibit viewing hours during the Cinemalaya Film Festival (2-11 August) are from 9am to 9pm.  Regular viewing hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.  Hours are extended until 10pm on days with evening performances at the CCP Main Theater.  For more information, contact the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division, Production and Exhibition Department, at (632) 832-1125 loc. 1504/1505 and (632) 832-3702, mobile (0917) 6033809, email  ccp.exhibits@gmail.com or visit  www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.

NOEL COMIA, JR. PORTRAYS A GAY ROLE IN HIS NEW CINEMALAYA FILM (A VERY SPECIAL INTERVIEW)

noel: impressive

noel comia, jr. with blogger robert

noel with his dad

From the glass circle moving doors of the entrance of Promenade Mall in Greenhills, he saw him. He was wearing black leather jackets and a rather rugged pair of pants, walking side by side with his father.

He followed him, as he walked fast in a separate glass entrance door of the Promenade. He never noticed that someone was following him already. And as he and his dad looked around looking for someone, he called their attention.

His mom and elder sister soon appeared, and they became a complete family, together with a lone guest- out to bond and eat supper altogether.

A rather naive and gentle but unassuming boy, he smiled upon seeing his guest.

And the rest of the running minutes and clicks of time seemed to be just like ETERNITY.


*****   ****  *****  *****


Noel Comia, Jr., the lead star of the upcoming Cinemalaya film entry entitled Children of the River, was every inch an actor of distinction, style, poise, breeding and intensity. At a young age, he knew the proper ways and manners of creating such a good and lasting impression upon his guest, who was out to interview him at that time. He was never harsh, he was always gentle when he spoke, and in between, his boyish ways could be cutely felt.

"Shooting the film was masaya, it's so much fun, too", came Noel's first answer to a question. "It was a great shoot for six days, far from the pollution of Metro Manila. Because you see, Sir, one of the aims of our film Children of the River is to promote tourism in Qurino, Isabela. That's the place we shot the film for its entirety. And we did capture the very many beautiful places there.

"Maganda po talaga doon", Noel further continued to say. "There's a great river flowing, hills and mountains and fields. It's like heaven. It's so quiet and peaceful. We slept in an Inn or Hotel every shooting wrap. As much as we loved to camp, we couldn't because we had to sleep after every shoot in preparation for the next shooting day."

How would Noel describe the film Children of the River?

"It's a coming of age film", Noel answered. "You will be surprised about my character in this movie. When we had a press conference, na-reveal na doon 'yung character ko sa movie. I portray po a gay role in this film. And it's my first time to portray a role like that. It's a gay role but I did not act gay and there's a lot more surprise if you'll gonna watch the film.

"But basically, the film is also a family-oriented film", Noel quipped. "It talks about the sadness of life and the simple joys, too. And also, the main ingredient of the film is about what happens to the families of soldiers being left behind as they go to wars. What happens to the children like us when their soldier-father leaves them behind. What was the feeling, ganu'n po. That's why I can say by now, this film tackles the sensitivity of one boy and one family."

What can you say about your director in this film, in person of Maricel Cariaga?

"She's a very hands-on director", Noel was quick to answer. "And I would like to thank her very much because I learned much from her about becoming responsible for my role. She's a good director.

"I made so much research on my role here, Sir, because my director told me to research and study further about the feelings and the lives of gay people", he continued saying again. "I did many observations and investigations. Medyo 'yung role ko po kasi, hindi totally out na gay, eh. Medyo boy pa siya. So I really dug deeper a lot and I applied some techniques that I learned in Theater. I mixed it all up and how I wish by now, people will like the way I portrayed my role here. I dedicate my role here to all LGBT's of the Philippines."

But in real life, Noel is a very straight GUY. It's just that being an actor, you must be open to every kind of roles offered. It's your job. It's your dedication to the world of Arts that mattered the most.

"And I find it very challenging, too, Sir", Noel told to the interviewer. "I love challenges. Portraying a role that I could not relate to, yeah, it's hard. But the result was fulfilling."

According to some observers, in the film Children of the River, it's going to be Noel who will carry the film all throughout. Without much big cast support compared to his previous film at Cinemalaya which was Kiko Boksingero (wherein he won the Best Actor award a couple of years back) - and he got there the likes of Yul Servo and Yayo Aguila as support, now in this film, only Jay Manalo sounded familiar in the names of the cast and maybe, Rich Asuncion (the bell doesn't ring loud, though.)? The rest of the cast sounded so unfamiliar. If we are right? Excuse us, please. Haha. Sorry po.

"Not really, Sir, I have Rich Asuncion and other stars from channel 7 as my support here also", Noel contradicted. "And I guess po, pare-pareho lang kaming actors. I can't say that I'm just the only one who will carry the movie all throughout. Iba-iba po ang binigay naming galing at paghihirap sa movie na ito. I must not take the sole credit. It's like we're one big barkada in this movie. We worked as a team, Sir."

Oh, okey. Hihihihihi.


******  *****   *****  *****


A product of KIDS ACT PHILIPPINES, Noel considers Mr. Luigi G. Nacario and Eugene Belbis, both Acting teachers of Kids Act Philippines, as his original and very first mentors. 

"It's with them that I learned how to act because that's where I studied Theater Acting and also Music Theory", Noel revealed. "I also learned how to read musical notes because of them. Now I can benefit from reading musical notes whenever I perform in a musical play, a concert or a show. I also know how to compose songs, and I can sing, too, as much as I can dance."

What a talented boy, indeed. Aside from acting, dancing, singing, modelling- Noel can also play musical instruments. He could play the piano, the drums, the Ukelele, the Harmonica, the recorder, and the Melodica. Pretty fascinating, indeed.

"Whenever I have the spare hours, I would play the instruments", Noel revealed to a blogger. "But like any ordinary kids, I also spend so much time playing the Mobile Legend on my cellphone. Hahahaha!"


********   *******   *******

More on Noel Comia, Jr. on Swordshines10.Blogspot.Com before or after his film "Children of the River" gets to be shown at the coming Cinemalaya 15. For now, everybody's thrilled to see him again on the wide screen. With a rather surprising role that would further prove his versatility as an actor.

After "Children of the River", Noel's next films are: "Versus", directed by Ralston Jover, "Huling Gitarista", directed by Jason Orfalas and the international film of Raya Martin out to be shown at the Venice Film festival- "Death of Nintendo".

Surely, this boy soon turning to be a fine, young man will mesmerize us more. His career pattern is impeccable- almost like the career path of a Hollywood 'big-time' actor. But sad to say, Noel comes from the Philippines and not from Hollywood.

Yet still, he was able to create such a serious, convincing formula of a great actor-



FOREVER.




(as the words were written by robert manuguid silverio)