QUESTION AND ANSWER INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR JOEY AGBAYANI

 

DIREK JOEY'S FILM SCRIPT ON "INFIERNO" WINS AT FRIGHT NIGHT FILM FEST

"HOTEL PURGATORIO" ALSO WINS AS BEST HORROR THRILLER SCREENPLAY

"LOLA" TEASER POSTER, A STANDOUT ANIMATED FILM A FEW YEARS AGO CINEMALAYA FILM FESTIVAL

A PAINTING BY JOEY AGBAYANI

DIREK JOEY IN BLACK AND WHITE

DIREK JOEY AGBAYANI IN EYEGLASSES

DIREK JOEY'S SAINTLY FACE

DIRECTOR JOEY AGBAYANI CREATED A STIR A FEW YEARS AGO AT CINEMALAYA FILM FESTIVAL WHEN HE COMPETED HIS ANIMATED FILM IN THE SAID FESTIVAL ENTITLED "LOLA". FOR US, THE ANIMATED FILM WAS WAY AHEAD OF ITS TIME, WORLD-CLASS AND VERY ENTERTAINING. IT WON AWARDS AT CINEMALAYA.

FROM THEREON, THE NAME "JOEY AGBAYANI" WAS SO FAMILIAR AND PRESTIGIOUS FOR US. IT MARKS THE NAME OF A TRUE FILM ARTIST THAT'S LOW-KEY, ELITE BUT HUMBLE, AND YES, OH SO STYLISH.

HERE'S OUR QUESTION AND ANSWER (Q & A) INTERVIEW WITH A FILM DIRECTOR WE ALL MUST BE PROUD OF- LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. MR. JOEY AGBAYANI, A DIRECTOR PAR EXCELLANCE! READ ON:

Question Number 1: I have always admired your works as an animated film maker. Most of your films, I've seen at Cinemalaya Film Festival. For a more proper presentation, can you please mention again to us your film credentials as an animated film maker?

JOEY AGBAYANI: Here's my film credentials, Sir Robert. I rearranged them properly for proper presentation and reading:

 Films are both live action and animated shorts.

1) The Eye in the Sky (Lve action, Claymation and cell animation}

Super 8mm, 1984

1st Place Experimental Short and  Best Student Film at the 1984

Experimental Cinema of the Philippines Short Film Festival.

2) Kidlat  (Live Action)

16mm, 1984

1989 Gawad Urian Best Short Film 1989

Film Academy of the Philippines Best Student Short Film

3) Ang Bantay (Live Action)

35mm, 1993

Directed by Joey Agbayani & Rob Agbayani

3rd place, Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video

4) The Ghostwriter (Animated)

35mm, 1997

*WINNER: Best Animated Short at the Puerto Rico International Film Festival 2012, Vieques Island, Puerto Rico

*WINNER: Diamond Award at the California Film Awards, 2012, San Diego, CA

*WINNER: Best International Short Animation: Kidz Filmz Festival 2012, New Jersey, USA

*HONORABLE MENTION: 2011 Hyart Film Festival, Wyoming, USA

*OFFICIAL SELECTION: Athens Animfest 2015, Greece*

*OFFICIAL SELECTION: American Onlane Film Awards, Spring Showcase 2014*

*OFFICIAL SELECTION: Curtain Raiser Malta Film Festival For Children, 2013, Luqa, Malta

*OFFICIAL SELECTION: California International Animation Film Festival, 2013, USA

*OFFICIAL SELECTION: Indie Spirit Film Festival, Colorado, USA

*OFFICIAL SELECTION: Indieflix 2011, Seattle, WA

*OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2011 Offshoot Film Festival, Arkansas, USA

*OFFICIAL SELECTION: Animac Lleida International Film Festival 1998, Spain

*OFFICIAL SELECTION: Swan Film Festival 2011, Perth, Australia

*OFFICIAL SELECTION: WorldKids International Film Festival 2011, Mumbai, India

2 Category Animation2D

5) Lola (Animated)

HD, 2010

WINNER- CORMAN AWARD for Best Animated Film (CGI), Fright Night Film Festival 2012

WINNER- Best Animated Comedy Short, Las Vegas Comedy Fest 2012

WINNER- Best Foreign Film, Shockfest Film Festival 2011

WINNER- Best Animation, Mockfest Film Festival of Hollywood 2011

WINNER- Best Comedy Animation, Giggleshorts International Comedy Short Film Festival 2011

WINNER- Best Animated Short, Atlanta Horror Film Festival 2011

NOMINATED: Killer Special Effects, Killer Film Fest, Somerville, MA

NOMINATED: Best Animation, Shockfest 2011, Hollywood, CA, USA

NOMINATED: Best Shockingly Silly Short at the Shockfest 2011, Hollywood, CA, USA

FINALIST: Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2010

FINALIST: Paranoia Horror & Sci-fi Film Festival, Los Angeles, 2010

OFFICIAL SELECTION: Dark Scream Film Festival, 2015, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK

OFFICIAL SELECTION: Freeky Creek Short Film Festival, 2014, Fairmount, IL, USA

OFFICIAL SELECTION: Fantastik 2013, Granollers, Spain

OFFICIAL SELECTION: Cinema One Originals Festival 2013, Manila, Philippines

OFFICIAL SELECTION: Golden Orchid International Animation Festival 2013, Pennsylvania, USA

OFFICIAL SELECTION ZINEMA ZOMBIE FEST- Festival Internacional de Cine Fantástico y de Terror 2013, Bogotá, Colombia

OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival Internacional de Animacion FIDA Chile 2013, Valparaiso, Chile

OFFICIAL SELECTION: The Malta Horror Film Fest 2013

OFFICIAL SELECTION: Killer Film Fest 2013

OFFICIAL SELECTION: Independent Days Filmfest 2013, Karlsruhe, Germany

OFFICIAL SELECTION South African Horrorfest 2012, Cape Town, South Africa

OFFICIAL SELECTION Chicago Comedy Film Festival 2012, Illinois,USA

OFFICIAL SELECTION Polygrind Underground Film Festival of Las Vegas 2012, Nevada, USA

OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2012 Outbox International Short Film Festival, Beirut, Lebanon

OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2011 Costa Rica International Film Festival, Montezuma, Costa Rica

OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2011 Marato de Cinema Fantastic i de Terror, Barcelona, Spain

OFFICIAL SELECTION: Grimm Up North Horror & Sci-fi Film Festival 2011, Manchester, UK

OFFICIAL SELECTION: Atlanta Underground Film Festival 2011, Georgia, USA

OFFICIAL SELECTION: Animacursed 2011 International Festival of Horror Animation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OFFICIAL SELECTION: 9th Los Angeles Comedy Fest 2011

OFFICIAL SELECTION: The New York City Horror Film Festival 2010, Tribeca Cinemas, NYC

OFFICIAL SELECTION: Indy Horror Film Festival, Chicago, Illinois, 2010

OFFICIAL SELECTION & WORLD PREMIERE: A Night of Horror Film Festival, Sydney, Australia, 2010 

Question Number 2: Have you seen the great masterpiece and work of Art animated film "Loving Vincent"? Are you dreaming to do one kind of film like that someday? 

JOEY AGBAYANI: Yes I have seen Loving Vincent in 2019. My interest in painting began at the age of 10. My medium of choice was watercolor and acrylic. In 2006, I started to paint again this time with a new stylec in acrylic. A fusion of the watercolor wash style and thick textured impasto style of oil. If you'll notice most of my landscape paintings are empty - no figures of people in it. I was  thinking of using these paintings for another animated short. Then I saw Loving Vincent. I might still push through with the animated short, but of course it should not be a copy of that film.

Question Number 3: What can you say about the future of film animation in the Philippines? Can you say that we're not far behind? Your animated films can surely compete?

JOEY AGBAYANI:  I have seen all lot of excellent local animated films. We have so many very talented pinoy animators. In order to compete abroad we should develop a unique or distinctive style and look. My focus right now is live action films

Question Number 4: What is your greatest PASSION in life, direk Joey?

JOEY AGBAYANI: I am happiest when I am busy creating or inventing something. Right now it is making homade ice cream lol. I am exploring the best combination of ingredients.  Exploring new flavors. About painting and filmmaking, what I love about painting is that you have full control and creative freedom. In film naman, i enjoy  collaborating with a team of tallented people - actors, musicians, art directors, production designers and etc. In the near future it will be teaching and sharing my knowledge.

Question Number 5: The Agabayani's are a famous clan. Are you proud of your surname, direk Joey?

JOEY AGBAYANI: I am proud of what my father Aguedo and my two brothers Luis and Victor have achieved in the province of Pangasinan.

Question Number 6: You are one of the pioneers of animation in Philippine film making. What is your greatest dream as a film animator? Are you dreaming of becoming like Walt Disney someday? 

JOEY AGABAYANI: As I said earlier, my focus right know is live action films. I am hoping my two award winning screenplays - Hotel Purgatorio ( Best Horror Thriller Screenplay at the 2015 Fright Night Film Fest) and Infierno ( Best Supernatural Screenolay at the 2020 Fright Night Film Fest KY USA) will be produced soon.

Last Question: What can you say about your latest award as Best Supernatural Screenplay for Fright Night filmfest 2020 via your film Infierno? Did it further inspire you to do more films?

JOEY AGBAYANI: Infierno is an unproduced feature length screenplay. It won the screenwriting competition of the Fright Night Film Fest. I enter my screenplays to test its appeal and effect in the global scene.

---------end of interview---------

questions AND BLOGGED by: ROBERT M. SILVERIO

answers by: MR. JOEY AGBAYANI himself

DIRECTORS SARI DALENA AND KEITH SICAT IN Q & A INTERVIEW

DIRECTORS SARI DALENA AND KEITH SICAT: WIFE AND HUSBAND ARE HAPPY TOGETHER

DIRECTOR KEITH WITH ANIGMATIC ACTRESS ALESSANDRA DE ROSSI: LOOKING THRU THE CAMERA LENS

DIRECTOR SARI IN A FILM EVENT

DIRECTOR SARI WITH HER KIDS AND AN AUNT WHO RECENTLY PASSED-AWAY

ACTRESS INA FELEO WITH DIREK KEITH

ACTRESS MARIBEL LOPEZ AND DIREK KEITH

THE SICAT FAMILY

ALESSANDRA AND KEITH ON THE SET OF "DAHLING NICK"

DIRECTOR SARI BY THE BAY

THEY ARE HUSBAND AND WIFE WHO SHARE THE SAME PASSION TOWARDS FILM MAKING. BOTH HIGHLY RESPECTABLE AND HAVE WORKED TOGETHER IN SOME OF THEIR FILMS, BUT NOT AS CO-DIRECTORS BUT ONLY AS CO-WORKERS. DIRECTORS KEITH SICAT AND SARI DALENA ARE BOTH TOO PRECIOUS FOR US. THEY BOTH FURTHER ENHANCED THE PHILIPPINE CINEMA IN THEIR OWN WAYS, WE, TOO, MUST SAY.

ENJOY AND CHERISH BELOW OUR QUESTION AND ANSWER (Q AND A) INTERVIEW WITH THIS HUSBAND AND WIFE AND DIRECTORS AT THE SAME TIME. LOVE IT!

QUESTION NUMBER ONE: Para sa akin po, sobra ko kayong hinahangaan bilang magagaling na direktor, Mam Sari at direk Keith. Kakaiba ang texture ng mga pelikula ninyo, very Avant Garde. How would you both describe yourselves as film makers and paano din kayo naga-adjust pareho sa isa't-isa bilang mag-asawa sa totoong buhay?

 KEITH SICAT: That’s very flattering of you to say – I never thought of us being Avant Garde.  Siguro galing yun sa exposure namin; pareho kami nagsimula sa experimental film at may deep interest sa fine arts.  Si Sari, yung interest malamang galing sa mga magulang niya (imagine seeing creative people at work every day).  Ako naman, I really thought I was going to become a painter or illustrator all throughout school, ever since I was a boy.  Naligaw lang ako!  Because of these natural inclinations, it was inevitable we would gravitate towards each other, and I was totally smitten when I saw her experimental dance film with animation shot in the desolate lahar landscape, “White Funeral”!

 SARI DALENA: I come from a family of visual artists - my father is a painter, my mother’s a sculptor, my sisters work on mixed media. Our parents  exposed us to the silent films of Charlie Chaplin, the German expressionist works, and Kurosawa’s films - also theater, literature and classical music played a big part of my growing up years. My roots are in experimental and documentary film making, which I started exploring when I was still a film student at the UP Film Department and as film scholar at the 16mm experimental workshops at the Mowelfund Film Institute. Keith and I collaborate in writing, producing and directing. We take turns supporting each other’s film projects, so film making is very much a part of our daily life.  

QUESTION NUMBER TWO: Direk Keith and Mam Sari, how do you support each other as husband and wife, and also as two artistic individuals sharring the same passion in life?

 KEITH SICAT: I think it helps that we’re in this field together; we share each other’s struggles and triumphs.  We’re always working together closely on every film and each time we make a film it’s very intense and you really feel alive.

 SARI DALENA:  It’s very important that you share the same taste in many things: music, books, food, political, religious views - and movies, of course! Well, we don’t always agree on what we like, but we hate the same things and that’s quite important. It’s a give and take relationship - we encourage each other to explore stories and genres that haven’t been explored much and developed in local cinema. It’s a hard route to take, but in the case of Keith’s sci-fi film, “Alimuom” and my 3 hour experimental documentary film, “Dahling Nick”, those were breakthroughs for us.

QUESTION NUMBER THREE: How does your kids cope-up with having great people as parents? Hindi ba sila nagsa-suffer in comparison sa inyo? Paano ninyo sila gina-guide para hindi mawalan ng inferioity complex?

 KEITH SICAT: The two boys are their own persons, and I don’t think they see us in any special light.  We are just their parents who happen to love being creative.  We do our best to have them present during shoots – to observe or even cameo – just so what we do isn’t some foreign, abstract idea to them.  And because they have their own interests, I hope they don’t feel any pressure to do the same thing we do.

 SARI DALENA: We’re not perfect parents, but we make sure we spend as much quality time as we can with our boys. We bring them to our film set, especially on out-of-town location shoots, where they can explore the locations and see interesting things. The boys have unique personalities and we want them to grow in a loving, nurturing and creative environment. They also see the downside of doing production - it’s stressful, demands a lot of hard work, and can take so much time away from family.

QUESTION NUMBER FOUR: Mam Sari, kailan ka uli gagawa ng isa pang DAHLING NICK na tema ng pelikula? Can you tell us more about your future plans as a director and upcoming activities?

SARI DALENA: “Dahling Nick” came into fruition after several years of pitching this project to various grant-giving bodies. The project finally got green-lit just in time for the birth centenary of National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin. I am grateful for Cinema One Originals for giving me the freedom of explore the documentary genre and did not flinch at the final running time of the film. I would like to continue working on more Nick Joaquin stories for my next projects - focusing on his children’s stories and historical essays.

QUESTION NUMBER FIVE: Direk Keith, ang mga pellikula mo ay futuristic and enigmatic ang mga dating. Hindi pang-masa at hindi komersyal dahil malalalim ang dating. Kailan ka naman gagawa ng pelikulang medyo pang-masa o bakya ang dating? Hehehe.

 KEITH SICAT: You may find this shocking, but I spent almost a decade working on reality shows and documentaries sa U.S.; pang masa yung mga iyon.  One was “Dog: The Bounty Hunter” – yung mukhang WWE wrestler na totoong bounty hunter!  Nag MTV din ako, doing funny specials like “Revenge of the Rejects”.  Dito naman, nag script consult ako sa CG animated film na nag MMFF, yung “RPG: Metanoia” – can’t get more commercial than MMFF!  Ginawa ko rin yung dokyu “Komikero Chronicles” tungkol sa Pinoy komiks –  masang masa yung subject.   Not to mention, I directed a Masculados video produced by the late, great Direk Maryo J.! Most recently, kasama ako sa development team ng first Pinoy-Japanese animé series “Barangay 143” na nag-air sa GMA at nasa Netflix ngayon.  I’m so thankful the writers and animators were nice enough to jokingly ‘name’ one of the characters after me, yung matabang pandak na bano sa basketball!

QUESTION NUMBER SIX: Direk Keith and Mam Sari, sa palagay n'yo ba, makaka-recover pa in ang movie industry especially the indie scene pagkatapos ng Covid-19 Pandemic?

KEITH SICAT: Makakabangon talaga ang mga tao.  The Spanish Flu never stopped film, or art-making in general.   In fact, some of the world’s most famous artworks were made during that pandemic – Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” is one.  Our neighboring countries have already overcome Covid-19 and are getting back to a semblance of normality – productions are re-starting and people feel relatively safe going to cinemas.  I only wish we could have better, smarter policies to get us back on track sooner than later, because the last months have been brutal for everyone in the film industry.  That said, I don’t think it will ever go back to what it was before – viewing habits were already shifting to more remote models, the pandemic just expedited the change.

 SARI DALENA: The film industry, all over the world, has ground to a halt, but some productions have slowly, resumed shooting again, this time on a much smaller scale. It may take several years for us to fully get back on our feet, but film makers continue to find ways to tell their stories, and adapt to the challenges of our time.

QUESTION NUMBER SEVEN: Wala ba kayong plano na mag-co-direct sa isang higanteng pelikula someday?

 KEITH SICAT: Of course!  Why not?  There’s a few we’ve already developed – we’re just waiting for the right partners.

 SARI DALENA:  We’re always cooking something new, so let’s just wait and see!

LAST QUESTION: Sa inyong dalawa po na parehong matataas ang standards sa pagpili ng mga aktor at aktres na lalabas sa mga pelikula nila, sino-sino ang mga artistang pinapangarap ninyong maidirek someday sa pelikula?

 KEITH SICAT: Ang daming magagaling!  I don’t even think of it as a chance to direct them as much as a chance to collaborate and learn from them – there’s just too many to name!

SARI DALENA:  There’s so many! But I’d love to work with Nora Aunor and Jaclyn Jose.

------ end of interview------

Questions/Blogged by: ROBERT SILVERIO

Answers by: Sari Dalena and Keith Sicat

"DAHLING NICK": WHEN THE ACTOR BECOMES THE FILM ITSELF (A REVIEW)

 

(SPECIAL NOTE: We are reviewing this film for its Cinematic wonder and credits, thus, we are avoiding any impressions or remarks on the film's political color and undertones. For us, the beauty of the film relies on its own "personal touch". Thank you.--- rms.*)

The life of the writer who wrote the Fiction, sometimes, was more colorful than the characters he himself created. And who would know for sure, that, it was also his own personal life, so wonderfully catalputated by the scenery, the visions, and the lingering characters in many of his books. A creator who's Larger Than Life, who's more beautiful and powerful than the men and women who became alive in many of his works.

In the film DAHLING NICK, made a few years ago and is now streaming at Cinema One Original's YouTube channel, a female director saw it all, captured it all, embraced it all. With too much personality, trademarks and style- this Avant Garde kind of a film which lasted for almost 3 hours and took you to Paradise because of its very good attack and version on the life of a National Artist- wow, indeed, you would ask: "Why was this film became so low-key, understated, almost not well-publicized or promoted when it was shown at first?"

We would answer later on: "Perhaps, because of the film's political undertones. Haha."

Anyway, we would like to thank God that the beloved Nick Joaquin's life was made into a film- somewhat semi-documentary in form, but it never destroyed the rhythm and the flow, the story and the texture, the dance and the climax- of a personal film like this one we always had longed for to watch and see.

Personal films always amazed us. It always sounded so eloquent to us. It always fascinated us. And as personal as it could get, we would like to copy some few scenes in the film wherein the "Artist" knelt in front of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We would indeed do that, too, once we see the director of this film in person and face-to-face. And she's no less than Ms. Sari Dalena.

The way she blended the docu details alongside with the words of the friends of Quijano de Manila, perfectly sewing it all together in one remarkable piece of an artistic cloth, the rave words seemed to be far from over.

Technically, the film was also good. So good as it gets. The script was perfectly written. The cinematography of Nap Jamir- fabulous.

All the actors and actresses who participated in this film (which tasted like one rare wine hidden in the wine vault for centuries) were excellent and performed their tasks dutifully and full of angst and lively energy. Especially that of the younger actors that somehow captured totally our "awe". Special mention to Derick Cabido and Kiko Matos. Also to that young actress who appeared in the May Day Eve segment of the film and the child actor who portrayed the role of the Artist's grandson.

Meanwhile, actor-singer Lance Raymundo, who portrayed Ferdinand Marcos, was efficient, convincing, accurate. And Ms. Dindi Gallardo as Imelda Marcos was natural and strong. Maria Isabel Lopez as the witch Anastasia was captivating.

The surrealism effects and vision, the bizarre scenes of a giant snake, the large crab that lingered until the end, and the overwhelming Mystical presence of Ms. Alessandra Rossi as the Lady-, oh, my, was almost like FOREVER.

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

They often say that the main actor who appeared in almost all the scenes of the film, was really the FILM itself. He was the living soul. He was the memory. He was the GRANDEUR of it all.

I never knew, I could ever see one Filipino actor who could really fill-in our innermost desires of passionate Cinematic "hunger & thirst". But this actor offered much more. He was so delicate in his portrayal, yet so handsome. Naughty in a few scenes, dashing in movements and sways, titillating and deep in impressions.

No other actor could greatly execute a hard character like that of the late Mr. Nick Joaquin. But he did it. More than we expected.

RAYMOND BAGATSING, is that actor.

And we would like to embrace him hard and gentle, soft and carefree. Loving and respectful-

FOREVERMORE.

(as written by robert manuguid silverio)

RAYMOND

SARI

NAP

LANCE

MARIBEL

DINDI

KIKO

NICK JOAQUIN WITH HIS BEER, NATIONAL ARTIST

MALAPIT NA ANG "BER" MONTHS, KAYA MALAPIT NA RING MAPAKINGGAN MULI ANG MGA CHRISTMAS SONGS NINA JOSE MARI CHAN AT JANAH ZAPLAN

 

Christmas songs from Jose Mari Chan and Janah Zaplan

Janah: Focused on her online studies

Janah: good model for the youth

A PERFECT CHRISTMAS AT SANA LAGI AY PASKO. Iyan ang mga awiting nakakasabik na muling mapakinggan ng lahat ngayong nalalapit na ang "BER" months. Ang PERFECT CHRISTMAS ay klasikong awitin ni Jose Mari Chan, samantalang ang SANA LAGI AY PASKO, ay isang bagong awitin naman ni Janah Zaplan.

Tinitiyak namin, muling magiging viral ang mga awiting 'yan, starting by the month of September at hanggang Disyembre na panahon ng Kapaskuhan. Pareho kasi silang nakakapag-uplift ng mood at makakalimutan mo ang mga problema't paghihirap na sinasapit ng lahat ngayong may Pandemya pa rin.

Speaking of Janah Zaplan, talagang busy siya ngayon sa kanyang online schooling. Kuwento pa nga ng ama niyang si Dencie Zaplan, hindi mo raw ito maaabala kapag nasa harap na ng computer. Talagang focused na focused sa online lessons niya and all. Kaya sina Daddyguard Dencie at ang misis niyang si Mrs. Zaplan, hindi muna nagpe-Facebook kapag online si Janah. Humhina kasi ang internet connection kapag maraming gumagamit sa bahay nila ng computer internet at maaapektuhan si Janah habang nag-aaral virtually ng mga school lessons niya.

Ang nakaka-impress pa kay Janah, maski sobrang focused pa rin siya sa studies niya online, hindi naman niya napapabayaan pa rin ang mga showbiz commitments niya, like 'yung pakikipag-ZOOM sa mga media people and friends niya, sa mga fans, and all. At saka nag-guest din siya recently sa isang online concert ng Aliw Awards.

Nandiyan din ang mga product endorsements ni Janah, mga charitable works niya para sa mga taong apektado ng Covid-19, at ang mga activities and events niya for her supportive followers and fans.

Maski ba nagkaroon ng total lockdown sa may lugar nina Janah ng halos isang buwan at natapos lang last July 31, marami pa ring nagawa si Janah sa buhay niya. Isa siyang magandang halimbawa para sa mga kapwa niya kabataan.

Study hard, Janah!

(sinulat ni robert manuguid silverio)

NANDING JOSEF OFFERS A RARE AND SUPERB ACTING PIECE IN "HENERAL RIZAL". . .

 

recent fernando c. josef

young fernando c. josef

chuck guttierez

Minus its very surprising climax ending ( because this writer has a different Political 'choice' ), the short film HENERAL RIZAL captured our heart in more ways than one. This one, indeed, was a protest film?, in our own opinion, but was made lovelier because of the director's artistic touches and nationalistic soul. Made more than perfect because of the rare kind of acting that the narrator-actor of the film offered.

Only veteran actor in person of Mr. Nanding C. Josef could offer perfect angst, powerful emotions, sensitivity and humility- in every kind of word he spoke, in every tear he shed and every heartfelt begging of sympathy he manifested.

We're not reviewing this film because of its real intent, but because of its cinematic awesomeness and beholding but enigmatic projection of our National Hero- Dr. Jose P. Rizal. It was like a milk shake that blended altogether with the words of his brother-narrator Paciano Rizal-, as his soul lingered-on, traveled further and was still looking for the final answers until the end.

Words became so precious and intact each time Mr. Josef delivered his sentiments and his most innermost thoughts. He was almost like your elder brother or your uncle or even your own grandfather speaking towards you, penetrating into your innermost being and Filipino identity. Like a water, too, absorbing the roots of the soil.

Mr. Josef was gentle, never 'bossy' in his delivery of the Monologue, but the superiority of his character still stood-up and lingered on. Our hats-off to you, Mr. Nanding C. Josef!

Paciano Rizal, now we realized, was really the "man behind Jose Rizal". He sculpted Rizal like a statue and nurtured his ways, manners, beliefs and wonder. Subconsciously and unconsciously, Rizal obeyed with his own independence and style.

Whether you are "yellow" or not, you still must see this short film. Because it's one kind of a film material that would challenge your brilliant Poliitical beliefs and ideologies. It would make you think further-on and arrive at a conclusion that Rizal's anti-impulsive attack could still be the best weapon to awaken-up his fellow Filipinos, without really attending the mass rallies.

Kudos to a film well-crafted, Mr. Chuck Guttierez.

(as written by robert manuguid silverio)

SI LANCE RAYMUNDO BILANG BATANG FERDINAND MARCOS SA PELIKULANG DAHLIN' NICK, MULING MAPAPANOOD

 

lance raymundo as emilio aguinaldo

lance raymundo (as ferdinand marcos), dindi gallardo (as imelda marcos) and director sari delena of "dahlin' nick"

a dashing young statesman- LANCE RAYMUNDO, with glamorous lady DINDI

Naaalala pa namin ang pelikulang DAHLIN' NICK nu'ng maipalabas sa Cinema One Originals Film festival (nakalimutan nga lang namin kung ano'ng taon iyon) na kinalaunan ay naipalabas din bilang isang exhibition film naman sa Cinemalaya. Nag-ani ng mga papuri ang pelikula, at naging kontrobersyal ang paglabas dito ni Lance Raymundo bilang batang Ferdinand E. Marcos. At ang lumabas namang Imelda Marcos du'n ay ang beauty queen-actress na si Dindi Gallardo.

Napatunayan naman ni Lance later-on sa madla na hindi porke't lumabas siya bilang Marcos, eh, maka-Marcos na siya. As an actor, kung ano ang hamon o papel na ibinibigay sa iyo, trabaho mo na magampanan iyon sa limit ng makakaya mo. It's your job, eh. It's your TASK to portray a character in a film- mapa-Historical man iyon o hindi.

Si Lance naman kasi, laging napipiling gumanap sa mga historical characters. Dalawang beses na siyang nag-portray bilang si Emilio Aguinaldo, isang beses bilang si Lapu-Lapu, isang beses rin bilang isang man of Literature sa isang play sa Tanghalang Sta. Ana, at merong iba pa na historical characters din, kung ire-research mo ang mga naging film & stageplay credits ni Lance.

Ang Dahlin' Nick, isang pelikulang idinerek ng mag-asawang Sari Delena at Keith Sicat, ay muling ipapalabas sa official YouTube channel ng Cinema One Originals simula August 21 to August 26. Bale limited dates lang 'yan, so catch the film in its five days of streaming sa YT, for you to see, kung bakit marami ang napamangha kay Lance as the young Ferdinand Marcos.

Even Lance's very own mom, in person of Mrs. Nina Zaldua-Raymundo, cherished so much Lance's portrayal as the young FM. Kuhang-kuha kasi ni Lance sa pelikulang ito ang very poised manners, elegance and sophistication ng isang dashing and strong leader of a nation!

Sa mga young film makers out there, isang suggestion lang: Bagay din si Lance bilang si Ninoy Aquino, bilang si Manuel L. Quezon at maski bilang si Emilio Jacinto. Yung posture kasi niya, tipong Statesman talaga, eh.

More historical pictures in the future, please.

(sinulat ni robert manuguid silverio)