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CINEMALAYA REVIEW: SHORTS A
‘SOTA’ Mae Tanagon opens her short documentary Sota by bombarding you with paragraphs and paragraphs of information. Sota means horse caretaker, and Tanagon follows two sotas, Arnel Arguelles and Leonardo Yambao, who expose their working conditions in the horse gambling industry. Tanagon aims to highlight the fact that while horse racing in the Philippines is a multibillion-peso industry, its workers are horrendously underpaid. Unfortunately, the lengthy texts that clutter the screen weaken Taganon’s storytelling, making her advocacy almost lost, because if you recall Sota in the future, you’d remember how it was a hassle reading the texts rather than the plight of underpaid horse caretakers. The subject matter has a potential to be a stirring documentary, the racetracks could have been more photogenic, but this feels dry and dull, and rushed. (1 out of 5 stars) ‘HINAKDAL’ [caption id="attachment_168108" align="aligncenter" width="700"] ‘HINAKDAL’ by Arvin Belarmino.[/caption] Arvin Belarmino’s black-and-white take on social prejudice is imaginative, funny and tense. Set in a remote province, it follows an impoverished zombie mother and young son during one of their ordinary days. They are poor and rely on religious icons for their everyday salvation. But the appearance of a chicken thief suddenly disrupts their relatively peaceful life. Belarmino’s choice to portray the poor sector of the country as zombies is rather fascinating, adding a touch of surrealism and fantasy without compromising entertainment value and sharp social commentary. (3 out of 5 stars) ‘KOKURYO: THE UNTOLD STORY OF BB. UNDAS 2019’ [caption id="attachment_168104" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] ‘KOKURYO: The Untold Story of Bb. Undas 2019’ by Diokko Manuel Dionisio.[/caption] Diokko Manuel Dionisio’s Kokuryo is a comedic portrait of friendship, poverty and transgenderism. While the student film (Dionisio is a graduating film student from La Salle-Benilde) has audio problems and poor resolution, the visual composition and costumes are breathtaking. Plus, Mindy Jane Castillo has a powerful onscreen presence, managing to hook you from beginning to end. In the aftermath of a small-time trans pageant contest called Bb. Undas 2019, the winner (Castillo) finds 50 percent of her prize money missing. She and best friend (Thalia Nagaño) go on a search, which is often funny albeit the amateur performances from some of the supporting cast. It culminates in a heartbreaking ending, with a most beautiful shot for a finale. (3 out of 5 stars) ‘HM HMM MHM’ [caption id="attachment_168106" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] ‘HM HMM MHM’ by Sam Villa-Real and Kim Timan.[/caption] The title alone is pretentious and contrived. Sam Villa-Real and Kim Timan’s Hm Hm Mhm uses stop motion for a story on domestic violence. Using dolls, with the central character a little girl doll and Barbie and Ken as its parents, the filmmakers produce somewhat surreal, nightmarish imagery. The film removes dialogue and incorporates dreamy sequences, rage, slithering vines and what looks like a woman’s reproductive organ (or a womb). The vibe is sinister, with a constant feeling of trouble and unrest. While there is a hint of domestic violence going on, the chaotic visuals make the storytelling incoherent. The film ends up more like an exercise in stop-motion rather than using the animated technique for a more effective way of saying whatever it wants to say. (0 out of 5 stars) ‘SIBUYAS NI PERFECTO’ [caption id="attachment_168113" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] ‘SIBUYAS Ni Perfecto’ by January Yap.[/caption] Januar Yap’s subdued drama follows an old man, Perfecto, with his worn-out slippers, carrying on his back a heavy basket of vegetables to deliver to his “friend,” Sir Eddie (whom we never see). The fact that Perfecto calls the man “sir” and feels honored that Eddie is his “friend” who trusts him with the delivery quickly establishes how Perfecto is very simple-minded and trusting. The fact that Eddie lets Perfecto walk miles and miles and miles to deliver vegetables to his doorstep, and Perfecto’s friend says Eddie is a con man, allow us to immediately know that Perfecto is a victim of abuse of men with money and power — the Sir Eddies of the world. Yap manages to make the viewer experience Perfecto’s suffering by allowing the viewer to experience the great distance he has to travel to get to Eddie’s house. This is a painful portrait of innocence and naivete, as well as the socioeconomic hierarchy where Perfecto is at the bottom of the chain. The ending is pretty strong. (3 out of 5 stars) The post CINEMALAYA REVIEW: SHORTS A appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pretty in pink: ‘Barbie’ marketing blitz hits fever pitch
Hollywood A-listers have been walking red carpets in hot pink, glitter is back, and companies from The Gap to Burger King are doing rose-colored collaborations: "Barbie" mania is everywhere as the hotly anticipated film hits theaters worldwide. Toy maker Mattel, who first unveiled the iconic doll in 1959, has reached about 100 licensing agreements for everything from roller skates to toothbrushes in connection to director Greta Gerwig's summer flick. Of course, Barbie is big in the beauty world too -- lipsticks, blushes and mirrors all bear the famous logo. "In the 30 years that I have been tracking and analyzing box offices and trends, I've never quite seen anything like this before," said Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst at Comscore. "Barbie is tailor-made for marketing," he said. "It's perfect because Barbie is a toy, it's already a product, and beyond that, it's a lifestyle and a color." The movie, which stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as boyfriend Ken, has been hyped as one of the biggest blockbusters of the season, with numerous premieres held around the globe ahead of Friday's debut in US theaters. Of course, that promotion blitz has been curtailed at the 11th hour, with Hollywood actors now on strike over pay and other conditions. But the list of corporate partners is sure to keep the buzz going. Microsoft, Forever 21, Ulta Beauty, Hot Wheels, Chevrolet and even Progressive insurance are among the companies looking to cash in on Barbie mania. The influential color company Pantone even has a shade to match the zeitgeist: 219C is officially Barbie Pink. Mattel has even reached a deal with rival toy giant Hasbro, which will release a Barbie version of the classic board game Monopoly in the fall. In exchange, Mattel will showcase "Transformers" on its Uno card game in connection with a Hasbro film release. 'Irresistible' Robbie has embraced Barbiecore fashion at premieres around the world, recreating some of the doll's most iconic looks, but the Barbie lifestyle trend is also full steam ahead Airbnb is offering up a stay at Barbie's "Malibu DreamHouse" for two nights in connection with the film's debut. "Placed perfectly above the beach with panoramic views, this life-size toy pink mansion is a dream come true!" reads the listing. Singer John Legend and his model wife Chrissy Teigen took the plunge, posting a series of pictures on Instagram of their stay at the hot pink property. The most ubiquitous shade of pink used on the Warner Bros film's set, a retro bubblegum hue made by Rosco, was used in such great quantities that the shoot has been blamed for a global shortage. "It's just become a very irresistible proposition," said Dergarabedian, crediting both Warner Bros and Mattel with ensuring the buzz had staying power. Dergarabedian expects a strong opening weekend for Barbie, with around $75 million in North American ticket sales. 'Barbenheimer' The film is opening in parallel with another big Hollywood entry, the Christopher Nolan-directed "Oppenheimer," a biopic about the father of the atomic bomb. The unlikely face-off between the dark historical thriller and a fuchsia-tinted romp about a doll has created online buzz about a phenomenon dubbed "Barbenheimer." Dergarabedian said the coincidental timing of the openings had contributed to "unprecedented" fodder about the films on social media and beyond. Both movies are opening on the heels of another big-screen blockbuster, "Mission: Impossible -- Dead Reckoning Part One," which led the domestic box office last weekend. A starry soundtrack includes tracks from Dua Lipa (who also appears in the film), Lizzo, and Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice, who recorded a cover of "Barbie Girl," a 1997 hit by Danish-Norwegian band Aqua. The original recording actually prompted a lengthy but unsuccessful trademark lawsuit by Mattel. The company subsequently embraced the song. The movie's arrival has also not been without controversy. Barbie has been banned in Vietnam over a scene with a fictitious world map criticized for allegedly showing China's claims in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippines allowed the film to be shown -- but asked that the map be blurred. The post Pretty in pink: ‘Barbie’ marketing blitz hits fever pitch appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Victims of Baltimore bridge collapse include those from Mexico, Guatemala
Maryland [US], March 27 (ANI): Among those reported missing following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in the US are Mexican nationals, CNN reported, citing Rafael Laveaga, Chief of the Consular Section of Mexico's Embassy in Washington. Laveaga refrained from specifying the exact number of missing Mexican nationals when he addressed reporters near the scene on Tuesday. A reporter asked Laveaga: ".....»»
Direk Zig Dulay continues to explore Fantasy Worlds
After helming the hit show “Maria Clara at Ibarra” and film “Firefly,” Zig Dulay is in charge of the mise-en-scéne of the GMA teleserye “My Guardian Angel.”.....»»
Stewart Cink, 50, part of five-way tie for Valspar lead
(Photo credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) Fifty-year-old Stewart Cink shot a 4-under 67 to join a five-way tie for the lead at the Valspar Championship before play was suspended Friday in Palm Harbor, Fla. As the field endured rainy conditions at Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course, 20 golfers did not complete their rounds before darkness fell. They will resume their second rounds Saturday at 9 a.m. The five co-lea.....»»
Sibol exec wants improved conditions for women in esports
Esports has once been dubbed as a male-dominant industry, both in competitions and within top positions in different related organizations. Recent years have seen a shift in the role of women in the industry but like in traditional sports, the change is considered minimal, and more could be done......»»
Scorching schools: How heat worsens conditions of poor students in PH
[This is the second and last part of a special report on how extreme heat in 2023 impacted the education sector in the Philippines. Click here for the first part.] CEBU CITY, Philippines – The same analysis by Cebu Daily News Digital (CDN Digital) showed that even private schools, which usually have better facilities and.....»»
Q& A: Filipina author Mixkaela Villalon on writing and publishing her book ‘Interregnum’
Villalon talks 'Interregnum,' why she highlights the Filipino social conditions in her work, and how she unlearned viewing the male experience as universal when reading.....»»
UN chief calls blocked aid for Gaza a moral outrage
A majority of Gaza's 2.3 million residents are sheltering around Rafah. Though conditions are worse in the north of the strip, the plight of civilians across the territory has deteriorated sharply as the conflict has ground on......»»
Stewart Cink, 50, part of five-way tie for Valspar lead
(Photo credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) Fifty-year-old Stewart Cink shot a 4-under 67 to join a five-way tie for the lead at the Valspar Championship before play was suspended Friday in Palm Harbor, Fla. As the field endured rainy conditions at Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course, 20 golfers did not complete their rounds before darkness fell. They will resume their second rounds Saturday at 9 a.m. The five co-lea.....»»
The colorful and inspiring life of Cebu’s ‘Duster King’
CEBU CITY, Philippines—Cebu’s active running scene is filled with individuals who stand out. One of them is Leonecel Arban, popularly known as the “Duster King.” Arban, a native of Alcoy town, south Cebu, is widely known for his playful running attire and props during running events, which often draws attention. Arban, who currently resides in.....»»
‘Chasing Tuna in the Ocean’ ekis sa mga lokal na sinehan, bakit kaya?
PAGKATAPOS ng pelikulang “Barbie,” naging kontrobersyal naman ngayon ang bagong pelikula na “Chasing Tuna in the Ocean” dahil sa pagpapakita ng “nine-dash line.” Kung matatandaan, unang ipinagbawal ang “Barbie” dito sa Pilipinas at sa Vietnam dahil nahagip sa pelikula ang mapa ng South China Sea kasama ang nine-dash line. Ngunit nanindigan ang Movie and Television.....»»
Improving healthcare access for individuals deprived of liberty
The Philippines is confronted with the stark reality of being ranked third in terms of prison overcrowding globally, highlighting a pressing concern: individuals deprived of liberty face dire living conditions that imperil their health and well-being......»»
Dennis Trillo to play villain in Barbie Forteza-David Licauco reunion series Pulang Araw
Dennis Trillo has been wanting to play a major villain role, and this time, GMA-7 has awarded him the plum role of a ruthless Japanese soldier in the much-anticipated period drama. .....»»
ICTSI Palos Verdes golf tilt: Go, Ramos sizzle with 67s for opening-day lead
Under the scorching midday sun, Lloyd Go teed off with confidence, carding a solid five-under 67 in challenging, breezy conditions to catch Sean Ramos at the helm, one stroke ahead of Ira Alido at the start of the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship......»»
Iyakan scene nina Barbie at Ate Guy bongga na sana pero bakit na-take 2?
HINDING-HINDI makakalimutan ni Barbie Forteza ang mga naging experience niya working with the National Artist Nora Aunor. For life na raw ite-treasure ng Kapuso Primetime Princess ang lahat ng natutunan at na-discover niya tungkol sa nag-iisang Superstar na si Ate Guy. Inalala ni Barbie ang ilan sa mga nagmarkang eksena nila ni Nora sa ginawa.....»»
Why Barbie Imperial is game to work anew with ex JM de Guzman
Despite their short-lived relationship in the past, it wasn’t that hard to persuade JM de Guzman and Barbie Imperial to reunite in a movie, this time in director RC delos Reyes’ “3 Days 2 Nights in Poblacion,” now showing in cinemas......»»
Ryan Gosling is more than ‘Kenough’ with Oscars performance
If the voting for the Best Original Song at the recent Academy Awards had been done after Ryan Gosling’s performance, I am sure that I’m Just Ken from the “Barbie” movie soundtrack would have won the Oscar hands down......»»
Barbie Forteza re-watches Maria Clara at Ibarra on International Women s Day
Kapuso star Barbie Forteza revealed what she did for International Women's Day last March 8......»»
Q-School grads pace ICTSI Apo Classic
A pair of Philippine Golf Tour Q-School graduates put up stellar performances in tough, humid conditions, matching par-72s and stealing the first round show in the ICTSI Apo Classic at the Apo Golf and Country Club here yesterday......»»