First, there were seven—all well-made films of different genres and themes reflective of Philippine realities. But only one could be chosen as the Philippines’ official entry to the Best International Feature Film category of the Oscar Awards. The verdict: “Magellan,” a film by Lav Diaz starring the Mexican actor Gael García Bernal and which premiered at...
Author: Joel Saracho (Joel Saracho)
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In search of the missing and to disrupt the status quo, one film at a time
“On April 28, 2007, 36-year-old Jonas Burgos was having lunch in a mall in Quezon City when six armed men and a woman, who identified themselves as police, forcibly took him, dragging him like a pig and forcing him into a vehicle. As he was being abducted, witnesses reported him shouting, ‘Aktibista lang po ako...
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Reading the mystery of Nora Aunor, Superstar
The words posted by Ricky Lee, National Artist for Film and Broadcast, honoring his friend and fellow National Artist, speak volumes: “Kung wala na ang lahat, kung kalansay na lang ako, ang matitira na lang ay ang sinasabi mong sining” (When everything is gone, when I am but bones, the only thing that will be...
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‘Isang Himala’: adapting an adaptation
Let’s be clear about this. “Isang Himala,” an entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, is not a remake of the original film in 1982. It is a film reimagination of the theater musical first staged in 2003 which was based on the film. An adaptation of an adaptation. If there are crossover artists, Ricky...
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‘Batang Quiapo’: Behind the ‘teleserye’ scenes
Apo Manuel and his fake gold bars will haunt me for a little more time. If you don’t get the reference, that only means you are busy with life, and that’s fine, too. Apo Manuel is the name of the character I played in the phenomenal teleserye, “Batang Quiapo,” now on its third year. The action-drama...
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‘Gatilyo: Tatlong Dula ng Pag-alala’ is ‘tokhang’ revisited
The period from June 2016 to June 2022 will always be considered among the darkest days in contemporary Philippine history. According to government figures, at least 6,252 persons were felled during the “war on drugs,” but human rights organizations put the number between 12,000 and 30,000. Small wonder that “tokhang” (or when cops knock on...
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The Famas fiasco is not only about Eva Darren
It could have been a scene out of a Joseph Mankiewicz, or a Maning Borlaza: For the big night, a long-retired actress spends a fortune to have a gown made and to go to a salon for her hair and makeup. She brings along her grandchildren, never mind if she had to pay a hefty...
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A mouthful of a musical, and spectacular
“Buruguduystunstugundstuy” is quite a mouthful of a musical. With a title like that, the audience expects something beyond the usual fare. The creators of “Buruguduystunstugunstuy” promised a wild ride—an “acid trip,” as director Dexter Santos described it. They did not disappoint. They delivered as they promised. Using songs of the popular band Parokya ni Edgar,...
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‘Mainstream’ star Marian Rivera to star in an indie for Cinemalaya
Marian Rivera is scheduled to shoot her first indie film, and it’s a political one. The “Kapuso primetime queen” will take on the role of a public-school teacher who witnesses electoral fraud as the Philippines transitions from manual to automated counting. How she acts on what she has seen and its consequence to her personal safety...
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A gathering of the brave on the Day of Valor
April 9, 2024. A new moon has just entered the sign of Aries, coinciding with a total solar eclipse. In astrology, the Aries-born courageously faces the most difficult challenges, and strives to emerge on top. It was also the eve of Eid’l Fitr, when the Muslim world ends the monthlong fast of Ramadan. A fresh...