Wednesday, January 16, 2008

"CONDO" at Robinsons Galleria Movie World, IndieSine

Start:     Jan 23, '08
End:     Jan 29, '08
Location:     Robinsons Galleria Movie World, IndieSine
"CONDO"

From a maverick film group, Breaking the Box Productions, comes a new
independent, digital film. Aloy Adlawan, writer and producer, leads a
pack of young filmmakers in CONDO, a neo-magic-realist- sci-fi-drama
about a young security guard who has to deal with his lost sense of
being and his encounters with people in the condominium where he is
assigned.

The film stars Coco Martin fresh from his critically acclaimed
independent features- Adolf Alix's Tambolista, Neal Tan's Ataul for
Rent, and Brilliante Mendoza's Tirador. Veteran actress Perla Bautista
leads the ensemble of fine performances in major supporting roles,
along with seasoned theater actors Arnold Reyes and Diana Malahay and
showbiz personalities Avi Siwa, Chx Alcala, Vice Ganda, Love Thadani,
and Jao Mapa.

CONDO is directed by promising young director Martin Cabrera, and will premiere on jan 18, 630pm at indiesine, robinsons galleria. regular screening will be from jan 23-29.

see you there!


Watch the Trailer at youtube.com
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=xyLXccRc9ho

Monday, January 14, 2008

2008 Top Twenty Independent Artists (Filipino Actors)

thanks again, guys!  

##################

2008  Top Twenty Independent Artists (Filipino Actors)
 
Donna Villanueva

Visit YFMP multiply: http://youngfilmmakers.multiply. com/
Young Filmmakers of the Philippines (YFMP)

We are the group of young filmmakers from different colleges and
universities, we firmly believe that independent film making is a great way
for an actor or filmmaker to develop his or her style and abilities
and it's not about a paycheck. Our group did comprehensive research
about our Top Twenty lists of independent artists aged 20 to 40 years
old (10 males & 10 females) that are ubiquitous figure in Philippine
independent cinema.

Our top lists of Independent actors were a mixed batch composed of
mainstream/characte r actors and theater thespians. We accord cinema and television the same respect and rigor as we do theater. These are not just entertainment but are art forms as well. Only when we begin to treat actors as artists can we demand from
them to perform with artistry. We treat movie and television actors the same way we do our theater actors.
We would like to acknowledge the following Actors who have contributed
to the independent film for the past years;

Ms. Gloria Romero, anita Linda, Boots Anson Roa, Barbara Perez, Caridad Sanchez, Maricel Soriano,Cherrie Gil, ,Gina Alajar, Gina Pareño, Daria Ramirez, Cherrie Pie Picache, Jacklyn Jose, Rio Locsin, Tessie Thomas, Susan Africa, Elizabeth Oropesa, Chin Chin Guttirez, Mylene Dizon, Agot Isidro,Ma. Isabel Lopez, Irma Adlawan, Shamaine Buencamino, Ermie Concepcion, Anggie Ferro, Kimberly Diaz, Ara Miona, Gissele Sanchez, Julia Clarete, Meryll Soriano, Jodie Sta. Maria,  Karylle, Joanne Miller,Ynez Veneracion, Johnny Manahan Johnny Delgado, Robin Padilla, Cesar Montano, Michael V.,Robert Arevalo, Jaime Fabregas , Michael de Mesa, Albert Martinez, Bembol Roco, Joel Torre, Ricky Davao, Mark Gil, Pen Medina, Gary Valenciano, Nonie Buencamino, Ronnie Lazaro, Rex Cortez Gardo Versosa, Raymund Bagatsing,John Arcilla, Julio Diaz, Allan Paule, Emilio Garcia, Baron Geisler, Lou Veloso, Archie Adamos, Soliman Cruz, Bodjie Pascua, Dido de La Paz ,Soliman Cruz, Fonz Desa, Crispin Pineda, Jojit Lorenzo, Jake Macapagal, Perry Dizon, Jess Evardone, Mario Magalona,  Jiro Manio, Simon Ibarra, Nathan Lopez, Lito Caliso and Eddie Garcia.
Last year lists Top 20 independent artists in alphabetical order: (1)Aguilos Kalila (2) Aquino Angel (3)Arcilla John, (4)Bayani Angeli (5) Camañag Roeder,(6) Clarete Julia, (7)Diaz Kimberly, (8) Dino Liza,(9) Dizon Mylene, (10) Escano Perry, (11) Eusebio “ketcupâ€� Michael, (12) Galura Alcris, (13) Gutierrez Chin-Chin, (14)Lucero Sid, (15) Macapagal Jake ,(16) Magalona Mario, (17)Medina Ping, (18) Miller Joanne,(19) Sese Neil Ryan and (20)  Soriano Meryll.


YFMP names the top twenty independent artists for 2008 (in alphabetical order):

No.1 Aguilos Kalila (Actress)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):
Sinungaling na Buwan (2007), Haw-Ang (2007), FROU FROU, Shhhh!....'Wag Mong Sabihin Kay Itay' (2008)
Previous Years Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:                                    
Inang yaya (2006), Ligalig (2006),
TV Series:
"Sana'y wala ng wakas" (2003), "Kay tagal kang hinintay" (2002),

Kalila was a part of Tanghalang Pilipino's Zsazsa Zaturnah (Ze
Muzical) as antagonist, Ang Mga Huwad as Carmen Villa, Queen Femina
Suarestellar Baroux, played Madame Jeanne Forestier in Tanghalan at
Obra's musical adaptation, The Necklace and the Bride in the
International Theatre Institute Congress presentation of Blood
Weeding. Other theater credits include Troyanas, Middle of the
Silence, Paglayang minamahal, Ang Pagpatay Kay Luna, Dularawang
Pating, Aguinaldo: 1898, Ulilang Tahanan, El Filibusterismo;
Likhaan's, Noli me Tangere, Magnificat and Disyembre. Kalila is also a
costume designer, singer, painter & graphic designer.


No.2 Aquino Angel (Actress)
Birthdate: 7 February 1973 , Philippines

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):
Kadin (2007)
Previous Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Crying Ladies (2003), ICU Bed #7 (2005), Ebolusyon ng Pamilyang
Pilipino (2005), Ina, Anak, Pamilya (2006), Nasaan si Francis (2006),
Kaleldo (2006), Donsol (2006), Pamana, Ang (2006), Faces of Love
(2007), Siquijor: Mystic Island (2007)

Mainstream Film Credits
Mumbaki (1996), Bata, bata... Paano ka ginawa? (1998), Serafin
Geronimo, Kriminal ng Baryo Concepcion (1998), Sana Pag-ibig na
(1998), Wansapanataym: The Movie (1999), Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay ko
(1999), Minsan, minahal kita (2000), Daddy O! Baby O! ,(2000), Laro sa
Baga (2000), Vida Rosa, La (2001), Beautiful Life (2004),

International Films/TV:
Goodbye America (1997),

T.V. Series:
"Recuerdo de amor" (2001), Hunger Strike (2002) (TV), "Hiram" (2004),
"Etheria: Ang ikalimang kaharian ng encantadia" (2005), "Captain
Barbell" (2006),
Angel Aquino is no stranger to the limelight. (Angelita Velasquez
Aquino real name). She finished Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at
University of the Philippines in Baguio City . Starting out as a model,
Angel has metamorphosed into an effective film actress and television
style host. Angel has 2 daughters - Iana (born 1993) and Thea (born
1995). She is warm, open, vibrant and lively. Angel Aquino will always
be one of my favorite models. Her well-chiseled facial features,
fantastic skin tone, and great figure are the foundation of her
beauty. But one element that brings that beauty to life is her
animated personality. Angel is a truly beautiful woman. Angel won Best
Performance of an Actress for "Donsol" from the 2006 Cinemalaya Film
Ferstival

View Angel photos: www.ladiesgallery. net/538/AngelAqu ino.html

No.3 Bayani Angeli (Actress)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):                                                     
Endo (2007), Death in the Land of the  Encantos(2007)
Previous Years Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:                                       
Ang Huling Araw ng Linggo (2006), Kwarto (2006), Mga Lunes ng Hapis (2007)

Angeli is an apprentice of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actor's Company,
As a resident actor of CCP, Angeli's favorite roles are: Maria Clara's in TP's Noli
Me Tangere The Musical; Mrs. Capulleto in TP's R'meo Luvs Dew-Lhiett;
Induduli in TP's Hudhuhd an Ifugao romance and Pinnochio in TP's
children musical Pinocchio.

In March 2006 she performed in Tokyo , Japan , with the theater company
Rinko Gun/Good Fellow's Inc as part of Philippine Bedtime Stories, a
series of one-act Filipino plays performed in Tagalog and Japanese.
She has also performed with jay Cruz of Dancing Wounded Contemporary
Dance Commune. Her film Mga Lunes ng Hapis (Monday of Sorrow) is
competing in the fourth Con-Can Movie Festival, an online short film
festival in Japan this month. Her film  Death of the Land of Encantos won special from Venice filmfest.
View Angeli Photo:    http://gossamermoonfilter.multiply. com/

No.4  Calzado Iza (Actress)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):
Blackout(2007), Mona: Singapore Escort (2007), Batanes (2007), Kusina (2008)
Previous  Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Pinoy Blonde (2005)

Mainstream Film Credits:
Milan
, (2004) ,Annie B. (2004), Sabel(2004), Sigaw  (2004), Ispiritista: Itay, may moomoo! (2005), Mulawin The Movie(2005), Moments of Love(2006), Eternity(2006), Shake, Rattle & Roll 8(2006), Ouija (2007), Desperadas(2007), The Echo (Hollywood Remake of Sigaw) (2008),
Born as Maria Izadora Ussher Calzado, she was named in part for the legendary dancer, Isadora Duncan. Her father is choreographer and TV director Lito Calzado and her mother was the late Irish-Spanish-Filipina, Mary Ann Ussher. Iza's brother, Dash, is a member of Legit Misfitz, a Pinoy rap group.In the late 1990s, she finished her high school in Miriam College and after which finished her undergraduate education in the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Fine Arts.
Before entering show business, she worked as a dubber. Iza started out as a guest teen star in the now defunct show, Click, which led to further roles. Iza won her first ever heroine role through the soap opera Te Amo with the Argentinean actor Segundo Cernadas.Iza Calzado bagged her original role in The Echo, the English-language remake of Filipino director Yam Laranas’ horror film Sigaw. Calzado will be sharing the screen with Hollywood actor Jesse Bradford, who was last seen in Clint Eastwood’s World War II epic Flags of Our Fathers. Bradford will portray an ex-convict who will get entangled in the troubles of a battered wife, to be played by Calzado. Although she will be reprising a role that won her an Urian Best Supporting Actress award in 2005, she still had to audition. [2] One of her co-stars, Carlos de Leon, asked her if she is Hispanic because of her facial feature. She won Best Supporting Actress for 28th Gawad Urian.

No.5 Camañag Roeder (Actor)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):
Death in the Land of the  Encantos(2007)
Previous  Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Baryoke (2005), Ebolusyon ng Pamilyang Pilipino (2005), Kagat ng Dilim
(2006), Heremias (2006), Pandanggo (2006)
Mainstream Film Credits:
Jose Rizal (1999)

Roeder is a multi-talented performer, singer, actor, and dancer. He
recorded three original Filipino albums released under Vicor Music
Company, which include his signature hit, Sana Naman (gold and
platinum) and an international album released in Germany to his
credit. He is one handful talents who have successfully made the
crossover from mainstream pop to theater and independent films. He has
acted in over thirty productions ranging from musicals to straight
plays. He gave memorable performances in King and I, Twelfth Night,
Aguinaldo 1898, Larawan, Chess, Grease, Once on This Island, Fire,
Water, woman, They're Playing our song, Macbeth, Luna, Carmen,
Insiang, Ligawang Ligaw and Rhythm Method.

He received Best Stage Actor nominations from the Aliw Awards for his
performances Count Dracula in the Tanghalang Pilipino adaptation of
Dracula and Gantimpala National Artist Production Series F.Sionil
Jose's The God Stealer/ Nick Joaquin's The Queen's Jewel. For film, he
got a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his performance in Lav
Diaz's Ebolusyon. Roeder is under Talent Factory management headed by Ricky Gallardo.
Recently he won Best actor from Aliw Awards.

View Roeder photo:
http://www.herword.com/unwind/ theater/speaking _in_tongues. html

No.6 Capri Ana  (Actress)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):
Ala Suerte Ala Muerte (2007)

Previous Years Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:                                         Rekados (2006), Twilight Dancers (2006), Ala Verde Ala Pobre (2005), Serafin Geronimo, kriminal ng Baryo Concepcion (1998),
Mainstream Film Credits:
Virgin People 2 (1996), The Mariano Mison Story (1997), Alyas Big Time (1999), Pila-balde (1999), Batang pro (1999), Live Show (2000) .... Rosita,  Trip (2001) , Dekada '70 (2002), Sanib (2003), Malikmata (2003),  Milan (2004), Pa-siyam (2004), Spirit of the Glass (2004), Matakot ka sa karma (2006),
 
Ana Capri is an actress for television and film. She has done more than 50 independent and mainstream films. She won Best Actress for Ala Verde Ala Pobre (2005) and and Ala Suerte Ala Muerte (2007) in Cinemanila Film Festival. She was nominated as Best Actress for Pila-balde (1999) and Best Supporting Actress Sa Paraiso ni Efren (1999) from Gawad Urian. She established herself as one of best character actress in industry. Ana is now a freelance actress.
No.7 De Castro Glaiza (Actress)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):
Still Life (2007), Batanes (2007),  Rakenrol (2007) (2008), Hula (2008)
Previous  Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Twilight Dancers (2006)
Mainstream Film Credits:
Cool Dudes (2001), Singsing ni Lola (2002), Miss Pinoy (2005), Close to You (2006), Sukob (2006),  Manay po (2006), Pacquiao: The Movie (2006), ï‚·  White Lady (2006), ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh (2006),
TV Series:
"Berks" (2002), "Spirits" (2004), "Ikaw ang lahat sa akin" (2005), "Fantastikids" (2006), "Boys Nxt Door"(2007), "Asian Treasures" (2007),

Glaiza  is a television and film actress. Glaiza “Aizaâ€� Galura in real life was born on January 21, 1988 . She is the sister of Alcris Galura. Dan Alvaro is Glaiza’s uncle.Glaiza likes  Playing the guitar, watching TV, reading and swimming. She is a great fan of Hollywood actors Johnny Depp, Natalie Portman, Kirsten Dunst, Gael Garcia Bernal. She won New Movie Actress of the year (18th Star Awards for Movies 2001)Glaiza is under the management of DMV Entertainment headed by Manny Valera.

No.8 Diño Liza (Actress)


Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):
Sa Pagdapo ng Mariposa (2007)Sinungaling na Buwan (2007), Baliw(2007), Mona (2007),Unfading (2007)

Previous Years Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Mathew Mark Luke and John (2005), Compound (2006), Rome & Juliet
(2006), Graveyard Shift (2006),
Mainstream Film Credits:
Two Timer (2002), Xerex (2003), Pinay Pie (2003)

TV Series:
Maging Akin Muli (2005)
Mary Liza Bautista Diño or Liza is a beauty pageant titleholder and
all around performer! She is a BS Speech Communication graduate from
the University of the Philippines Diliman. She is best known as the
beauty queen endorser of Likas Papaya Herbal Soap years ago. She
placed third runner-up in Mutya ng Pilipinas 2001 and competed in the
Miss Tourism International pageant She has played a variety of
characters in both Shakespearean and original Filipino plays under
seasoned directors. Her credits include Taming of the Shrew, A
Midsummer Night's Dream,Winter' s Tale, Othello, Yerma, Divinas
Palabras, Hiroshima Mon Amour, A Portrait of an Artist, Tatlong
Villanueva, El Publico, Passion og the Christ and Komedi. Liza is a freelance actress.

View Liza photo: http://lizadino. multiply. com/

No.9 Domingo Eugene   (Actress)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):
Foster Child (2007), Pisay (2007)

Previous Years Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Tuli (2005)
TV Series:
"Sa dulo ng walang hanggan"
(2001), "Buttercup" (2003), "Tanging Ina" (2003), "Marina" (2004), "Kampanerang Kuba" (2005), "Kokey" (2007)
Eugene “Uge� Domingo is a theater, television, film actress. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Theater arts from the University of the Philippines. Eugene is one of the best comedienne’s in the entertainment industry and succeeded in making audience laugh out loud. Her last theater performance includes Welcome to Intelstar as MA'AM CHELSEA. She has done more than 30 mainstream films. She wants to play character roles for future projects.

View Eugene photo:   http://vdc5. multiply. com/

No.10 Domingo Nor (Actor)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007): Altar (2007)
Previous Years Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Big Time (2005), Putot (2006), Twilight Dancer (2006),
Nor is an actor, a director, cinematographer and commercial model. He is a Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) resident member since 1976, one of the legitimate theater groups in the Philippines. His hobbies include photography, filmmaking, softball and baseball. He has done more than fifty professional plays. Acting is also his passion and can do that dance too. Nor is a co-director for PETA’s Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang and currently director of Skin-Deep. His famous theater credits include Walang Himala, Romulus D’Grayt and Pasaporte.

 
No.11 Eigenmann Ryan (Actor)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):
Baliw (2007),  Doble Vista (2007)
Previous Years Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Anak ng tinapa (2005), Big Time (2005), Pinoy/Blonde (2005),  Co-ed Scandal (2006)

Mainstream Film Credits:
I'm Sorry, My Love (1998), Gangland (1998), Jose Rizal (1998), Sumigaw ka hanggang gusto mo (1999), Ekis: Walang tatakas (1999), Unfaithful Wife 2: Sana'y huwag akong maligaw (1999), Asin at paminta (1999),  Lastikman (2003), Keka (2003), First Time (2003/II),   Milan (2004), Kulimlim (2004), The Great Raid (2005), The Promise (2007), Hide and Seek (2007)
Ryan is of Spanish/American descent, the oldest son of actor/director Michael De Mesa and actress/director Gina Alajar. Oldest brother of actors Geoff Eigenmann and A.J. Eigenmann and First cousin of TV host Gabby Eigenmann., Scion (a third generation) of the legendary Gil-Eigenmann clan of actors. Grandparents are Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil.ephew of Filipino actors Mark Gil and Cherie Gil. Ryan is under the management of Viva Entertainment.

No.12 Escaño Perry (Actor)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):Ala Suerte Ala Muerte (2007), Walang Paraiso (2007), Baliw (2007), Sinungaling na Buwan (2007), Stop Over (2007), Transition (2007), , EllipticalRoad (2007), Baliw (2007), Stiryo (2007), Flavio (2007),

Previous Years Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Sitak (2005), Mathew, Mark, Luke and John (2005), Geegee & Waterina
(2006), Compound (2006), Siyudad (2006), Butas (2006),Graveyard Shift (2006),
Twilight Dancer (2006), Pinoy Postcard (2006),  Abadeha (2006),

Mainstream Film Credits:
Frats (1999), Pinay Pie (2003), Malikmata (2003), Batas Militar (2006)

T.V. Series:
Sugo (2005), I Luv New York (2006), Makita Ka Lamang Muli (2006),
Agawin Mo Man ang Lahat (2006), Super Twins (2007), Lupin (2007), Kokey (2007), Zaido(2007), Kamandag(2007) , La Vendeta (2007)

 Perry is an actor for stage, television and film. He finished Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering in Lyceum University Manila. He earned his professional theater acting workshop with Gantimpala Theater facilitated by Bodjie Pascua and has received his television/film advance and intensive acting training from Ms. Gina Alajar at Mowelfund. His film credits include Will Fredo’s Compound was an official selection in 2006 Cleveland and Washington D.C. International Film Festival and got nominations from Golden Screen Awards. Most recently, Perry is also part of Redd Ochoa’s Baliw received special selection in 2007 World film festival in Montreal Canada and Chennai Internatinal Film Festival in India . He has been part of Cinemalaya and Cinemanila films such as Sinungaling na Buwan, Walang Paraiso and Ala Suerte Ala Muerte.
He has portrayed mostly major roles and has done more than twenty professional plays in his theater projects. He is one good example that can cross over from independent to mainstream entertainment and one of the busiest character actors on television. Perry is under the management of Wings Entertainment headed by Francis Villacorta.
View Perry photo: http://perryescano. multiply. com/

 No.13 Feleo Ina   (Actress)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):
Endo (2007),Gulong (2007)

Mainstream Film Credits: Birhen ng Manaoag (2005)
TV Series:                                                                                                                    "Kahit kailan" (2002)
Trina Feleo in real life youngest of two daughters of Laurice Guillen and Johnny Delgado. A writing student at the Ateneo de Manila University, She is a member of Bayanihan Dance company. Thought she would just play a bit role in _Birhen ng Manaoag (2005)) but the endorsement of director Marilou Diaz-Abaya got her the plum role. She won as Best actress for 2007 Cinemalaya Film Festival for the film Endo.
View ina photo:         http://inafeleo. multiply. com/

No.14 Galura Alcris (Actor)


Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):
Endo (2007),Maikling Kwento (2007)

Previous Years Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Babae sa Breakwater (2004),Lagusan (2005), Sarong banggi (2005),
Pusang Gala (2005), Batad sa paang palay (2006), Seroks (2006),

Alcris is a film actor. He is the brother of Glaiza de Castro
(Actress). He portrayed a 14-year old Batad Boy "Ag-ap" in the film
Batad, a high school dropout, is forced to sell produce in the Banawe
market to augment whose big dream is to own a pair of nifty sports
shoes in. He bagged the best actor awards from 2006 Cinemalaya Film
Festival and 2006 Golden Screen Awards for his heartwarming
performance in Batad. He also received Best Supporting Actor
nominations from the URIAN for his performances in Mario O'Hara's
Babae sa Breakwater.

View Alcris photo:  http://www.flickr. com/photos/ hellochris/ 198769307/

No.15  Lucero Sid (Actor)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits(2007) :
Tambolista (2007), Siquijor: Mystic Island (2007), Tagapagligtas (2007),Tukso (2007), Batanes (2007),Selda (2007)

Previous Years  Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Donsol (2006),
T.V. Series:
"Krystala" (2004), Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia" (2005),

Once in a while, a new face comes along in the entertainment scene
that truly catches our attention. The moment we saw Sid Lucero, we
knew that he's got it. And after seeing him act in his very first
television drama role, there's no doubt that Sid will be the next best
young actor of his generation. Sid is being introduced in the much
talked about soap opera "Hanggang Kailan," from GMA-7 and Filmex, Inc.
where he is pitting talents against some of the country's acting
heavyweights like Lorna Tolentino and Christopher de Leon. In the
soap, he plays a lost young teenage boy who is searching for love and
acceptance while in the process of finding himself.
If his face looks familiar, it's because Sid is the son of thespian
Mark Gil. The eyebrows, the nose and the piercing look is so very
Mark, and from that initial episodes that we've seen, the boy has got
the same natural intensity and passion like his dad.
We learned that his manager Ricky Gallardo of The Talent Factory was
responsible in choosing his screen name. Sid Lucero is the name of the
character Mark Gil played in the award-winning Mike de Leon film,
"Batch 81," where Mark was elevated to lead status, and where he met
and fell in love with Sid's mother, the former fashion model and
actress Bing Pimentel. Sid, together with the other young cast of the
soap, had to undergo intensive training in proper acting techniques
with workshop director Peque Gallaga before facing the cameras. A
quick learner, he says that from the time he started taping, he
learned a lot in terms of motivation, delivery and focus, with the
guidance of his directors Joey Reyes and Mark Reyes. He won
Breakthrough Performance by an Actor for Donsol from 2007 Golden
Screen Awards and Best actor from Cinema One Film Festival for Tambolista.Sid is under Talent Factory management headed by Ricky Gallardo
No.16 Malahay Diana  (Actress)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits(2007) :
Tukso (2007),Durog (2007), Pain Things (2007)
T.V. Series:
Makita ka Lamang Muli (2007), LoveSpell (2007)
Diana is a freelance theater practitioner. She has acted in various plays of Dulaang Laboratoryo, Dulaang UP and Tanghalang Pilipino. Her theater credits include: Cetti’s The Queen and the Rebels/ Ang Reyna at mga Rebelde, Cocteau’s The Eagle has Two Heads/ Kamatayan ng Dinastiya for Dulaang Laboratoryo; Hibik at Himagsikan nina Viktoria Laktaw, Juan’s Shadow’s of the Reef/ Mga Anak ng Dagat for Dulaang U.P.; Euripedes’ Troyanas, Himala: The Musical, Pirandello’s It is So, If You Think So/ Yun na Nga, Kung Yun na Nga!, F. Sionil Jose’s Mass for Tanghalang Pilipino. Last Year, she performed Okina and Sisa in Okina at Ang Paglalakbay ni Sisa sa Laguna; A Noh Play, a joint project of UP Ceneter for International Studies (CIS), Japan Foundation and Shizuoka University of Arts and Culture in Celebratio of Philippines- Japan Friendship year. She has also written and staged new one-act plays for a thesis production: PIGTAS and hamog na bakal. She has appeared in some TV programs in ABS-CBN and GMA7.

No.17 Martin Coco    (Actor)              
                                                                                     
Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits(2007) :
Pitong Tagpo (2007), Nars (2007), Tambolista (2007), Tirador (2007), Ataul For Rent (2007), "OFW" (2007), "Batanes: Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan"(2007) , "Box Office" (2007), "Condo" (2007), Siquijor: Mystic Island (2007)
Previous Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Masahista
(2005), Kaleldo (2006),
Coco is a film and television actor. He has appeared in several TV commercials before breaking into showbiz with his debut film Masahista which won him the Young Critics Circle Best Actor Award in 2006. He also starred in Kaleldo in 2006. He's the father of a child born on June 3, 2005 by his co-star in the movie Masahista and ex-girlfriend, Katherine Luna. Early in 2007, Coco became an exclusive artist of GMA Network, and appeared in several GMA TV shows starting with "Daisy Siete Season 15". He is also a member of the boy-group The Studs.
 

No.18 Medina Ping (Actor)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):
Tukso (2007), Imahenasyon (2007),Selda( 2007)

Previous Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Trabaho (2005), Anak ng tinapa (2005), Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros(2005) ,
Tulad ng dati (2006),
Mainstream Film Credits:
Jose Rizal (1998), Bertud ng putik (2003),

T.V. Series:
"Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia" (2005), Makita Ka
Lamang Muli (2006), Prinsesa ng Banyera (2007),

Ping is an occasional artists, he is the son of character actor Pen
Medina . The Truth is, He's Pretty too. But being pretty is the last
thing on Ping Medina's mind. The 23-year-old, whose first acting job
was as the young Jose Rizal in the film by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, has
bigger things to care about. Things like his Cinemalaya project with
Dennis Marasigan— an ensemble film called "Tukso," in which he would
star with Ricky Davao, Soliman Cruz, Irma Adlawan and others. Things
like playing the guitar and recording a demo with his band, Hello
Ebro . Things like figuring out his real role in Philippine cinema.
Ping has been in the industry for 10 years now and although mall tours
and provincial shows are not part of his itinerary, he does have a
huge fan base. Actually, he has two kinds—the first made up of people
who loved him as Kuya Bogs in Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros and
the second are the people who have seen him on television, in shows
like Etheria and the afternoon soap Makita Ka Lang Muli, both aired on
GMA 7. He gets recognized when he's out and is asked to pose for
photos and sign autographs but Ping finds a deeper connection with
fans who he can really talk to about his work and about his passions.
And he has a lot of passion for his craft. He has notable performances
and earned MANUNURI (URIAN) Best Supporting Actor nomination for the
film Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros.

View Ping photo: http://www.friendster.com/24758311

 
No.19 Quizon  Jeffrey “Epyâ€�

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007): 
Maikling kwento
(2007)
Previous Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits: 
Radyo
(2001), Utang ni Tatang (2002),  Asboobs: Asal bobo (2003),  Astigmatism (2004) , Quezon City (2004), Pepot Artista (2005), Pinoy/Blonde (2005), Lasponggols (2005), Nasaan si Francis (2006), Rotonda (2006),
T.V. Series:
"Daboy en da girl" (2002), "Quizon Avenue" (2005),
Jeffrey Smith Quizon or Epy is an actor,writer, producer, 2nd unit director or assistant director.Born on  January 23, 1973 and he is the son of the King of comedy Dolphy. Tagged by the movie press as the "Next Dolphy." He, however, shunned the title saying there is only one Dolphy. Stopped smoking after taking the 40-day Kick it! Beat it! quit smoking celebrity challenge, an advocacy campaign in support of the Philippine health department's smoking cessation program sponsored by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. He is among the first batch of celebrities joining the campaign from August 23 to October 1, 2006 ; the others are Amanda Griffin, Rica Peralejo and DJ-sportscaster Vitto Lazatin. He used to be chain-smoker. He is also the Band leader of Makatha.

No. 20. Sese Neil Ryan (Actor)


Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):  
Hawang (2007)                                             

Previous Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Mathew Mark Luke and John (2005), Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros
(2005), Kubrador (2006), Graveyard Shift (2006), Seroks (2006)

Mainstream Film Credits:
Aishite imasu (Mahal kita) 1941 (2004),Beautiful Life (2004), Gatas sa Dibdib ng Kaaway (1999)

T.V. Series: Prinsesa ng Banyera (2007), Maria Florde Luna (2007) ), Lupin (2007), Asian Treasure (2007), Makita Ka LamangMuli (2006), "Etheria: Ang
ikalimang kaharian ng encantadia" (2005),Sugo( 2005), "Krystala" (2004), "Spirits"
(2004), "Darating ang umaga" (2003), "Buttercup" (2003), "Kay tagal kang
hinintay" (2002), "Basta't kasama kita" (2002), "Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan" (2001)

Neil is an actor for stage, television and film. He obtained a
Bachelor of Arts in Theater arts from the University of the
Philippines . From then on, guided by his mentors, he honed craft by
taking part in various. To new a few, he appeared in Shakespearean
classics such as Othello (Dulaang U.P); Merchant of Venice, Taming of
the Shrew (UP Shakespearean Company); Greek classics like Oedipus Rex
(Dulaang UP) and Troyanas (Tanghalang Pilipino), Kanser (Gantimpala) ,
Laro (Gantimpala) and Asian Drama like St. Louis Loves Dem Filipinos
(Dulanng UP); Hudhud (TP), Kanjicho (Dulanng UP), Sepharad: Voces de
Exilio, Basilia ng Malolos ( UPPT), Orpheus Descending (TP) and Sa
Ngalan ng Anak (Dulaang UP) and line producer of the digital film
Laya. He is one of the visible character actors on television.

View Neil Photo: http://neilsese.multiply.com/

The Complete lists of 2008 Top 20 Independent artists in alphabetical order (1)Aguilos Kalila (2) Aquino Angel (3) Bayani Angeli (4) Calzado Iza (5) Camañag Roeder (Actor)  (6) Capri Ana  (7)  De Castro Glaiza  (8) Diño Liza (9) Domingo Eugene (10) Domingo Nor (11) Eigenmann Ryan(12)  Escaño Perry (13)  Feleo Ana (14) Galura Alcris (15) Lucero Sid (16) Malahay Diana (17) Martin Coco (18)Medina Ping (19) Quizon Jeffrey “Epyâ€� (20)Sese Neil  Ryan

Visit YFMP multiply: http://youngfilmmakers.multiply. com/
    

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Oggs Cruz' review of "DEATH IN THE LAND OF ENCANTOS"

Kagadanan Sa Banwaan Ning Mga Engkanto (Lav Diaz, 2007)
English Title: Death in the Land of Encantos


"Great" is an adjective that is usually reserved for works of considerable degree and power, of immense import and significance. To the very few in the world who are open-minded enough to have braved sitting through Lav Diaz's latest nine-hour opus, the term "great" would be the proper and popular adjective to describe the film. I cannot disagree, Kagadanan Sa Banwaan Ning Mga Engkanto (Death in the Land of Encantos) is simply one great film, arguably the greatest film of 2007. Allow me to complicate things further, Kagadanan is not merely a great film, it is possibly one of the greatest films about love ever made. The love that subtly illuminates Diaz's black and white visual aesthetics over acres of land ravaged by the typhoon Reming (internationally referred to as Durian, the strongest typhoon to have ever hit the Bicol region, wiping out entire families and towns) is expansive. The love here is utterly romantic, blatantly destructive, hypnotically alluring, and fascinatingly sincere.

Kagadanan
takes its cue from Gabriel Garcia Marquez's novels (like One Hundred Years of Solitude or Love in the Time of Cholera), where the men and women are all hopelessly romantic scavengers, traversing the Latin American wasteland of fractured colonial and political influences with gentle caresses of native magic and coincidences. Diaz evokes Garcia Marquez by draping the return of Bicolano poet Benjamin Agusan Jr. (played by theater actor Roeder Camanag), fondly referred to by his friends as Hamin, to his now desolate home town with the same overbearing atmosphere of a country completely collapsing from the burden of colonial influence and present political inutility. Diaz furthers this contemplation with a subplot involving memories of Hamin's mother (Gemma Cuenca), suffering supposedly from insanity caused by her romantic affair with an earth spirit castled in a mound of soil in their farmland. Insanity becomes a generational ill as Hamin himself is slowly degenerating into a rabid paranoid, consumed by a similar doomed love affair. All the other characters in Kagadanan suffer a similar fate, of being swallowed completely by an indefatigable obsession, an incurable enchantment of the land that Diaz pictures as insufferably beautiful yet compulsively treacherous. This is where Diaz tops Garcia Marquez. Diaz's magic realism is more familiar, more agonizing, more a product of a collective national experience than a singular imaginative mind.

Hamin meets up with his friends, Teodoro (Perry Dizon), another poet who has retired to become a fisherman, and Catalina (Angeli Bayani), sculptor of rocks spewed by Mt. Mayon and Hamin's former flame and mother of his kid. The three would indulge in prolonged conversations about neverendingly evolving topics (an evening conversation between the three friends would begin with a question about the severe blackout evolves into a complaint about kerosene lamps which evolves into a discussion on insects and their intriguing behavioral patterns which then evolves into musings about the government, about art, about passion and mysteries) over bottles of beer. These conversations distinguish the characters. Hamin is the romantic intellectual, experienced with the ways of the world (having been to Europe and Russia), yet secretive and guarded. Teodoro, on the other hand, has the temperament of a simple provincial laborer, unflinchingly loyal and beholden to his more successful friends (upon first sight of Hamin, he devotes a persuasive recital of a fondly remembered poem, lovingly and graciously delivered), yet his restraint is his wisdom. Catalina has a worldly demeanor which shrouds her maternal inclinations to both her friends. She is supposedly the most level-headed of the three, but she is fueled by emotions. Her art, carving from volcanic boulders valuable pieces, is a derivative of her passionate hatred for Mt. Mayon.

Although the friends are very close, there's an indescribable tension that overpowers their bonds. Between Hamin and Teodoro lies an uncomfortable merging of respect, disdain, and the acknowledgment that both of them have something the other will never have (Hamin's experiences abroad and acclaim, and Teodoro's comfort and stability). Hamin and Catalina share a son and a past romantic relationship, yet both of them are not in a position to give in to the simple comforts Teodoro has retired to. Both of them are fervent artists and activists who are unable and probably will never be able to descend to lowly concerns of plebeian livelihood and family. Sacrifice, that is the affliction that pervades the nine-hour picture. It is an affliction that resembles an unhealthy obsession, an interval of insanity, essentially leading to death.

Amalia (Sophia Aves), Hamin's lover who he abandoned when he for Russia, is peacefully sleeping naked. Hamin's voice-over is heard "You're the most beautiful" as Diaz's camera peers into every exposed area of Amalia's body. There's a faint echo of despair in Hamin's voice, as if he's trapped in a moment where he is deprived of fully enjoying the beauty that he is beholden to, unable to touch and embrace. In another similar scene, Svita, Hamin's lover while he was stationed in Russia, is peacefully sleeping naked. Again, Hamin's voice is heard declaring that Svita is "the most beautiful" with the same faint echo of despair while the camera peers into every exposed area of her body. These scenes (I'd think of them as vivid dream sequences that are laced with erotic motivations rather than memories of events that ensued) are always preceded or followed by visual meditations of the ruined land, of the majestic and perfectly coned Mt. Mayon and its terrible power, hinting of the indispensable connection between the love for a beautiful woman that has been left or has left, and the love for this beautiful yet wretched country that is slowly turning into a literal hell.

Within the nine-hour duration of Kagadanan are several filmed interviews (with Diaz doing the interviewing himself in a mannered and very journalistic method, eliciting answers and stories of considerable power and drama) of the survivors of the typhoon Reming. Depicted are the unthinkable horrors that ensued: of mothers persisting to dig up the bodies of their families, of entire towns being submerged in mixtures of water and volcanic mud, of both past and future livelihoods lost in a short period of time. More harrowing are the different reactions of the victims: an old woman suddenly wails when she is reminded of her uncertain future, a group of friends nonchalantly discuss friends who were buried underneath the rubble, a woman correlates the tragedy with the residents' worsening sinfulness. Diaz then plays around with form when he also interviews the three main characters as similar victims of the typhoon's catastrophe. The interviewer all of a sudden becomes part of the film, engaging in conversations and arguments with Hamin, Catalina and Teodoro. Diaz pierces the veil that divides fiction and documentary (the film got a special mention in Venice in the documentary section of the Horizons sidebar of the film festival), yet despite the use of such device, no intention of mockery or gimmickry is perceived. Instead, the blurred lines become drastic ruminations of the blatant absurdity of the very real situation: of an entire population wiped out and forced to evacuate, of a nation and government that simply does not care.

Kagadanan is possibly Diaz's most personal film. Unlike in Ebolusyon ng Isang Pamilyang Pilipino (Evolution of a Filipino Family, 2001) or Heremias (2006) where static long takes have become the comforting norm of Diaz's visual aesthetics, Kagadanan is more dynamic. While the contemplative long takes are still present, Diaz frequently engages in hand held shots especially in the scenes that are supposedly from the point of view of Hamin, like the first scene where we become accustomed in the muddied desolation caused by the typhoon, the several scenes wherein Hamin reminisces on his childhood, and the dream sequences with Amalia and Svita. The peculiar thing about this change in Diaz's aesthetics is that from mere observer in Ebolusyon and Heremias, he now partakes a more involved role, becoming Hamin if necessary (this is why Hamin's gaze on the female form is so complex (lustful, eager, curious and longing), because Diaz himself becomes Hamin). The evening banters and the philosophical musings are all Diaz's; a conversation with the director would feel like the humble discussions between Hamin, Catalina and Teodoro (only in that case, it's all Diaz in different personas doing the talking). The poems made and recited by both Hamin and Teodoro are also in reality, Diaz's.

Diaz is a very generous artist, too generous perhaps. Unfortunately, the naked sincerity and generosity in Diaz's filmmaking are often mistaken for self-indulgence, mostly because of his film's ungodly lengths. The sacrifices he has made for the love of his art is unsurpassed by any Filipino filmmaker, living or dead. The reason why the heartaches, the unbridled longings, the closeted insecurities, the disregarded relationships, the incomparable dedication for art and activism, the emotional and physical desolation are so palpable in Kagadanan, which I believe is Diaz's most personal film, is because they were cultivated not from manufactured imagination but through collected experiences.

"Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo" (translated as "To die for you"), from the Philippine national anthem sung with a rough and insulting baritone by a mysterious military officer (played with cartoonish viciousness by Soliman Cruz) while torturing Hamin, are the last words heard in the film before the images abruptly turn to black and the end credits start appearing. The way the words were sung connotes a harsh taunting, probably from the government forces to those whose activism is similar to Hamin's (and this part is rooted from a valid concern by most artists and journalists whose works are either censored because of its political messages or they themselves are mysteriously executed). The words also candidly express the affliction of sacrifice that has become the norm in such manner of living Diaz's characters and perhaps Diaz himself live. There can be no mistress for one's unmitigated love (or art) for the land despite its frequent treacherous ways, which is why Hamin can never fulfill the desires of consummating love with his women (Amalia, whom he left; Svita, who left him; and Catalina, who can never arouse him again), or inhabiting the role of father to his estranged son in Mindanao, or to give aid to his family members who all died in fits of insanity before him. That in itself is a maddening preoccupation, and the logical although painful recourse is to escape by consummating one's mortality. In this ravaged land of both magic and extreme reality, death is a cheap comfort.

******
This review is also published in The Oblation, and is also my contribution to the Contemplative Cinema Blog-a-Thon at Unspoken Cinema.