Thursday, January 29, 2009

Nonon Padilla and Tony Perez Team Up for PETA’s "SAAN BA TAYO IHAHATID NG DISYEMBRE?"

Start:     Feb 6, '09 2:30p
End:     Mar 15, '09 7:30p
Location:     PETA Theater Center, Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City
PETA brings together two geniuses: Nonon Padilla and Tony Perez, to create a psychological drama masterpiece.

They have previously worked together for "On the North Diversion Road", "Oktubre, Noong Tayo’y Nagmamahalan Pa" and "Nobyembre, Noong Akala Ko’y Mahal Kita"; a collaboration that introduced a new genre of thought-provoking plays – psychological dramas that fascinate and tease the imagination.

Nonon Padilla and Tony Perez started out as young artists working closely with PETA - Nonon, as a noted artist and Founding Director of Tanghalang Pilipino and Tony as a writer and playwright.

Together, they individually produced plays that are raw and rich, unconventional and experimental, but grounded on fundamental themes such as love and friendship.

For the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) 41st Theater Season, the two are back to perfect another work of genius. Preparing their latest opus, the third piece of Tony Perez’s psychological trilogy: "Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?". A story about two friends, Lalaki (Juliene Mendoza, Jack Yabut), and Isa Pang Lalaki (Lex Marcos) and their love affair with the same woman, Babae (Angeli Bayani), who is torn between her feelings for the two.

But "Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?" cannot be easily dismissed as ‘just another love story‘. Aside from the three characters fighting over love—Tony Perez adds another character that creates another dimension to the piece: Isa Pang Babae (Alison Segarra), a clairvoyant young woman from the present who oversees the turn of events, as the three other characters get tangled in a complex web of episodes.

With emphasis on love, truth and sacrifice, "Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid Ng Disyembre?" is a bold and non-traditional production crafted by the country’s most daring writer and ingenious director, Tony Perez and Nonon Padilla. Something—that you sure don’t want to miss.


"Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?" is showing at the PETA Theater Center on February 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-28; March 1, 6-8, 13-15, 2009 (Friday 2:30PM/ 7:30PM, Sat and Sun 10AM /3PM) .

For inquiries call PETA Marketing at 410 0821 or 0917 8044428 or email petampro@yahoo.com.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

2009 TOP TWENTY INDEPENDENT ARTISTS

2009 Top Twenty Independent Artists
by Donna Villanueva

Young Filmmakers of the Philippines (YFMP)

We are the group of young filmmakers from different colleges and
universities, we firmly believe that independent filmmaking 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,Ms. 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, Ama Quiambao, Irma
Adlawan, Shamaine Buencamino, Ermie Concepcion, Anggie Ferro,Malou
Crisilogo, Flor Salanga, Lui Manansala, Mailes Kanapi, Kimberly Diaz,
Ara Mina, Gissele Sanchez, Julia Clarete, Karylle, Ina Feleo, Monica
Llamas, ,Joanne Miller,Ynez Veneracion, Liza Dino, Johnny Manahan,
Johnny Delgado, Robin Padilla, Cesar Montano, Michael V.,Robert
Arevalo, Jaime Fabregas , Michael de Mesa, Dick Israel, Albert
Martinez, Bembol Roco, Joel Torre, Ricky Davao, Mark Gil, Pen Medina,
Gary Valenciano, Nonie Buencamino, Ronnie Lazaro, Rez Cortez,Garry
Lim, Gardo Versosa, Raymund Bagatsing,John Arcilla, Julio Diaz, Allan
Paule, Emilio Garcia, Richard Quan, TJ Trinidad, Ryan Eigenmann, Lou
Veloso, Archie Adamos, Soliman Cruz, Bodjie Pascua, Dido de La Paz,
Fonz Desa, Crispin Pineda, Nor Domingo, Joe Gruta, Jojit Lorenzo, Jake
Macapagal, Perry Dizon, Jess Evardone, Mario Magalona, Ketchup
Eusebio, Jiro Manio, Simon Ibarra, Carlo Maceda, Christian
Vasquez,Nathan, Lopez Lito Caliso and Eddie Garcia.

Last year lists Top 20 independent artists in alphabetical order:
(1)Aguilos Kalila (2) Aquino Angel (3) Bayani Angeli (4) Calzado Iza
(5) Camañag Roeder,(6) Capri Ana , (7) De Castro Glaiza, (8) Dino
Liza,(9) Domingo Eugene (10) Domingo Nor, (11) Eigenmann Ryan
(12)Escano Perry (13) Feleo Ina (14) Galura Alcris (15)Lucero Sid,
(16) Malahay Diana ,(17) Martin Coco, (18)Medina Ping, (19) Quizon
Jeffrey and (20) Sese Neil Ryan.

YFMP names the Top Twenty Independent Artists for 2009 (in
alphabetical order):

No.1 Abalos Jason
Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2008)
Rakenrol(2008) , Motorcycle (2008)

Previous Years Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits
Endo (2007)

Mainstream Film Credits
All About Love(2006), I Wanna Be Happy(2006), White Lady(2006), First
Day High(2006), My Kuya's Wedding (2007)

TV Series:
Vietnam Rose (2005), Ysabella (2007), Eva Fonda(2008)

Jason Abalos is a member of ABS-CBN's circle of homegrown talents
named Star Magic.
Abalos, 22, on August 7, 2008, won the Best Performer award in the
Young Critics Circle Annual Citation held at the Faculty Center
Conference (Pulungang Recto, Bulwagang Rizal) Hall of the University
of the Philippine Diliman, Quezon City. Director Adolf Alix, Jr.
handled him in the indie film "Adela," played by Anita Linda (in the
2008 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival). Abalos was also nominated
at the Urian Awards of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, for
"Endo." He is best known with his role Joel on Eva Fonda.
On October 1, 2008, Abalos won the Best Actor in the 2008 Gawad Urian
Awards for Endo. He presently studies in University of Sto. Tomas.

No.2 Aguilos Kalila (Actress)
Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):
Sinungaling na Buwan (2007), Haw-Ang (2007), ), Death in the Land of
the Encantos (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:
"Lobo" (2008),"Sana' y wala ng wakas" (2003), "Kay tagal kang hinintay"
(2002),

Kalila was a part of Tanghalang Pilipino's Zsazsa Zaturnah (ZeMuzical)
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
theInternational Theatre Institute Congress presentation of
BloodWeeding. 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.3 Aquino Angel (Actress)
Birthdate: 7 February 1973, Philippines

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2007):
God Only Knows (2008))

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), Kadin (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), "Maging sino ka man: Ang pagbabalik" (2007), "Lobo"
(2008)

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
Festival.. Her short film God Only Knows won as Best short film from
the 2008 Cinemalaya Film Ferstival

No.4. Bayani Angeli (Actress)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2008):
Melancholia (2008), Adela (2008), Kolorete (2008), Aurora(2008)

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

Angeli is an apprentice of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actor's Company,
Angeli dreams one day of becoming an Indie princess. 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. Bayani won the Best Actress in the
2008 Cinemanila International Film Festival.

No.5. Calzado Iza (Actress)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2008): Kusina (2008) ,
Adela(2008),

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

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), One True Love (2008), Scaregiver(2008) , Desperadas 2(2008),
Sundo2009

T.V. Series:
Click (2001). Kung Mawawala Ka(2001), Te Amo, Maging Sino Ka Man
(2004), Encantadia (2005), Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng
Encantadia(2005) , Encantadia: Pag-Ibig Hanggang Wakas (2006),
Atlantika(2006) , Impostora (2007), Joaquin Bordado(2008) , ESP(2008),
LaLola(2008) , Obra(2008), All About Eve(2008),Encantadi a : Arizonia(2009) ,

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. 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. On January 18,
2008, Iza Calzado won the Model Star Award from the Korea Asia Model
Award Festival.

No.6 Camañag Roeder (Actor)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2008):
Melancholia (2008), Kolorete (2008)
Previous Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Baryoke (2005), Ebolusyon ng Pamilyang Pilipino (2005), Kagat ng Dilim
(2006), Heremias (2006), Pandanggo (2006), Death in the Land of the
Encantos(2007) ,

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 hiscredit.
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. In 2007 he won Best actor from Aliw Awards. This year
he was nominated as Best Actor from Gawad Urian for Death in the Land
of the Encantos.

No.7 De Castro Glaiza (Actress)
January 21, 1988

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2008):
Rakenrol(2008) , Hula (2008), Ultraelectromagneti c Love (2008) , Ang
Manghuhula, (2008),

Previous Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Twilight Dancers (2006), Still Life (2007), Batanes (2007),

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), 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), Sine Novela: Kaputol Ng Isang Awit (2008), Gagambino" (2008)

Glaiza is a television and film actress. Glaiza "Aiza" 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. This year Glaiza earned nominations from Gawad Urian as
Best Actress for Still Life.

No.8 Dizon Mylene (Actress)
September 6, 1976

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2008): Ploning (2008),
100 (2008)

Previous Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Utang ni Tatang (2002), Tulad ng dati (2006), Rome and Juliet (2006)

Mainstream Film Credits:
Calvento Files: The Movie (1997), Miguel/Michelle (1998), Magandang
hatinggabi (1998), Gimik: The Reunion (1999), Gatas sa dibdib ngkaaway
(2001), Super B (2002), Agimat, anting-anting ni Lolo, Ang (2002),
Resiklo (2007), Shake, Rattle & Roll10 (2008),

T.V. Series:
"Gimik" (1996), "Saan ka man naroroon" (1999), "Sa dulo ng walang
hanggan" (2001), "Basta't kasama kita" (2002), "Narito ang puso ko"
(2003), "Tabing ilog" (2000), "Agawin mo man ang lahat" (2006),
"Princess-Charming" (2007), "Kokey" (2007), "Dyesebel" (2008),

A superb actress, Mylene Dizon, has revealed that she ran away from
her mother. But, it was an unusual situation. Mylene's parents
areseparated. Her mother has moved to the United States. Mylene is
aware of her strong-willed nature, which she believes she has gotten
from her mom. She admits, she's a loner even when she was still a kid.
She was left home alone all the time. She spent a vacation in America
when she was 18. She worked as a secretary in her mom's physical
therapy business there. She didn't get paid so she ran back to
Philippines with her mom's credit card in her pocket. She has kept
herself alive and well in the raucous carnival world of show business.
Her name had to be associated with the gorgeous faces teeming at the
ABS CBN Talent Center.

In 1997 she won Best New Movie Actress for her 1st film Calvento
Files: The movie. Recently, Mylene Dizon was named Best Actress for
her role in "Rome and Juliet"
from 2006 Cinema One Originals. Mylene is now a character actress in
the entertainment industry. In this year she won Best Actress from
Cinemalaya Film Festival for "100".

No.9 Domingo Eugene (Actress)
Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2008): Ploning (2008),100
(2008),

Previous Years Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Tuli (2005), Foster Child (2007), Pisay (2007)

Mainstream Film Credits:
Ikaw pa rin ang iibigin (1998), Pagdating ng Panahon (1998), Tanging
Ina, Ang (2003), Malikmata (2003), Volta (2004), Can This Be Love
(2005), D'Lucky Ones (2006), Kapag tumibok ang puso (Not once, but
twice), You Are the One (2006), Txt (2006), Reyna: (2006), Shake,
Rattle & Roll 8 (2006), The Promise (2007), Cute ng ina mo, Ang
(2007), Paano kita Iibigin (2007, Apat dapat, dapat apat: (2007),
Pasukob (2007), Bahay kubo (2007), Katas ng Saudi (2007), Ikaw pa rin,
bongga ka boy! (2008), My Monster Mom (2008), I.T.A.L.Y. (I Trust and
Love You) (2008), Desperadas 2 (2008), Ang Nanay kong aswang,(2009) ,

TV Series:
"Sa dulo ng walang hanggan" (2001), "Buttercup" (2003), "Tanging Ina"
(2003), "Marina" (2004), "Kampanerang Kuba" (2005), "Kokey" (2007),
"Ako si Kim Samsoon" (2008),

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. She is noted on winning
the Best Supporting Actress award in the 2007 Metro Manila Film
Festival and 2008 Gawad Tanglaw. Currently, she is seen in TV5. She
won Best supporting actress from Cinemalaya Film Festival for 100 and
earned Best Actress nominations from Gawad Urian for Foster Child.

No.10 Escaño Perry (Actor)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2008):

Ranchero (2008), Magkaibang Direksyon (2008), Jojo (2009)

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), Pinoy
Postcard (2006), Abadeha (2006), Stop Over (2007), Transition (2007),
Elliptical Road (2007), Baliw (2007), Stiryo (2007), Walang Paraiso
(2007), Graveyard Shift (2007), Baliw (2007),Ala Suerte Ala Muerte
(2007), Sinungaling na Buwan (2007)

Mainstream Film Credits:
Frats (1999), Pinay Pie (2003), Malikmata (2003), Batas Militar
(2006), Shake Rattle & Roll 10 (Emergency), Scaregivers (2008)

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), Zaido(2007), Kamandag(2007) , La Vendeta (2007), Kokey (2007),
Iisa Pa Lamang (2008),Ligaw na Bulaklak(2008) ,Babangon Ako't Dudurugin
Kita (2008), Joaquin Bordado (2008), Gagambino (2008)

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. 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, Ala Suerte Ala Muerte and Ranchero.

He has portrayed mostly major roles and has done more than twenty
professional plays in his theater projects. He is one of the few young
actors who can do lead and supporting roles and cross over from
theater, television and film. Perry is one of the busiest character
actors on television. He appeared on a number of hit teleseryes and
drama anthologies in ABS-CBN and GMA-7. Recently he played supporting
for two Japanese films entitled Kazuma vs Amusak and Joker The
Brilliant. Perry is under the management of Wings Entertainment headed
by Francis Villacorta.

No.11 Galura Alcris (Actor)
Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2008):
Baby Angelo (2008)

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), Endo
(2007),Maikling Kwento (2007)

T.V.Series: Ligaw na Bulaklak (2008), Rakista (2008)
Mainstream Film Credits:Pacquiao: The Movie (2006),Tiyanaks (2007)

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 and for ENDO.

No.12 Geisler Baron
5 June 1982, Philippines
Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2008):
Jay (2008)

Previous Years Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Durog (2007), Ang Huling Araw ng Linggo (2006), Taxi ni Pilo (2001)

Mainstream Film Credits:
Ang TV Movie: The Adarna Adventure (1996), Haba-baba-doo,
puti-puti-poo! (1998), Mahal na kung mahal (1999), Tar-San (1999), Anak
(2000), Jologs (2002), A Love Story (2007), SupahPapalicious (2008),
Torotot (2008), Baler (2008),

T.V.Series: "Gimik" (1996), "Tabing ilog" (2000), "Recuerdo de amor"
(2001), "It Might Be You" (2003), "Vietnam Rose"(2005), "Calla
Lily"(2006) , "Maging sino ka man" (2006), "Pieta"(2008) , Eva
Fonda(2008), Tayong Dalawa (2009)

Baron Frederick von Geisler is half-German. Baron's hobbies include
painting & writing poetry. Older brother, Donald, is a member of the
Philippine taekwondo national team that competed in the 2000 Sydney
Olympics. He was launched as a member of the male trio "Koolits" with
John Lloyd Cruz and Marc Solis. He won an award for 'Best Single
Performance by an Actor' in the recently concluded Star Awards for TV
(2005) for his performance in 'Maalaala mo kaya'.He got Best
Supporting nominations from URIAN for Anak (2000).In this year he won
Best Actor from Cinemalaya Film Festival for "Jay". Jay was included
in 65th Venice Int'l Film Festival, Bangkok and International Film
Festival.

No.13 Lucero Sid (Actor)
March 12, 1983

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits(2008) : Aurora (2008),
Bulong (2008),, Selda(2008), Independencia( 2009)

Previous Years Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Donsol (2006), Tambolista (2007), Siquijor: Mystic Island (2007),
Tagapagligtas (2007),Tukso (2007), Batanes (2007),Selda (2007)

Mainstream Film Credits:
Manay Po 2: Overload

T.V. Series:
"Krystala" (2004), Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia"
(2005), "Prinsesa ng Banyera" (2007), Kokey (2007), Kung Fu Kids
(2008), Ligaw na Bulaklak (2008),

Timothy Mark Pimentel Eigenmann in real life. 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 Lucero won Best Actor award in
the 49-year history of the November 14-23, 2008 Thessaloniki
International Film Festival in Greece, regarding film Selda. This year
he got Best Supporting Actor nominations from URIAN for Tambolista and
won Best actor from Manunuri for Selda. Sid is under Talent Factory
management headed by Ricky Gallardo

No.14 Malahay Diana (Actress)
Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits(2008) : Baby Angelo (2008),
Condo (2008)
Previous Years Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Tukso (2007),Durog( 2007), Pain Things (2007)

Mainstream Film Credits: My Bestfriend's Girlfriend (2008)

T.V. Series:
Makita ka Lamang Muli (2007), LoveSpell (2007), Ligaw na Bulaklak (2008)

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.15 Martin Coco (Actor)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits(2008) : Serbis 2008,
Daybreak (2008), "Condo" (2008), Next Attraction (2008), Jay (2008)
Previous Years Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
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), Siquijor: Mystic Island (2007)

Previous Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Masahista (2005), Kaleldo (2006),
T.V. Series:
Ligaw na Bulaklak (2008), Tayong Dalawa (2009)

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.16 Reyes Arnold
Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits(2008) : Condo (2008),
Barako(2008) , Adela(2008), Imoral(2008) ,

Previous Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Pisay (2007), Huling araw ng linggo, Ang(2006), Kagat ng dilim (2006)
Big Time (2005)

Mainstream Film Credits: Luv Text (2001), My Bestfriend's Girlfriend(2008)

T.V. Series:
"I Heart Betty La Fea" (2008), Iisa Pa Lamang (2008),"Krystala" (2004),

Arnold is a familiar face on television, having done ads for several
products like Globe Telecom, Lucky Me, San Miguel and more. However
Arnold is not stranger to the world of theater. Credits include
Dulaang U.P's St. Louis Loves Dem Filipinos, Hibik at Himagsik nina
Viktoria Laktaw and winter's Tale: Atlants' Rent, Actor's Repertory's
Romeo and Juliet and florante at Laura; Gantimpala's Grethology,
Kanser, Sinag and pepe and Pilar; Chase International' s Once on this
Island,among Others. He has also produced and composed songs for
Regine Velasquez (Perry's Will), Ogie Alcasid (Hanggang Saan Hanggang
Kailan), Born Diva Album (Di Man Lang Nagpaalam), K and the Boxers
(Ikaw Lang), Anton Diva (Paano Na), Erik Santos( You and Kung Maalala
Mo.) His song Paano Na? won him the siler prize in the 200 Metro Pop
Song Writing Festival, and in 2003, his composition Kung Ako Ba siya?
Won the Texter's Choice Award and was a finalist in the first Himig
Handog Love Song Festival. Most Recently, Arnold got nominations as
Best Stage Actor from Aliw Award for his portrayal Ang Bayot, and
Maranao at ang Habal-Habal sa Isang Nakakabagot na Paghihintay sa
Kanto ng Lanao del Norte.

No. 17. Sese Neil Ryan (Actor)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits (2008):
Huling Pasada (2008)

Previous Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Mathew Mark Luke and John (2005), Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros
(2005), Kubrador (2006), Graveyard Shift (2007), Seroks (2006), Hawang
(2007)

Mainstream Film Credits:
Caregiver (2008),Aishite imasu (Mahal kita) 1941 (2004),Beautiful Life
(2004), Gatas sa Dibdib ng Kaaway (1999)

T.V. Series: "Pieta" (2008), 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.

No. 18. Servo, Yul (Actor)

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits(2008) :
Brutus, ang paglalakbay (2008), Dose (2008)

Previous Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits: Sa Ilalim ng
cogon (2005), Ilusyon (2005), Kagat ng dilim (2006), Siquijor: Mystic
Island (2007), Graveyard Shift (2007),

Mainstream Film Credits:
Batang West Side (2001), Laman (2002), Naglalayag (2004), Pa-siyam
(2004), Torotot(2008)

T.V. Series:
"Kampanerang Kuba" (2005), "Calla Lily" (2006), "LaLola" (2008),
"Joaquin Bordado"(2008)

Yul is John Marvin Nieto in real life. Yul is now a councilor in
Manila. Yul Servo has been honored in Belgium, where he accepted his
Best Actor award for the film "Torotot" (international title:
"Destierro") . His other film, Brutus, was named Best Asian Film during
the 35th edition of the Brussels International Independent Film
Festival. He is under the management of Maryo J. de los Reyes. He won
as Best supporting actor from 2008 Cinemalaya film Festival for Brutus.

No.19 Soriano Meryll (Actress)
9 December 1982, Philippines

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits(2008) : Boses (2008),
Concerto (2008), Ploning (2008)

Previous Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Room Boy (2005), In Da Red Corner (2006), Rotonda (2006), Numbalikdiwa
(2006), Rekados (2006)

Mainstream Film Credits:
Lucio & Miguel (1992), Gwapings Dos (1993), Kung kaya mo, kaya ko rin
(1996), Kahit minsan lang (1997), Computer Combat (1997),

T.V. Series:
"I Heart Betty La Fea" (2008), Paalam aking bulalakaw (2008) "Sana ay
ikaw na nga" (2002), "Marina" (2004), "Kampanerang Kuba"
(2005), "Super Inggo" (2006)

Meryll is an actor, image model\product endorser, and TV personality.
She started acting on screen through the kiddie's sitcom "It
Bullingit" with other child star performers on ABS - CBN. Although she
is known as the niece of Diamond Actress Maricel Soriano and First
child of Wowowee host Willie Revillame. She is better known as a
young, bubbly child star who has grown to be a charming, vibrant,
talented serious teen actress and performer. She is
part of ABS-CBN's I Love Betty La Fea and Milk Magic endorser. In 2006
she won as Best Actress in the movie "Roomboy" an entry for
Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and 2007 Best Supporting Actress
from Gawad Urian for Rotonda (2006). She has set to prove that she is
a true Filipino actress in her own special way.

No.20 Jodi Sta.Maria Lacson
16 June 1982

Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits(2008) :

Sisa(2008), Cul de sac(2008), Manila (2008)

Previous Independent Short/ Full Length Film Credits:
Nars (2007), Maling akala (2007)

Mainstream Film Credits:
Mysterio (Uno... dos... tres pilyos!) (1998), Mahal na kung mahal
(1999), Bagong buwan (2001),Anak (2000),Tar-San (1999) Sugatang puso
(2001), Jologs (2002), Noon at ngayon... pagsasamang kayganda (2003),
Birhen ng Manaoag (2005), You Are the One (2006)

T.V. Series:
"Tabing ilog" (2000), "Pangako sa 'yo" (2000), "Darating ang umaga"
(2003), "Kampanerang Kuba" (2005), "Vietnam Rose" (2005), "Walang
kapalit" (2007), "Ligaw na bulaklak" (2008), "Kung Fu Kids" (2008),
"Palos" (2008)

Jodi Chrissie Santamaria-Lacson, sometimes credited as Jodi Sta.
Maria, Jodie Santamaria or Jodi Santa Maria, is a Filipina actress.
She is a member of ABS-CBN's circle of homegrown talents named Star
Magic. She is a Star Magic Batch 7 alumni. Met future husband Pampi
Lacson while at the set of "Tabing ilog" (2000). Pampi was tagged by a
friend in visiting 'Desiree del Valle'. It was Jodi who asked to be
introduced to Pampi. She is married to Panfilo "Pampi" Lacson Jr., who
is the son of Philippine politician Panfilo Lacson Together, they have
a son named Thirdy.

Recently she bagged the Best Actress award from 2008 Cinemanila Film
Festival for her outstanding portrayal as Sisa.

The Complete lists of 2009 Top 20 Independent artists in alphabetical
order
(1) Abalos, Jason (2)Aguilos, Kalila (3) Aquino, Angel (4)
Bayani, Angeli (5) Calzado, Iza (6) Camañag, Roeder (Actor) (7) De
Castro, Glaiza (8) Dizon, Mylene (9) Domingo, Eugene (10) Escaño,
Perry (11) Galura, Alchris (12) Geisler, Baron (13) Lucero, Sid (14)
Malahay, Diana (15) Martin, Coco (16) Reyes, Arnold (17) Sese, Neil
Ryan (18)Servo, Yul(19) Soriano, Meryll (20) Sta. Maria, Jodi

Thursday, January 15, 2009

"AURORA" fights to be seen


'Aurora' fights to be seen
X marks the spot
By Rome Jorge, Lifestyle and Entertainment Editor
The Manila Times/Reel Views
Friday, January 16, 2009

Adolfo Alix Jr. is an independent director who has shown his artistic range. Donsol, his debut full length feature that was finalist for the Best Picture award at the 2006 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and won Special Jury Prizes at both the Asian Marine Film Festival in Japan and the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival in the US, and Kadin, a favorite at the 2007 Cinemalaya, were tranquil films of idyllic seaside and pastoral panoramic settings. On the other hand, Tambolista, finalist for Best Picture at the 2007 CinemaOne Originals, is a gritty urban survival drama shot in black and white.

In Aurora, he goes deep into the Philippine jungle into no-man’s land where renegade rebels have abandoned all ideology and turned to banditry.

“It’s also a departure from my earlier films because it’s a bit political. I’m always interested in doing something new,” Alix reveals.

Alix also explores an intriguing quandary: relying on your oppressor your very survival. In particular, he dares confront head-on a crime that happens to many female abduction victims which they themselves often hush and hide from even the most investigative reportage: rape.

The quandary and the criterion for artistry and depth in a film dealing with rape is to depict the act as it really is—a form of brutality—and not to inadvertently titillate viewers with gratuitous and superfluous sex-violence scenes or to de-emphasize its importance by demurring and glossing over it. In other words, a film should not turn on or desensitize but rather turn off men from hurting women. Does Aurora pass this criterion? Can it guarantee that no one in their right minds get the wrong ideas from the film?

“When I was thinking of how to do it, I decided it to be more realistic. I wanted to emphasize the brutality more than anything. The intention was to show that it dehumanized the character of Aurora,” Alix explains, adding “When she does something later, then people will understand. It justifies her actions.”

Alix attests, “If it was gratuitous, it wouldn’t have a place in this film. If it was, I would be the first person to cut it.”

However, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) recently classified Aurora as “Double X” for having been evaluated and rejected twice.

Even with an honest depiction of rape that is truly necessary to the narrative, such a movie would still raise another quandary: can we trust viewers above the age of 18—the same adults we have entrusted since the Third Republic of 1946 with voting, marriage and parenthood, internal combustion vehicles and firearms—with such a mature narrative? Or must authorities classify it as “X-Rated”—not fit for any adult to watch?

“I applied for an R-18 rating. For TV, you need censorship because it’s free; you have children watching. But for cinema the idea is classification. Adults can go see the movie by themselves. You can’t pre-judge for the person. He has his right and freedom to see a film he has chosen. The idea of prior restraint is what we are fighting,” he explains.

“Filipinos are mature enough to see films. When they see the films, I don’t think they will be titillated by the film with the way it was shot. You have a psychological problem if you are still titillated. If you find that it is brutal, then you got the meaning,” Alix believes.

“There was no genitalia exposure. The shot in contention is just 27 seconds,” notes the director.

“I am trying to understand why they gave the film a ‘Double X’ rating because I’ve seen some films approved that were merely titillating. It’s always a subjective idea—five people sitting down to watch a film,” he says.

Alix now turns to the office of the President to overturn the MTRCB’s classification. Other films whose classifications have been successfully appealed include Steven Spielberg’s Oscar Award-winning Schindler’s List.

“Since it is a democracy, I am willing to submit my film through that process,” Alix says. He declares that is not willing to reedit or cut away the scenes. “I believe in the integrity of the film,” he attests.

“The films is about a woman fighting oppression and now the film is being oppressed by an institution that is supposed to promote liberalism. The audience has choices,” he opines.

This is all new for Alix; he has never had any of his films classified as “X.” But for lead actress Rosanna Roces, this is all nothing new. She holds the record for having the most number of films successfully reclassified from “X” to “R-18” or restricted for 18-years old and above. Her body of work includes Carlos Siguion-Reyna’s critically acclaimed Ligaya Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin (1997) and Chito S. Roño’s La Vida Rosa (2002) for which she won Gawad Urian’s Best Actress Award.

Alix reveals, “I was thinking of a project for Rosanna. She wanted to do an indie film. I told her, ‘We can do something different from what you did before.’ I looked at what concept would fit her. Then I remembered stories of women kidnapped in Mindanao. That inspired me.” He notes that the movie title and character name Aurora means “the first light of day”—apt for story on woman enduring brutality in the dark of tropical rainforest.

Cast members include: Angeli Bayani, Best Actress Award-winner at the 10th CineManila International Film Festival for Lav Diaz’s Melancholia (2008); Sid Lucero, Best Actor Award winner at the Gawad Urian and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival for Paolo Villaluna’s Selda (2008); and Kristofer King, critically acclaimed for performances in Mario O’Hara’s Babae Sa Breakwater (2003) and Brillante Mendoza’s Tirador (2007) and Serbis (2008).

Adolfo Alix’s upcoming projects are no less stellar. Manila, a two-part film to be released in the first quarter of this year, is an indie film that stars and is co-produced by Piolo Pascual. Raya Martin directs the first episode and Alix takes the helm for the second. Karera, already in post production, tells the story of a family that lives inside the racehorse track of Santa Ana, also stars Roces as well Jay Manalo who won the Best Actor Award at the 2003 Gawad Urian for Erik Matti’s Prosti. Kalayaan, set to start filming in late February, is about Filipino soldiers stationed in the remote yet hotly contested Spratly Islands.


CATCH THE SPECIAL SCREENING OF "AURORA" THIS MONDAY, JANUARY 19,
7:30 P.M. AT THE U.P. CINE ADARNA.

Lav Diaz' MELANCHOLIA at the UP Film Center

Start:     Jan 15, '09 04:00a
Location:     UP Cine Adarna (Film Center)
Lav Diaz' MELANCHOLIA (Grand Prize Winner, Premio Orizzonti, 65th Venice International Film Festival 2008) will be screened at UP Cine Adarna (Film Center), on Jan 24, Saturday, from 1-9pm.

Tickets at 100php.

Contact Kints: 0905.2404177 for details.

Beyond the Time Barrier
Review by Christoph Huber

Hollywood may have taught us that It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, but
Lav Diaz reminds us that the world is also sad sad sad sad. And if
that repeptition sounds crushing to you (whereas the one in the title
of Stanley Kramer's Hollywood film is just there to tickle), you are
on the right track: Inaugurated by the epic masterpiece Evolution of a
Filipino Family (Ebolusyon ng isang pamilyang pilipino, 2004), the
Filipino's director recent cycle of black-and-white video works, with
their seemingly unwieldy lengths - inbetween seven and eleven hours -
represent a unique achievment and ofer unique experiences in the
history of cinema. Their length is not an affectation, but a
necessity, in reaching for heights of expression that the conventional
(and commercial) "rules" of moviemaking deny. They demand (but also:
allow, for their durational strategy is ultimately liberating)
uncommon dedication and concentration by the viewer, whose patience is
rewarded with a physical experience of time and a stunning, singularly
concrete feeling about their spaces, emotions and characters unlike
almost anything else. The film's world starts to feel lived-in (and in
that sense, Diaz' penchant for unbroken marathon screenings of his
work is all the more understandable: bringing food and other stuff to
the cinema, you have to make the screening room something like your
living room: a lived-in place as well).

Which in a roundabout way, brings us to the ingeniously titled
Melancholia, (after all, already Hippocrates characterized as the
symptoms of melancholia "all fears and despondencies, if they last a
long time" - a perfect match for the director's temporal strategies.)
For Diaz' most recent film, the highlight of the Orrizonti section at
the 2008 Venice film festival, whose main prize it deservedly won, is
on the one hand a deeply moving seven-and-a- half-hour lament about
resistance against all odds following through on the now somewhat
familiar strategies of the filmmakers' recent work. On the other hand,
its remarkable structure and subtle revelations of layers, adopting a
(self-)critical stance (both in respect to its characters as well as
to itself - and both political as well as aesthetic) mark it as maybe
the boldest experiment yet in Diaz's daring reconception of
cinema-as-we- know it.
In the beginng Melancholia may seem linear and following the logic of
a conventional narrative - a tale of a prostitute, a pimp and a nun in
a small town in the Philippines, described with Diaz' characteristic
attention to details and rhythms of life, of perception and thought.
But in the first of two decisive breaks - roughly after a third,
respectively two thirds into the film - these carefully rendered lives
prove to be chimeras made up to deal with the pain of existence and
the throwbacks in the fight for freedom equality. From then on, sounds
and motives (not just visual ones) begin to dominate the flow: A woman
wailing unforgettably in the jungle, her sad ballad haunting the
proceedings, as the losses and crushed hopes of the protagonists
become ever clearer. Ever the commited filmmaker, Diaz not only
insists on the political dimension - for all its depression,
Melancholia is nothing less than a cri de coeur for continuing
revolution -, but also incorporates fascinating detours into the
situation of Filipino filmmaking (reminding one, for instance, of the
crucial Brocka subplot in Ebolusyon).

"Why is there so much sadness and too much madness in this world? Is
happiness just a concept? Is living just a process to measure man's
pain?", asked Diaz in his director's note accompanying the film's
description in the Venice Festival catalogue. The answers to the last
to questions seemingly remain ambivalent: the wounded world of
Melancholia may suggest desperation at times, but the effort of the
characters to struggle on - and the efforts of Diaz himnself, who from
what are nearly no-budget filmmaking circumstances, wrestles a
richness, both philosophical and artistic, that all those pricier
films daren't even dream of - also touches deeply, with a renewed
sense of hope and commitment that remains incorruptible even under the
most adverse of circumstances. Beyond the time barrier, Diaz'
filmmaking manages to open reservoirs mostly untapped by cinematic (or
"visual") art. There is a long sequence of guerillas in the jungle
near the end, whose radical means and spiritual dimension begin to
suggest what Steven Soderbergh recently persumably tried for, and
miserably failed to achieve in his two-part epic about Che (Guevara).
One of Diaz' fighters writes in his notebook: "I now realized the
lyrical madness to this struggle. It is all about sadness. It is about
my sadness. It is all about the sorrow of my people. I cannot
romanticize the futility of it all. Even the majestic beauty of this
island could not provide an answer to this hell. There is no cure to
this sadness." By bearing witness to this sadness, without simply
succumbing to it, by speaking out about to the woes of the world and
our times, Diaz offers a poetic approach that may be somewhat
disillusioned, yet is clearly driven by an unrelenting urge and a
refusal to give in, whether to the (mostly unwritten) laws of the
market, to the (obvious, but mostly circumscribed) failure of
politics, or to the (downplayed) worldwide decline of ideology,
solidarity and humanist values. As Robert Burton noted in "The Anatomy
of Melancholy" back in 1621: "All poets are mad." Lav Diaz may be one
of the maddest of them all.

Christoph Huber

"SAAN BA TAYO IHAHATID NG DISYEMBRE?"




"Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?" will be staged at the PETA Theater Center from Feb. 6 to March 15, 2009, on Fridays at 2:30PM and 7:30PM and Saturdays and Sundays at 10AM and 3PM.

For inquiries or reservations, call PETA Marketing at 410 0821 or 0917-8154567 or email petampro@yahoo.com.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

AURORA - UP Special Screening

Start:     Jan 19, '09 7:00p
End:     Jan 19, '09 10:00p
Location:     UP Cine Adarna, Quezon City, Philippines
"AURORA", the controversial independent film of Rosanna Roces, will have a special one-time screening at the U.P. Cine Adarna this January 19th, 7:30 p.m.

The film, directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr., was slapped with 2 "X" ratings from the Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) declaring it "unfit for public viewing."

"AURORA" is Roces' first film after La Vida Rosa (2001) which gave her the URIAN Best Actress award. In Aurora, she co-stars with Sid Lucero, who won Best Actor for Selda in the URIAN and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival; Kristofer King, who made waves with his acclaimed performances in Babae Sa Breakwater, Tirador, Serbis and Angeli Bayani who was adjudged Best Actress in the 10th CineManila International Film Festival for Melancholia.

SYNOPSIS:

The film is an intimate portrait of a captor and a captive as they both struggle to survive in the depths of a jungle.
A social worker named Aurora (Rosanna Roces) is kidnapped by members of the Lost Command. After a military raid in the middle of the night, she gets lost in the forest. She walks aimlessly in the thick forest, hoping to find her way out to freedom. She is found by Fadi (Sid Lucero), one of her captors. Aurora tries every way in order to run away. Will she see the break of dawn alive?

See the trailer:
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=RW15Y4m-0fI

For ticket inquiries, please call the UP Film Institute at 926-3640.

"AURORA" - Trailer




Help us fight the battle against unjust censorship!

AURORA has been slapped twice by the MTRCB with an "X" rating. We're appealing the decision to Malacanang.

Cast:
Rosanna Roces, Sid Lucero, Kristofer King,
Angeli Bayani

Synopsis:
AURORA explores an intimate portrait of a captor and a captive as they both struggle to survive in the depths of a jungle.

A social worker named Aurora (Rosanna Roces) is kidnapped by members of the Lost Command. After a military raid in the middle of the night, she gets lost in the forest. She walks aimlessly in the thick forest, hoping to find her way out to freedom. She is found by Fadi (Sid Lucero), one of her captors. Aurora tries every way in order to run away. Will she see the break of dawn alive?

Written and Directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr.