"UnMarry’s" unpredictability works to its advantage, blending drama and comedy into a compelling and engaging narrative.

UnMarry bravely dives into the emotionally charged journey of couples undergoing annulment, a subject that could easily feel heavy and overly technical. Surprisingly, the film manages to stay engaging, thanks to its lighter narrative approach. Humor plays a crucial role, with Eugene Domingo delivering comedic moments that effectively balance the film’s serious theme.

The film’s first act feels slightly dragging, as it takes time to establish its characters and premise. However, once the story reaches the midpoint, the pacing significantly improves, allowing the narrative to unfold more smoothly and keep the audience invested.

In terms of performances, the cast delivers solidly across the board. Angelica Panganiban, Tom Rodriguez, Solenn Heussaff, and Eugene Domingo are convincing, consistent, and clearly grounded in their respective characters. Zanjoe Marudo's acting  is just ok. In my opinion, the romantic chemistry between Angelica and Zanjoe—particularly as friends who evolve into “lovers”—does not fully convince and feels somewhat restrained.

One of the film’s biggest revelations is newcomer teen actor Zac Sibug. His courtroom scene is deeply moving and stands out as one of the film’s most emotional moments. With his strong screen presence, acting range, and natural charisma, Zac Sibug is undeniably a talent to watch—arguably one of the next big things in local cinema.

Adding to the emotional weight of the film is the theme song “Leaves” by Ben&Ben, which perfectly complements the story. Its heartfelt lyrics and melody elevate key scenes and may very well leave audiences teary-eyed.

Perhaps UnMarry’s most commendable strength lies in its screenplay, particularly its unpredictability toward the end. The narrative takes an unexpected turn that feels earned rather than forced. Without revealing spoilers, the ending is surprising and leaves an impression—one that audiences are unlikely to see coming.

Under the direction of Jeffrey Jeturian, UnMarry succeeds in transforming a complex and heavy subject into an entertaining cinematic experience. By skillfully blending drama and comedy, the film proves that meaningful stories can be told with warmth, humor, and emotional depth—all while keeping viewers engaged until the very last scene.

**My rating is 3.5/5**

ctto Quantum Films, Cineko Productions for the poster

"Love You So Bad": The movie that  you want to watch so badly to escape from the horrible things happening in the Philippines.

Love You So Bad paints a youthful love triangle through the intertwined lives of LA (Dustin Yu), Vic (Will Ashley), and Savannah (Bianca De Vera). 

At its core, the film captures young love—carefree, liberating, adventurous, and idealistic. It unfolds with a free-flowing rhythm that mirrors the impulsiveness and emotional highs of being young and in love, making the story both relatable and engaging for its audience.

More than just a romance, the film explores two contrasting philosophies of love: loving someone by fully accepting who she is, flaws and brokenness included, versus loving someone by pushing her to become the best version of herself—even if it means changing parts of who she is. 

The movie subtly asks an important question: Is love about transformation based on our ideals, or is it about unconditional acceptance? This emotional dilemma gives the story depth beneath its light and breezy surface.

This is undeniably a fan movie—a certified kilig experience. Star Cinema once again proves that it knows this genre by heart. Under the direction of Mae Cruz Alviar, supported by effective and heartfelt writing, the film delivers exactly what its audience hopes for. The tight close-up shots during romantic moments between Bianca De Vera and Will Ashley (WillCa), as well as Bianca and Dustin Yu (DusBia), are expertly executed. These scenes are designed to heighten every glance, smile, and unspoken emotion—enough to make moviegoers squeal and clutch their seats from all the kilig.

Beyond the romance, the three young actors from PBB Celebrity Collab Edition surprised with their dramatic performances. Will Ashley continues to prove that he has real depth as an actor, delivering emotional scenes with restraint and sincerity. Bianca De Vera shines in her portrayal of Savannah, beginning as a carefree, spoiled young girl and gradually transitioning into a more refined and self-aware woman. Her performance feels raw and honest. Dustin Yu, meanwhile, is a pleasant surprise—his dramatic scenes are emotionally effective, allowing the audience to empathize deeply with his character and internal struggles.

The film’s ending strikes a careful balance. One can’t help but wonder if this was a conscious decision by Star Cinema, GMA Films, and Regal Films to avoid disappointing either the WillCa or DusBia fandoms. While some viewers may crave a more definitive resolution, others may appreciate the fairness and restraint in how the story concludes.

One thing is certain: Will Ashley, Dustin Yu, and Bianca De Vera are poised to become the next generation of movie and television royalty. ABS-CBN, GMA, and Regal Films clearly have precious gems in their hands, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see these three dominating screens in the coming years. Their love triangle is reminiscent of the popular love triangle of the 1990s  Rico-Claudine-Diether or Wowie-Judy Ann-Rico.

Kilig. Joy. Laughter. Tears. Love You So Bad delivers all of these emotions in one satisfying package. More than just entertainment, it offers audiences a temporary escape—a much-needed breather from the political turmoil, corruption, and daily frustrations faced by Filipinos today. For at least two hours, this film allows you to forget reality and simply feel. And sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of movie we need.

My rating: 3.5/5

ctto Star Cinema, GMA Pictures, Regal Films for the poster

Bar Boys: After School delivers multiple powerful and meaningful life lessons. 

Bar Boys: After School presents multiple subplots as it follows the journeys of several characters, yet the narrative never loses its grip on the audience. Despite the many storylines, the film remains focused and never feels scattered or overwhelming.

The movie is rich in life lessons and reflective quotes that resonate long after the credits roll. The dialogues of Judge Hernandez, portrayed by Ms. Odette Khan, are crisp, realistic, and thoughtfully written, adding depth and emotional weight to the story.

The political scenes reflecting the realities in the Philippines are handled with restraint. They are not exaggerated for the sake of social relevance, making them relatable and grounded in realism.

The performances of the lead actors, Carlo Aquino and Will Ashley, are highly commendable. Their standout scenes are deeply moving and capable of bringing viewers to tears. Both actors remain fully in character throughout the film. The supporting cast also shines—Klarisse De Guzman brings light moments and laughter, Emilio Daez is effective as the young boss, while Therese Malvar and Sassa Gurl deliver solid performances. Kudos also to Bar Boys kuyas Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda and Kean Cipriano,

Ms. Odette Khan deserves special praise for her portrayal of a dying judge and professor. Her performance is flawless and emotionally compelling, fully justifying her win as Best Supporting Actress at the recent MMFF Awards.

The film’s cinematography and production design are executed perfectly, complementing the story and enhancing its emotional impact.

Kip Oebanda's directorial comeback movie is worth seeing this Christmas season. I would not be surprised if he wins Best Director next year in different award giving bodies. I admire Kip when he directs a film with social relevance just like BALOTA for last year's  Cinemalaya film festival. 

Overall, Bar Boys: After School is an entertaining and meaningful film that delivers powerful life lessons. It is a movie well worth watching and reflecting on.

My rating of the movie is 4.5/5

ctto 901 studios for the movie poster.

SUNNY brings vibrance to Philippine cinema!

 

SUNNY brings vibrance to Philippine cinema!

Viva Films’ latest offering SUNNY is a Philippine movie adaptation of a Korean film of the same title.

It tells the story of seven girlfriends whose friendship started back in high school and reconnected after twenty-plus years when one of the SUNNY girls got terminally ill.

Viva Films 1990s popular young stars Vina Morales, Angelu De Leon, Sunshine Dizon, Ana Roces, Tanya Garcia, Katya Santos, and Candy Pangilinan lead the present time SUNNY barkada while gen-Z Viva stars Heaven Peralejo, Bea Binene, Aubrey Caraan, Abby Bautista, Ashtine Olviga, Ashley Diaz, and Heart Ryan play the young SUNNY girlfriends.   

The movie is undeniably heart-warming and funny. It will make you reminisce about your high school days and the friendships you built over the years.

It’s also a realization that life is short, it’s never too late to rekindle your solid bond with old pals. In addition, the film speaks about loving your true self, recognizing and going back to your real core as a beautiful, and unique person.

Three elements in the film struck me the most as a viewer. They are the narrative, musical scoring, and acting.

Although this is an adaptation, screenwriter Mel Mendoza del Rosario cohesively narrates the past and present story  without confusing the viewers. Mel del Rosario lives with her expertise in writing another heartwarming friendship-themed and relationship-driven screenplay (some of her screenplays were Second Chances, Miracle Cell No.7, DoReMi, and Campus Girls amongst others). Never a dull scene in the film. Viewers are glued until the closing credits.   

The musical scoring of SUNNY effectively sets the emotional pull in dramatic and comedic highlights too. The OG,and Gen Z Viva girls are credible in portraying their roles but the music bed added more intensity to the scenes.  Viewers will have emotional transitions for most of the movie. You’ll laugh at how crazy the young girls are and next scene, you’ll cry like a river when the current Sunny ladies narrate their different circumstances. If you are a “Batang 90s”, you will appreciate the film soundtrack including Donna Cruz’ “Kapag Tumibok ang Puso”, Prettier than Pink “Cool Ka Lang” and Eraserheads' “ With A Smile”. All these three songs will bring back so many memories of your youth, that I bet! Aside from the 90s hit songs as references, the Video City and TGIS feature will make your time warp.

The acting of the leading ladies is remarkable. Each of the fourteen actresses is given highlights and each of them easily stands out. Vina Morales(the present Annie) and Angelu De Leon (the present Chona) are back to lead star status proving that they can still do the chops! In their hospital bed scene, both actresses will surely make you cry. The scene of Katya Santos (the present Becky) confessing her real circumstances to Vina and Candy Pangilinan (the present Dang) will pierce your heart. Heaven Peralejo’s (the young Annie) discovery of her dream boy and co-Sunny member Sue (played by Aubrey Caraan) kissing will break your heart as if you were in your teenage years again. The funeral scene of one of the lead stars where the six other Sunny girls reunite and hear the last will is cathartic.

And it’s not only the crying scenes that are astounding, the bright and bubbly personas portrayal of Chona (Bea Binene) Dang (Candy Pangilinan & Abby Bautista), Gwen (Sunshine Dizon, Ashtine Olviga), Becky(Heart Ryan), and Janet (Ashley Diaz, Tanya Garcia) are noteworthy as well.

Although in reality, the 1990s Viva young stars are not of the same age (Vina, Ana, and Candy are older than Angelu. Angelu is older than Sunshine, Tanya, and Katya), director Jalz Zarate executes and makes the audience believe that they belong to the same age group because of the actresses’ outstanding chemistry, charm, and wit. Kudos to Direk Zarate for beautifully crafting the film.

Overall, SUNNY is an entertaining and quality movie. It’s a must-see this month. Rarely that we see a Pinoy movie that strikes a balance of quality and entertainment. SUNNY has both. The PHP350 is worth spending and even watching it again. 

In my personal opinion, SUNNY brings vibrance and sunshine to the Philippine cinema!

"Sugod mga SUNNY" to theaters near you!

ctto Viva Films for the poster

My rating: 9/10

 

MALLARI:  Ambitious horror film that failed to sustain its grandeur.

 

One of the most anticipated films in the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival is “Mallari”. The film drumbeaters positioned it as an avant-garde in the local horror genre. Warner Bros. even inked an agreement to distribute Mallari in the international market. It has a box-office appeal too and eventually ended as the second in box-office gross. Mallari also received numerous awards including second Best Picture in MMFF.   

“Mallari,” is inspired by the true story of Fr. Severino Mallari, considered the country’s first documented serial killer in the 1800s.

There are three main characters in the film which were all played by A-lister actor Piolo Pascual.

They are Father Severino Mallari, John Rey Mallari, and Jonathan Mallari De Dios. The three characters were presented from different eras but had a chance to interact due to astral travel subplot of the story.

Fr. Severino Mallari is the priest in Pampanga who killed 50+ bad people in his town to save his mother Dona Facunda (played by Gloria Diaz).

John Rey Mallari is a descendant from the 1900s during the US- Japanese era in the Philippines who discovered the secrets of the Mallari clan.

Dr. Jonathan Mallari De Dios is from the present time who returned to Pampanga to find a cure for his fiancée Agnes (played by Janella Salvador)

 

STRENGTHS

The film has efforts to be grand in production values. Its visuals set the bar in the local horror genre.

The cinematography is top-notch as it undeniably displayed the texture and color to depict the gore and scare of the film.

The production design is visually on point. The costume, set design, and backdrop of the period scenes take the audience believably in the 1800s and 1900s era.

The musical scoring creates fear and panic.

The portrayal of its lead and supporting actors is commendable. Piolo Pascual delineates his three personas with a T. He is very effective in his Father Mallari part. Gloria Diaz is remarkably good as Father Mallari’s aging mother.  JC Santos is deserving of his Best Supporting Actor win. His performance especially towards the middle part of the movie when the twist was revealed is a must-see.  Even the “mangkukulam” assistants were scene stealers. The audience gets frightened and at the same time mad at them.

WEAKNESSES

The execution of the horror scenes is not consistent. Some of the scenes tried so hard to scare the audience and fall flat. Some tactics are repetitive.

The time travel element of the script could have been more cohesive. The two Mallari characters can time travel which reveals some important twists in the movie but could have been presented more clearly.  Johnrey’s character could have been explored more to show its backstory.

The movie is marketed as a horror film but often it is the crime-suspense angle gets more evident.

Overall, I still liked Mallari given the efforts of the director and writer to come up with a different flavor in the local horror genre. Actors portrayed their parts with brilliance.

Rating:

8.5/10

ctto: Mentorque production and Warner Bros.

 

FIREFLY: Luminous, powerful and compelling.

 

One of the most anticipated films in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival is GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs movie “Firefly".

The film did not boast of any box-office star but it highlights a compelling story and technical excellence as the main selling points.  Slowly but surely, it’s creating a buzz and drawing crowds in cinema through word-of-mouth reviews about the film. Rumor has it that Firefly is now one of the highest-grossing films in MMFF as of December 30.

Zig Dulay’s latest opus tells a heartwarming story of a mother (Elay played by Alessandra de Rossi) and her son (Tonton played by Euwenn Mikael). Elay narrates a creative tale of Isla ng Alitaptap (Firefly Island), how a Firefly can be brave, help a butterfly and beat a beast. Tonton makes a promise to his protective mother that one day, he’ll reach the Island of Fireflies and he’ll fulfill his dreams. Tonton becomes an award-winning children's book author (Dingdong Dantes in the present time) and recounts his childhood journey on this magical island of fireflies.

 

STRENGTHS

The screenplay is beautifully written by Angelie Atienza. The narrative's core is simplistic in nature yet moving and very powerful. It did not exaggerate the conflicts and twists to move audience’s emotions. The mother-and-son relationship in the story is cohesively established. No doubt Angelie’s screenplay wins the top plum in MMFF Best Screenplay.

There are so many symbolisms and metaphors used in the story about love, bravery, sacrifice and hope that the audience can easily relate to.

Aside from the story as its gem, the brilliance of the lead and support actors are undeniably noticeable.

Alessandra de Rossi is natural and consistent in her portrayal. Her best scenes are always shown with so much compassion towards Tonton.

Child Actor Euwenn Mikael’s acting is raw and authentic. Euwenn deserves to win his first Best Child Actor award. His memorable scene is when the ash of his mom is thrown in the ground and he slowly picks it up and puts it inside the box. That scene is heart-piercing.

Epi Quizon’s portrayal of an ex-convict father who helps Tonton in his quest to reach the Island of Fireflies is noteworthy. Kudos to Cherrie Pie Picache, Yayo Aguila, and Sparkle artists Miguel Tanfelix and Ysabel Ortega who are all effortless in their character portrayal.

Dingdong Dantes’ special participation as the grownup Tonton is remarkable. His facial expression when he delivers his lines reminiscing his childhood journey shows depth.

The cinematography of Neil Daza is a visual feast! Each sequence appears to be a perfect painting!

It also captures the grandeur of the scenic spots of Bicol. After seeing the film, one can’t help but dream of touring Bicol soon.

Len Calvo’s musical scoring adds to the fantastic nature of the movie and the heart-felt tone that each scene projects. The revival of Eraserheds classic “Alapaap” performed by Dilaw gives a new flavor to the 90s hit song.

Zig Dulay proves to be the next film director to watch out for. He started as an indie director, transitioned to mainstream TV via his top-rating teleserye Maria Clara at Ibarra, Sahaya, Legal Wives, and now directing his first MMFF mainstream film. He is an exceptionally brilliant filmmaker.

I look forward to seeing more movies directed by Zig.

WEAKNESSES

Personally, I can’t think of any.

Firefly deserves its Best Picture award and Box-Office results in MMFF.

I look forward to more powerful ,and brilliant movies similar to Firefly produced by GMA Pictures & GMA Public Affairs team.

Rating:

9/10

ctto GMA Pictures & GMA Public Affairs 

 

    

Becky and Badette: Entertaining and value-driven.

 

Becky and Badette: Entertaining and value-driven.

When the Metro Manila Film Festival committee released its official entries for this year's film festival, Becky and Badette topped my “to watch” list. From its teaser, I can’t hid myself laughing and re-watching it. When I finally get to see it on the big screen, Becky and Badette is entertaining and surprisingly value-driven. 

 Jun Robles Lana’s latest comedy foray Becky and Badette tells the story of two best friends Becky Naman (played by Eugene Domingo) and Badette Imaculada (played by Pokwang). Their friendship began in high school (the backdrop was mid-90s) and continued to the present time. They were not as successful as their batchmates such as mean girl Nirvana (played by Agot Isidro) and campus crush Pepe Feniz (played by Romnick Sarmenta).  Nirvana invited Becky and Badette to attend their high school reunion. On the night of their reunion, the two “besties” got drunk and did a scene which was recorded on video. The video went viral on social media and made them instant celebrity.

 

Strengths:

The comedic prowess of Uge and Pokwang is undeniably effortless. From their facial expressions to their punchlines, you will surely have consistent laughter.

But not only in the comedy scenes they excelled. The dramatic highlights of Uge and Pokie were commendable too.

The production design is grand and visually appealing. From the costumes in the musical prod numbers, beach scenes, and even the colors of office girls' outfits (guest stars Iza, Sunshine, Karylle), they are very flashy.

The narrative of the story is fluid and easy to follow. The twist of the story of why they went viral is unexpected.

Punchlines are witty, catchy, and relatable. It's well thought out.

The story is value-driven as it highlights the redeeming factor of integrity and honesty towards the end of the movie

It’s LGBTQA+ friendly too.

I love the revival of 80’s hit song Working Girls of Chona Cruz which was used in the opening sequence.   

The iconic Vilma Santos movie scenes and dialogues as points of reference for several scenes are remarkable.

Weaknesses:

Since the narrative of the story is easy to follow, some scenes come across as very predictable, especially on the part of the vengeance of Pepe Feniz and Nirvana.

The ending of the story could have been established more. I have a feeling that there’s a part two in the offing hence audience was quite left hanging.

Rating:  8/10

ctto to Idea First Company