Top 10 Filipino Films of 2016

Yes, it’s back. I made it a point to catch a lot of films when I went on a vacation in the Philippines last October to November. Although I still missed a lot (especially the new and revamped MMFF huhubelz), I believe I have seen enough. Below are my top 10. Drum roll, please.

10. BABOY HALAS, Bagane Fiola (QCinema Film Festival)

I loved every minute of this film. Dark, gritty, and real. It was like watching a documentary about indigenous tribes and seeing it come alive. What I loved the most was the dream scenes – hazy and encompassing. It’s as if I was the one dreaming.

9. BAKA BUKAS, Samantha Lee (Cinema One Originals)

This film has too much pain and too much beauty. If you want to see it just because of Jasmine Curtis Smith, by all means go and watch. This is probably the highlight of her career so far. I felt her the entire time – those eyes grabe. Ang galing. Very well deserved of that Best Actress win! Note: I craved for tapa after watching hihi

8. VINCE & KATH & JAMES, Theodore Boborol (Metro Manila Film Festival)

The only film I watched here in Dubai. And I must say, kinilig ako haha! Lakas maka-high school eh. It was a mix of old school and modern times (?) kilig in the presence of technology. In the movie are Anna Abad Santos, Shamaine Buencamino, Jeric Raval, and Ina Raymundo – it made my 90’s kid heart happy! Also you have to watch out for this Joshua Garcia guy. Acting in spades.

7. 2COOL 2B 4GOTTEN, Petersen Vargas (Cinema One Originals)

This is such a brave film. Definitely not your usual coming-of-age movie. I loved that it discussed our (Filipinos) admiration for anything American – how we give them high regard, how we see them as the good guys, and how it affected our culture and our nation negatively. Great performance from Khalil Ramos! Easily became one of my favorite characters.

6. PATAY NA SI HESUS, Victor Villanueva (QCinema Film Festival)

Best. Comedy. Film. Of. 2016. Hands down! Told mostly in Bisaya, which I think made it even funnier. Half the time I was not reading the subtitles because I can understand what they were saying. I would love to watch this again. If this will have a wide release, please see it! Highlarious!

5. ANG BABAENG HUMAYO, Lav Diaz

Seems like Lav never disappoints, and I don’t think that he ever will. It was almost 4 hours, but the way the film was made kept me awake. I will always be a fan of black and white movies. Sobrang ganda eh. And well, Charo Santos-John Lloyd Cruz-Michael De Mesa-with matching Golden Bear at the Venice Film Festival for Best Film combo. Ano pa bang hahanapin mo, bes?

4. LILY, Keith Deligero (Cinema One Originals)

I still don’t understand some parts of the movie up until now, and I think that’s what made it beautiful; and that’s what makes a film beautiful – if after watching it you question everything. There’s no need for an answer, and you don’t have to answer (if no one is asking you. Where’s my point here? I don’t know). But this is one crazy film. One that really stood out for me at the Cinema One Originals. Parang ang lakas ng trip ng direktor, ganun ka-lala.

3. WOMEN OF THE WEEPING RIVER, Sheron Dayoc (QCinema Film Festival)

Every frame of this film is perfection. I may be exaggerating, but to me, it is. The astounding cinematography, the breathtaking shots. Touching base on a feud between two Muslim communities, this movie is about “war” and violence but has the power to make peace. We seriously need more films like this – brave, has a distinct taste, and deeply rooted by our culture. One that we can proudly call our very own.

2. SI MAGDALOLA AT ANG MGA GAGO, Jules Katanyag (Cinema One Originals)

What a trippy film. Lakas maka-high haha! If Lily was crazy, this is WILD. I would like to think that this a mix of Trainspotting, Kill Bill, and Petrang Kabayo. Mga ganun, kahit walang sense yung combination. Totally enjoyed watching it.

1. PAMILYA ORDINARYO, Eduardo Roy Jr. (Cinemalaya)

Now, this. If I were tasked to have a foreigner friend watch one Filipino film, I would have him watch Pamilya Ordinaryo. This movie has fangs, man. Kakagatin ka talaga. Baka nga magka-rabies ka pa. And I mean it in a good way – that it will have a mark on you after watching it. I left Cinema 76 with a heavy heart. Ang bigat sa puso nung ending eh. And the lead stars were so good!

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So that’s it. I hope to catch some more this year. With the buzz MMFF made, I am pretty sure we are off to a new start, a new phase of Philippine cinema. And I am quite excited about that. Until my next list! 🙂

PhilPop 2015

  
This has been my jam for over a month now. I have to say they all sound good! Listening to music can be very therapeutic, and in my case a cure for homesickness. Thanks to this wonderful selection of original, varied, funny, heartfelt, reflective, and relatable Filipino songs. Having them on repeat puts me in my happy state. And now after careful deliberation with esteemed panel of judges, critics, and composers😊, here is my top 3:

1. TRIANGULO, written by Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana; interpreted by Thyro Alfaro, Yumi Lacsamana & Jeric Medina. If only the repeat button could talk, it would charge me multiple rape cases. Man, this song! It kept on playing in my head days and weeks after hearing it. I love the beat, the melody, and the recall it gave me. Very Pinoy. I am sure a lot of people will relate to it. And great job to the composers! I hope this can be their Dati number 2 and bag the grand prize again.

2. TANGING PAG-ASA KO, written by Paul Armesin; interpreted by The Company. The words alone are music to my ears. I can play this song the entire day and I wouldn’t get tired of it. But here’s a tip, try listening to this wonderfully written song whenever you feel like giving up or if you are losing hope. “Hanggang sa dulo ng nalalabing katatagan, ay kakayanin ang bigat nitong pasanin. At kung ang puso ay magapi ng kapagalan, ika’y sinlapit ng isang panalangin.”  It will make you feel better, that’s a guarantee.

3. WALANG HANGGAN, written by Ramiru Mataro; interpreted by Ramiru Mataro and Donnalyn Bartolome. I don’t know if it’s just me but this song gives off some serious 80’s vibes. Which makes it an instant favorite the moment I heard it. I can imagine an old hipster movie with this song in the background. And this will make you realize, may forever.😊

The other notable ones are Sa Ibang Mundo which has a great sentiment; the funny and quirky Apat Na Buwang Pasko and Paratingin Mo Na Siya; and the upbeat Musikaw. Altogether a good batch this year. Great improvement on how the songs are sounding, and how varied the selection is. Download the album on Spinnr or stream via Spotify. Visit their website HERE for more details and to vote. Support our local artists! Mabuhay ang OPM!

It’s a Burj!

One word: surreal.

Being this close to the world’s tallest building feels like a dream. Not too long ago I was just seeing it on the news, the internet, on pictures, telling myself that one day I will set foot in Dubai and visit it myself. And now I am here! The past two months has been quite a ride. Decisions and sacrifices were made, risks were taken, changes happened – as if in a snap it’s so fast I’m still finding it hard to believe. The journey has began and I know it will be difficult but nothing is impossible with prayers; me in this foreign land, finally living out of my comfort zone aiming to grow and improve life, is a testament that it works.

Just believe, and it will happen.

 

Top 15 Filipino Films of 2014

2014 proved to be another banner year for the local film industry. As promising as the previous year, I am so delighted with the number of movies I have seen. Quite amazed with how great and rave worthy they are, too. The following reviews, however, are based solely on my observations and reactions. As I have mentioned the last time, I do not consider myself a film critic. Please do not expect anything grand. 🙂 So without further adieu, errm, ado, beaming with pride, here are my top 15.

15. BITUKANG MANOK, Alec Figuracion

This is my kind of horror/thriller/suspense movie. The premise alone enticed me, and sure enough it didn’t disappoint. I feel like I was part of it; like I was one of the barkada, or the brother of the family on vacation, or probably one of the truck drivers. That’s how engaging the characters were. The only minor flaw, for me, was the ending (I won’t spoil hehe). It’s as if it was rushed or probably they ran out of idea on how to end it. But it didn’t ruin the film’s entirety so it’s all good.

14. SUNDALONG KANIN, Janice O’Hara

Ahh, I will never forget how emotionally scarred this movie left me. The ending crushed my heart into tiny little pieces. Ang bigat sa dibdib. What I loved most is the film’s focus – the kids and their stories. No need for big stars and extravagant acting. Just them doing what they’re good at.

13. MULA SA KUNG ANO ANG NOON, Lav Diaz

A one-line review said it was “hauntingly beautiful.” Indeed it was, and as expected, long. Almost 6 hours. This is another Lav Diaz masterpiece. The long shots were impressive. Blink and you’d miss a single and important detail. I especially liked the scenes at the beach – mysterious, intriguing, full of clear and crisp images. And it’s in black and white, which gives the audience the film’s sharp and stark outline.

12. BWAYA, Francis Xavier Pasion

The aerial shots were breathtakingly beautiful. It transported me to this small Agusan town, had a taste of how a Manobo’s daily lives and routines were, and felt the grief of the townsfolk when tragedy struck them. This is Angeli Bayani’s most riveting performance, I’d like to believe. The scene when she learned that her daughter was attacked by a crocodile and was found dead is absolutely heartbreaking.

11. BANG BANG ALLEY, Ely Buendia, King Palisoc, and Yan Yuzon

A first of its kind – a murder and crime trilogy. And that alone is enough for it to land a spot in my list. It has its strong and weak moments yes, but altogether a pretty good film. It was so nice to see Jimmy Santos on the big screen again. I wished more of his part and his story. The episode I liked the most was the second, Makina. Gabe Mercado aced the acting!

10. KUBOT The Aswang Chronicles 2, Erik Matti

I wasn’t able to watch Tiktik, but Kubot was a treat for me. Those blue-blooded aswangs (not zombies) who aren’t afraid of bawang but instead of bagoong, Elizabeth Oropesa and her big wild pubic hair-like hair, and Nieves, the character played by Lotlot De Leon, I believe are the film’s aces. I love how it introduces different kinds of aswangs in each movie (yes, there is a third part), it will make the audience crave for more. I will look forward for it next year.

9. SOAP OPERA, Remton Siega Zuasola

A young superhero with an unknown past, a pair of lovers torn between the magic of their romance and the reality of life, and a portrait of a family who will stop at nothing just to provide for its members. This film’s view of soap operas and how it affects its Pinoy viewers was a breath of fresh air. I thoroughly enjoyed Matt Daclan and Natileigh Sitoy’s performances. If this movie is a three-course meal, their story is the main dish.

8. MAGKAKABAUNG, Jason Paul Laxamana

This film depicts one of the many ironies in life. A coffin maker who can’t even provide a coffin and a decent burial for her daughter. Told mostly in Kapampangan, which I think gave it more zest. It sounded foreign to me. Allen Dizon’s character is one of my favorites this year. His scenes with her daughter are golden. Ah, things a parent would do for the family. It’s heartbreaking and so real I felt it.

7. THE TRIAL, Chito Roño

This film has the right balance of drama and comedy (which most of the time a hard thing to pull off), a well written screenplay, good directing, and impeccable acting. John Lloyd Cruz is the heart of this film. I had lumps on my throat in that scene where Sylvia Sanchez was beating him. Vincent De Jesus, on the other hand, was such a delight to watch. A comic relief that balances out all the intensities, emotions and drama of the whole situation.

6. VIOLATOR, Dodo Dayao

It was like I’m in a different dimension. That’s how it felt like watching this extraordinary film. Those series of vignettes haunted me in my sleep. I have never seen anything like it. Eerie and creepy. After watching, it made me question myself if I am able to find and eventually fight my own demon. Just the thought of it is giving me creeps. And oh, this movie also gave a new and different meaning to “The subscriber cannot be reached. Please try again later.”

5. DAGITAB, Giancarlo Abrahan

A long, sad, painful, but beautiful journey. This film can be poised as a classic, in my opinion. Easily became a favorite Cinemalaya film. Eula Valdez and Nonie Buencamino gave a very powerful and moving performance. The narrative was quite impressive, all done in good taste and it made me fall in love with poetry all over again.

4. LORNA, Sigrid Andrea Bernardo

A roller-coaster ride of a film. Hilarious, yet very sincere. Almost half the time the cinema was filled with hearty laughter, and the next minute you would hear “Awww” followed by sniffles. That is how the people felt this movie. I am glad Shamaine Buencamino finally had a title role. There can be no other Lorna than her. A notable character though, was that of Maria Isabel Lopez. She brought the house down! And yes, Lav Diaz!

3. THAT THING CALLED TADHANA, Antoinette Jadaone

First minute alone, and I am sold. Seriously. The heart and the arrow – it’s like it pierced right through me. I knew I was watching something different, something I would remember and will not forget. And true enough. Days…no, weeks after watching it, the beauty, the sadness, the pain, the heartaches that this film gave the audience stayed with me. Whitney Houston’s Where Do Broken Hearts go was playing in my head for weeks. I am pretty sure a lot of people will relate to Anthony and Mace, the characters played by JM De Guzman and Angelica Panganiban. Tadhana also made me want to go and see the glorious Sagada. Favorite line: “Eh sorry, mahal ko eh.”

2. NORTE, HANGGANAN NG KASAYSAYAN, Lav Diaz

It was 4-hour long, but I wanted more. I actually wished it never ended, or at least it was longer. Fabian (Sid Lucero) was such a character; a beast of a man, he devoured the rest. My favorite was that of Mailes Kanapi – her acting speaks volume and it haunted me for several days. Angeli Bayani and Archie Alemania did not disappoint either. I hope that this film will FINALLY bring us our first Oscar nomination, and win too.

1. BARBER’S TALES, Jun Robles Lana

Powerful and exceptional. Every minute, every scene, every symbol in this film is perfection. I may be exaggerating but this is a movie every Filipino should see. Masterfully done, set in the 70’s but kept itself relevant, worth every peso. Equally powerful is Eugene Domingo. None of those TV Patrol/elevator acting but pure and raw emotions.

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I have seen more, and it’s too difficult to make a list of just 15. Hoping for more quality Filipino films in the years to come, and eventually more people to embrace and support these type of movies. With NORTE having a lot of Oscar buzz, and lots of amazing pool of directors and writers showcasing their talent each year, our film industry is indeed in good hands. See you at the cinemas! 🙂

Cinemalaya X Complete Guide

Fast forward to August, please!

TIT FOR TAT

Now that August is fast approaching, it’s time for the country’s biggest independent film festival as Cinemalaya celebrates its first decade this year. Running from August 1-10, this year’s festival, dubbed as “Cinemalaya X: A Decade of Connecting Dimensions”, will once again showcase the power of independent films in providing quality cinema in the country. This year’s 10 New Breed films, 10 short films, and 4 Directors Showcase that are in competition this year are:

(descriptions taken from the press kit available online)

DIRECTORS SHOWCASE:

1. ASINTADO (Between the Eyes)
Director: Louie Ignacio
Cast: Aiko Melendez, Gabby Eigenmann, Jake Vargas, Miggs Cuaderno, Rochelle Pangilinan
Plot: In the middle of the preparation for TaongPutik Festival, a young man penniless and in love, takes on a drug courier job that goes terribly wrong.  To save him, his mother now makes the most difficult decision of her life.

2. HARI NG TONDO
Director: Carlos…

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Sam, Josh, and Ed

I am torn. Whose version do you like best?

The original?

The one from The Voice US grand winner?

Or the ginger-y cover? 🙂

 

PhilPop 2014

 

It’s that time of the year again! Now on its third year, PhilPop Foundation dishes out a new batch of 12 songs for the competition. After hearing about it, I right away checked the songs out on Spinnr where it was released. From the huge success of PhilPop 2013, I have to say I am expecting a lot from this group of composers, songs, and interpreters. After more than a week of putting it on repeat, here are my top 3 picks:

1. AWIT MO’Y NANDITO PA composed by Ronaldo “Toto” Sorioso, interpreted by James Bucong and Aldrich Talonding. My personal favorite this year. It spoke to me, actually. Which is what I look for in a song. I love the chorus and the line that went, “Nawala ako at natagpuan pagkatapos lahat ng nagdaan, awit mo’y nandito pa. Pag-ibig mo’y kinakanta.” and it’s very refreshing to hear Aldrich sing this lovely piece.

2. SALBABIDA composed by Jungee Marcelo, interpreted by Kyla. This song has what it takes to win it – great lyrics and melody, LSS-inducing lines, and the interpreter. I may be biased here being a Kyla fan, but I’d like to believe she’s got this charm in song festivals (Tara Tena, Himig Handog 2001 grand prize; and Buti Na Lang, Metropop 2003 third prize).

3. BABALIKAN MO RIN AKO composed by Soc Villanueva, interpreted by Nikki Gil. I am pretty sure this will be that one song people can relate to the most. Heartache speaks volume in this song, which I think would be a great tool in making it very popular. Not to mention Nikki Gil interpreting it. Watch out for the last line, it’s a killer. Ouch.

Another notable one is the Taglish No Girlfriend Since Break which is starting to grow on me. I personally think last year’s batch is more diverse, more distinct, and more Pinoy. But this is still a good batch. Give them all the support you can give. Check out their website for voting and downloading details and for other festival information. Mabuhay ang OPM!

My Oscars 2014 Predictions

Four days til the Academy Awards! I was able to watch all 9 Best Picture nominees this year, a first for me. Much thanks to online streaming and torrent sites, and some literal pirate bay I went to one Monday afternoon. Having said that, let me dish out my predictions on who and what films are going to win (or for some, who I would want to win) in the major categories. I am not much of a film critic, just fond of watching movies so spare me of being biased. This time, however, will be a little different, for I will do a “who should win and who would win” sort of thing. Let’s get the ball rollin’, shall we?

Actress in a Supporting Role

Who should win – JUNE SQUIBB for Nebraska. She is my most favorite this year! She did not necessarily play the good part, her role was not at all charming but altogether lovely and funny that you just can’t help but gave her a loud cheer. If last year there’s a catchphrase that went, “Argofuck yourselves!” hers is “You can all just go fuck yourselves!”

Who would win – JENNIFER LAWRENCE for American Hustle. Let’s admit it, she’s an Academy favorite. I can’t blame them. I loooove her, too! She’s very effective in this film; her craziness, her being a beautiful domineering careless and sometimes dumb wife, her lip-locking with Amy Adams! Maaan! She never fail to surprise me. Note: I am ready for a Lupita Nyong’o upset.

Actor in a Supporting Role

Who should win AND who would win  – JARED LETO for Dallas Buyers Club. You can probably say his role for this film is an Oscar bait. Maybe. But Leto delivered here. Performance wise, transforming wise, nobody else should get it but Jared. And if it’s indeed a bait, the Academy got themselves a big fish at that!

Actress in a Leading Role

Who should win – MERYL STREEP for August: Osage County. First 5 minutes of the film, and I am sold. Acting in spades. Can she do no wrong? I can watch her in this film all day and I you will not hear me complain. It’s THE Meryl Streep, anyway.

Who would win – AMY ADAMS for American Hustle. I can go all day telling you about how fine an actress she is; from Enchanted, Junebug, Doubt, The Fighter, The Master, etc. She never fail to mesmerize me. But let me just say this… It’s about time!!

Actor in a Leading Role

Who should win – MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY for Dallas Buyers Club. First, he transformed. It was a totally different McConaughey. Then, he gave an incredible performance backed up with an amazing and based in true events story. It’s Oscars written all over, I tell you.

Who would win – LEONARDO DiCAPRIO for The Wolf of Wall Street. Just give him the golden trophy, PLEAAASE!! DiCaprio is also an Academy favorite…. snob, that is. I think, and I hope, this will be his year. I gotta say, he wowed me in this film. For the first time, I did not see Jack Dawson in him. I think that’s the problem with Leo. After all these years, we still see that young Mr. Dawson in each film he’s making. Let’s see if this would be an exception.

Best Picture

Who I want to win –  HER, Spike Jonze. This is the film I can relate to the most, hence it’s my pick for the Best Picture category. It’s a long shot, but who cares. Joaquin Phoenix made me cry, yes. That’s why when I found out he wasn’t even nominated, I cried too. Nah, just kidding 🙂 “Despite its initially unsettling romantic premise, it speaks volumes about how and why we need to love.” to borrow a quote I retweeted.

Who would win – AMERICAN HUSTLE, David O. Russell. I’m not really a fan of this movie, honestly. But the buzz and hype for this film is loud. I may have to watch it again for me to appreciate it more. I loved the songs, though. 🙂

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So, there. Whoever wins among the ones I listed, I’m good. I can’t wait for the Oscars on Monday morning (Philippine time). It’s another field day for all film buffs like me. See you all at the Red Carpet! 🙂

The P Spot in 2013

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2013 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 6,000 times in 2013. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Top 10 Filipino Films of 2013

Inspired from an article by Jessica Zafra titled “Is this a Golden Age of Philippine Cinema?”, I am also posting my top 10 best-list of Filipino films I have seen this year. As a firm believer and a supporter of what film making in the Philippines has become, seeing its growth the past couple of years or so, making a list of just 10 became quite a challenge. Although I have not seen all of the other good ones released (pressed by time and sometimes budget too), I believe I have seen enough that would testify and prove that the Philippine movie scene is thriving and is something to be proud of.

*clapper board* Action!

10. AMOR Y MUERTE, Ces Evangelista

A 16th Century period film, which means Love and Death. I think this is Ama Quiambao’s last film before she passed away. I loved how she played her role here, a crucial one. Newcomer Althea Vega sizzles as a Filipina married to a Spaniard played by Markki Stroem, but somehow fell for the snake-wielding Apitong. Note: Huwag pakawalan ang sawa! 🙂

9. DEBOSYON, Alvin Yapan

Idyllic setting, a haunting and mysterious lady, poetic, and lyrical. This film will have you very quiet and attentive, well at least that’s how it was for me. Quiet in a way that it will keep you focused with what’s going to happen; and attentive, for lack of a better word, because it caught my attention. A mix of myth, legend, and religion, it was an overall good film.

8. EKSTRA, Jeffrey Jeturian

A very light, funny, and touching movie. Easily became a favorite Ate Vi film. I didn’t see a Vilma Santos as an extra; what I saw was a lady, a mother doing all her best for her daughter, and is passionate in what she’s doing.  A star for all seasons, indeed.

7. PUROK 7, Carlo Obispo

A happy and a sad film at the same time. Touching base on a sensitive but known Philippine issue, though not entirely dwelling on it, this movie was a breath of fresh air – from its setting, characters, and how the story was told. Krystle Valentino, the girl who played the lead role, was a natural. I won’t be surprised to see her in other films in the succeeding years. The ending made me feel better for Diana and her brother, and that’s enough for me. And oh, it’s on the 7th spot! I didn’t notice that. 🙂

6. TUHOG, Veronica Velasco

This is a Eugene Domingo film, I have to say. I love how she owned this movie. There are other stories and characters, of course, but I don’t know, I was engrossed by her role. Leo Martinez did great, too. I like his story and I really see him as this retired employee struggling with his time and family, and finding comfort through his friends. What made this film effective, I think, is its heart – speaking to its audience and sending a message across that all our lives are somehow connected and that we can all relate to each and everyone.

5. ON THE JOB, Erik Matti

Probably the most hyped and acclaimed Filipino film this year. But who can even argue – a big cast, a gripping tale of assassins and hired killers, Piolo Pascual, and yes, Cannes! Setting all those aside, it was a great film. Although I have to admit I got a bit hesitant to watch it because it stars big names, but it didn’t disappoint. This, however, belonged to Joel Torre. What a moving performance!

4. BABAGWA, Jason Laxamana

I was raving after watching this film, wanting for more. A nail-biter of a story, I believe most of the audience in the theater was just as pumped as I was waiting for the next scenes to happen. What a ride, this film is! Fresh, current, and engaging characters. MORE!!

3. ANG HULING CHA-CHA NI ANITA, Sigrid Andrea Bernardo

A film so brave, yet so sensitive; funny yet so heart-warming, candid, insightful and amusing. It discussed a lot of topics and issues most of us Filipinos are well aware of, but are just too “personal” to be willing to be shared at. The film succeeded in bridging and crossing that gap, in a very light and non-intuitive manner. Aside from the premise, what I loved most were the kids – very charming and natural. I believe they are one of the film’s strength. Definitely a must-see!

2. SANA DATI, Jerrold Tarog

Engulfed. Encaptured. These two words can probably best describe the feeling I had after watching this gem of a film. I know I can speak for some others who have seen it, and I know there are more fitting words. Or maybe not. This is Lovi Poe in her most defining moment. I may be exaggerating, but yeah, I felt her pain and longing the entire time. The supporting cast did not fail either. And when Up Dharma Down’s Indak was played at the end…t*@$#!^%!!

1. TRANSIT, Hannah Espia

Moments after seeing Transit, I tweeted that it can very well be our entry to the Oscars next year. A month or so after, it became official! But this film being an Oscar material is not the main reason why I picked it as my number 1 film. It’s at the top spot, simply because it is deserving to be at the top. I am not a film critic, really, I am far from being one. I just love watching movies, and I really believe in this film. Whether or not it becomes successful in bringing us our country’s first ever Oscar, or even a nomination for that matter, Transit will remain a favorite of mine.

*****

So, there. I hope to see more quality Filipino films next year and the years to come. I hope that the promise these films are giving becomes a trend, and that directors and producers won’t get tired of coming up with good ones. We need more and more of these type of movies! Let us encourage other people to watch and support our very own. It will be a good start.

*clapper board* Cut!