This is how it should be. I applaud Manny Pangilinan for this (although PLDT still sucks ass.) he did right by the film and made sure that he had the correct and justified budget for production, styling, costumes, set and props. AYELAVIT!!! I will most definitely watch it.

On my Filipino movie marathon, I've chosen "Ded na si Lolo" (Grampa is dead) for my comedy fill. It's a digital movie written and directed by Soxie Topacio - the legendary theater, TV and film icon.

Initially, I found it to have had a lackluster opening. It was pretty boring and precipitously loud. then again, I had to take into consideration that the entire setting and the families were living in Gagalangin, Tondo. Naturally, noise would be synonymous to the residents and the area.

The plot revolves around the death of the family's patriarch. On his death, the family had to come together and unearth family secrets and grievances - each secret, though ugly, had to brought out and be given a resolution and closure to.

The movie also acts like a foreigner's primer on Filipino superstition. Though it seems hilarious (especially when you're watching it from the sidelines), these traditions and beliefs are deeply rooted and are hard to get rid of. As Dick Israel's character said "Wala naman masama kung sumunod" (No harm in doing it)

Manilyn Reynes shows her effectivity as an actress with the way she has brought to life her character, Charing - a mother of two trying to make ends meet for her family while trying to instill correct values to her children. I found her daughter to be a little off in her acting as a "sosyalera" and instead it came out like she was trying to be gay.

Elizabeth Oropesa shows fine acting skills as the sister that everybody loves to hate (You'll see the twist sometime at the end of the movie). All in all, the acting was impeccable.

The movie is not just a comedy. It's full of layers upon layers of Filipino complexity - family, obligation, secrets and truths. But what got to me was the ending of the film. Through a child's eyes, death can be the most horrific and traumatic thing or it could just be a matter of fact. Either way, their lives are going to be changed forever.

Ded na si Lolo stars Roderick Paulate, Manilyn Reynes, Elizabeth Oropesa, Dick Israel and Gina Alajar.

I'm starting to see what most young pinoys think of the Philippine cinema. I made a post on my facebook account about how I was able to buy two classic Vilma Santos films and someone laughed about it.

Granted there are some films that are just pure crap but there are a lot of classic Filipino films that should be a must for every Filipino to watch. This blog/guy made a comprehensive list of 100 best Filipino Films and I think he was spot on. After reading his post, I made a decision to start collecting DVDs of these films to add to my film collection.

These are the films I grew up on - films whose stories were thought of and not just haphazardly put together for the latest network love team. They were experimental and thought provoking and the actors in them were just brilliant. the directors are calculating, creative and yet, precise. This is Philippine cinema at its best. We're talking about Mario O'Hara, Danny Zialcita, Lino Broka, Ishmael Bernal and Nick Deocampo.

Yesterday I was able to buy two DVDs (technically, three but the other one was for Del - which I'm so pleased he liked). I got two Vilma Santos starrers: Imortal (with Christopher De Leon and Sinasamba Kita with Lorna Tolentino). I was very pleased. I still want to get more and I've been searching online where I can buy some. I'm hoping I can pass these films on to my kids and let them appreciate Filipino cinema.

I think we should start appreciating what we've got and stop copying other people's work. We have a lot of talent and a lot of ideas that we're just not paying attention to because maybe they just don't bring in the cash. (Ay, it's not mainstream/hindi maiintindihan ng masa yan/Masyadong experimental)

So, if any of you can kindly point me at the right direction where I can get these movies, I'd very much appreciate it.

I spent a lot of money this weekend, purchasing great Filipino Film Classics. Back in the days, we had to go to CCP or to Mowelfund to be able to watch these films. The picture wasn't that good and the sound was a little loopy due to the bad storing practices. They did the best they could and it was alright.

Thank god for digital remastery and businesses hoping to preserve art (and earn a few bucks in between)

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Kaleldo is practically an independent film disguised in a semi full length quasi commercial film. It's a story about three sisters and how they are each trying to escape their prisons and demons. The patriarch of the family (Johnny Delgado) rules the land with an iron first that he does not hesitate to weild upon his daughters.

Grace, the youngest, escapes her life by marrying a seemingly wealthy boy. Her escape plan didn't seem to be all that great after a few years: a husband who can't satisfy her, monsters in law and her own insecurities and baggage with her own family.

Lourdes, the middle sister is clearly the father's favorite. She's stuck in a love less marriage to an inept man who has a violent kink. She has an affair and was discovered, causing mayhem to follow.

Jess, the oldest and homosexual sister tries to cope with sexual disparagy coming from her own father. Yet, even with all the taunts and outward abuse, she remains dedicated and caring to her family.

Like most indie films, it carries so much emotion that it hits you with such a velocity that you can't express yourself using words. It's a good investment to add to your collection.

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Of course, Ishmael Bernal's Himala should be a staple. I think a lot of little girls got names Elsa when this film came out.


One of the most pirvotal roles played by Dolphy. Lino Broka's Ang Tatay kong Nanay is a wonderful showcase of Doplhy's comedic and dramatic talent. Love Nino Mulach, pre-drugs and pre-weirdoness.


Insiang's opening scene has made me swear off pork for life.

I haven't finished watching it as you know how Filipino films are - they're like Crispy Pata and Lechon - you can't have too much otherwise you'd get hypertention or at least indigestion.

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Please support our local entertainment industry and purchase these classics legally. It's a great way to imbibe culture into ourselves and to make sure that the future generations understand what Filipino art is.

You can procure these original DVDs from any Odyssey store.