Pan de Salawal is ... Pretty Solid

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RUNNING TIME: 100 mins

RATING: G

CAST: Bodjie Pascua

          Miel Espinosa

          Madeleine Nicolas

          Anna Luna

          Felix Roco

          Soliman Cruz

          Ian Lomongo

          Ruby Ruiz

          JM Salvado 

          Lorenzo Aguila

Writer & Director:     Che Espiritu 

Executive Producer: Cinefocus Productions 

Producers:                Phyllis Grande

                                 Tey Clamor 

                                 Neil Arce 

Associate Producer: Mico Manalaysay 

Line Producer:          Alex Poblete 

Cinematography:     Tey Clamor 

Production Design:  Alvin Francisco 

Editor:                      Benjo Ferrer 

Sound Design:         Mikko Quizon 

Original Music:        Len Calvo 

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In this simple, slice-of-life-like modern fantasy, audiences are treated to a sweet urban parable about a lonely old baker named Sal (played by Bodjie Pascua), who finds comfort and joy in a mysterious girl known only as Aguy (played by Miel Espinoza).

Everyone in Sal's neighborhood is living turbulent lives, and yet each find something to be happy about in the midst of the many obstacles life has to offer. He himself has grown hopeless from his loneliness and his never-ending kidney stone-related problems. Everyone is coming to terms with their respective ages, and each struggle to remain connected to what is left of their once optimistic youths. It would take Aguy and her magical healing abilities to turn everything around.

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The movie is as sweet and flowery as it can be, and there are some moments that would be very much reminiscent of popular slice-of-life anime. (Aguy's decision to wear someone else's underwear as a hat certainly does give-off that vibe) Though there are times that the movie becomes unbearably cheesy for its own good (with one instance being hammered down by the extremely on the nose closing narration), the film succeeds in charming the audience with its universal message of hope in the midst of hardships.

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Both Pascua and Espinoza succeed in winning the audience with their simple father-daughter chemistry. The other actors and actresses are also not behind, as each and every one of them managed to leave an impression that would help welcome moviegoers to the very vibrant world of Pan de Salawal.

Though I have to fault the movie for its usually flimsy use of CGI (e.g. the rain effects, and .... SPOILER ALERT ... Aguy's ghost form), and its often corniest moments, I do have to applaud the film for not trying to craft so grand or so melodramatic. Instead, what the film delivers is a film filled with warmth and heart. If there's anything everyone else in the movie theater would suggest, Pan de Salawal is a finely cooked pastry.

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Additionally (being a BS Development Communication freshman in need of additional points), we can say that this film explored the theme of poverty with absolute poignance. It shows the usual tidbits such as financial burdens and familial problems that we have already seen in somewhat similar films, the film instead chooses to put hope in the spotlight. Sad that your family left you on your own, even with your own healthcare? Look on the bright side.

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Malamaya is ... Mediocre

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In this movie, we follow the life of jaded and lonely painter Nora Simeon (played by Sunshine Cruz), who enters a May-December romance with a much younger man named Migs (played by Enzo Pineda). As they both struggle to have a decent relationship, both soon realize that there is something missing in their almost exclusively physical relationship.

Malamaya is quite an oddity. Though I have to admit that the film is beautifully shot, with (dynamic colors here and there during its more "tender" moments, I have to say that I was not a huge fan of this film. As the credits rolled, there was only one adjective that could best describe mine and my classmates' moviegoing experience: "cold" (which is honestly more ironic when you realize that this is an adult movie).

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"Cold," as in there is literally nothing left for me to care about these characters. Though yes, I understand that like all artists who struggle to make it through the Philippine art scene, Nora is simply trying to maintain her legacy by not turning into a commercial pawn, most, if not all her interactions are character traits that are just ... unlikeable. She comes-off as condescending when it comes to her work, and she is so full of herself that she is literally "excited" at the touch of one of her paintings. (Ugh!)

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"Cold," as in the chemistry in this film is just ice cold. Though I do not fault both actors for doing their absolute best with what is given to them, the completely unrelatable and annoying character traits make their intimate moments a lot less enticing.

It also doesn't help that the movie adds absolutely nothing new to this type of story. So much that you can almost clearly see the end of the movie in just the first ten minutes. If their toxic attitude towards each other doesn't give it away, I don't know what will.

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I got to give props to this film's very brief yet insightful look at the art scene though. As mentioned, Malamaya offers a glimpse into the hardships faced by painters here in the country. What it does so uniquely is that it doesn't just discuss the financial difficulties in selling and crafting paintings, but the existential problem of "legacy," and what our painters think about whenever they craft something new. Alas, I just hope that the film could have connected with this theme a whole lot more.

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Overall, much like what the literal translation of Malamaya means (the color of ash), this film is ultimately a gray and quite dull story about complicated relationships, and its ultimately unlikeable characters only alienated audiences a whole lot more. If you don't believe that this film left an otherwise undesired reception, ask the other people who watched it with me. Props though for the cinematography.

Movie Spotlight: KINGS OF REALITY SHOWS: ARIEL & MAVERICK

Struggle Is Real

Ariel Villasanta risked everything for the release of his comedy/reality film entitled KINGS OF REALITY SHOWS in select cinemas beginning November 27. Asking help from anyone and everyone he knows, this one-man-team has been restless, excited, and proud that after several years of perseverance, the long wait will soon be over.

Covering the major television networks, Ariel managed to have some “air time” to promote his film. But it wasn’t exactly in the traditional sense. From GMA’s NewsTV …

To TV5’s Aksyon News …

And even ABS CBN’s TV Patrol with Ka Noli. 

Aptly called ‘manual marketing’, he posted that the “struggle is real”, in reference to his uncanny promotional efforts, but maybe also for his effort to dedicate this film to all the struggling artists out there … 

 … and even the struggling commuters.

After the Press Screening held at the UP Film Center last November 15, Cinemabravo touted the film as a “star-studded movie oozing with passion from the director”. Domcrisrea.blogspot could not explain why they felt very emotional during the screening, “Hindi namin namalayan, umiiyak na kami. Sa kabila ng kabaliwang pinaga-gawa nila, may kurot sa puso ito”, and went on to say; “This is something new sa ating mga moviegoers and you should watch this film.”

Ariel’s style of getting raw reactions from his interactions with people reminds you of films like Borat, Jack Ass, or Where To Invade Next, but with a distinctly Pinoy flavor. There’s just something powerful about people’s unguarded moments and capturing it on video, as it happens. Truly hilarious at times, but on some occasions, he seems to have no boundaries at all, and you’re left waiting for or wanting him to just stop and draw the line. Did this really happen? Or is this just a ploy? We suggest you just enjoy the ride and experience Ariel’s “reality”. If only her Mum, fondly called “Mommy Elvie” can see him now, you can almost hear her say “ARIEL!!!”

KINGS OF REALITY SHOWS: ARIEL AND MAVERICK The Movie is produced by Lion’s Faith Entertainment and exclusivley distributed by Solar Pictures. Screening in select cinemas nationwide November 27. This film is lovingly dedicated to Elvira Ramos Villasanta and to all struggling artists.

KINGS OF REALITY SHOWS: ARIEL & MAVERICK

Written and Directed by: Ariel Villasanta

Cast: Ariel Villasanta and Maverick Relova with special guest appearances by Mayor Sara Duterte, Senator Trillanes, Senator Manny Pacquiao, Mayor Isko Moreno, Cong. Strike Revilla and Chaye Cabal–Revilla, Raffy Tulfo, Mocha Uson, Joey de Leon, Coco Martin, Regine Tolentino, Jose Manalo, Empoy, Jasmine Trias, Cristina Decena, and the late Mr. Eddie Garcia and Mr. German Moreno.

Production Company: Lion’s Faith Productions, released thru Solar Pictures, Inc.

Genre: Comedy, Reality

MTRCB Rating: R13 (Strictly for 13 years old and above)

Running Time: 1hour and 41minutes

What does it take to fulfill your dream?

This is a question that Ariel Villasanta, half of the now defunct reality comedy tandem, Maverick and Ariel, asks himself one night as he was hounded by his own regret and career frustrations. This sets him off on an impossible journey of producing a nearly forgotten and unreleased movie he and his partner Maverick shot in the US 10 years ago. Armed only with his charm and undeniable guts (kakapalan ng mukha), he seeks help from everyone and anyone he knows that made it big in their industries, but even that is not enough so Ariel takes a leap of faith and sacrifices more than just his smooth talking to finally get the movie out.

We are taken back to 2008 when at the height of their careers, Ariel and Maverick feeling stifled by the local showbiz industry, sought greener pastures in Hollywood USA where they get a shot at the big leagues. Both then and now, blurring the line that separates ambition and disillusion, they have gone through misadventures just for that shot at fame. Through their journeys, we see the real cost of making it big in this industry, but will it all be worth it?

OFFICIAL FACEBOOK ACCOUNT: http://bit.ly/KingsOfRealityShows_FB

 

TRAILER ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Yvp-yc1X-_4

TRAILER ON FB: http://bit.ly/KRS_ArielMaverick

Official Hashtag: #KingsOfRealityShows #ArielAndMaverickTheMovie