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Uninvited (2024)

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“Ang daming Tao! Ang sang-sang ng amoy! Matagal ko ng pinaghandaan ito…pagkatapos ng ginawa…tandan mo ang pangalan ng taong papatay sayo!” – Eva Candelaria/Lilia Capistrano

Basic Information: Official entry – The 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024; Direction: Dan Villegas; Story: Dan Villegas and Dado Dayao; Screenplay: Dodo Dayao; Cast: Vilma Santos (Lilia Capistrano/Eva Candelaria), Aga Muhlach (Guilly Vega), Nadine Lustre (Nicole Vega), Mylene Dizon (Katrina Vega), Tirso Cruz III (Red Zaldarriaga), RK Bagatsing (Jigger Zulueta), Gabby Padilla (Lily Capistrano), Elijah Canlas (Tofy Almario), Lotlot De Leon (Norma Almario), Ketchup Eusebio (Jomar Maitem), Gio Alvarez (Randall Ballesteros), Cholo Barretto (Celso Batac), Ron Angeles (Mark Lozano), Nonie Buencamino (Elmer Gatdula), Sam Samarita (Tanya Gatdula), Jonathan Villoso, Don Melvin Boongaling, Juan Miguel Emmanuel Salvado, Dylan Ray Talon, Lynn Cruz, Netty Inojales, Rania Lindayag, Mia Ayesa, Aljun Fajardo, Michael Dagdag, Jhunar Balintong, Vhon Lopez, Lorie Sanchez, Thor Gomez, Peter Mendijar; Producers: Producers: Dan Villegas, Ronalyn Bana-ag, Antoinette Jadaone, Angel Tomas, Nikka G. Sotelo, Roxan Mendoza, Gio Medina, Francis Lustestica, Joshen Vahn Lee, Allan V. Aldea (Associate Producer), Catsi Catalan, Reign Anne L. De Guzman, Omar Sortijas (Supervising Producers), John Bryan Diamante (Executive Producer); Music Composer: Len Calvo; Cinematography: Pao Orendain; Editor: Marya Ignacio; Production Designer: Michaela Tatad-King; Art Director: Donald Russ Camon; Set Decorator: Bianca Gonzales Dadivas; Costume Designer: Jac Pequena; Theme song: “Hahamakin ang lahat” Composed by Quest, Performed by KZ Tandingan and Arthur Nery; Release date: December 25, 2025 (Philippines); Languages: Tagalog (Filipino); Production companies: Mentorque Productions, Project 8 Projects, Warner Bros. Pictures; Runtime: 1h 33m (93 min) – IMDB; The film is rated R-16 (or R-13 in some territories) for its brutal violence and mature themes, including sexual assault and drug use; ; Streaming: Following its theatrical run and international screenings (like the Manila International Film Festival/MIFF); the film became available on Netflix in early 2025.

Plot Description: Plotting to take down the billionaire responsible for her daughter’s death, a woman attends his lavish party disguised as a charming wealthy donor. – Netflix (READ MORE)

Uninvited is a 2024 Philippine mystery crime thriller film co-produced and directed by Dan Villegas from a story and screenplay written by Dodo Dayao. Starring Vilma Santos, Aga Muhlach, and Nadine Lustre, the film revolves around a mother who seeks revenge on a billionaire at his birthday party for being responsible for her daughter’s death. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

The film is part of the ten [Lilia Capistrano seeks revenge on billionaire Guilly Vega for killing her daughter. Disguised as Eva Candelaria, she attends his party with a vengeful plan. – IMDB (READ MORE)

Film Achievements: Uninvited premiered at the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Los Angeles on March 6, 2025; 50th Metro Manila Film Festival Winner – Best Float Parade; 50th Metro Manila Film Festival Nominations – Best Actress – Vilma Santos, Best Supporting Actress – Gabby Padilla, Nadine Lustre, Best Cinematography – Pao Orendain, and Best Original Theme Song – “Hahamakin ang Lahat”; 8th Eddy’s Awards Winner Best Supporting Actor – Aga Muhlach; 8th Eddy’s Awards Nominations: Best Supporting Actress – Nadine Lustre, Best Original Theme Song – “Hahamakin ang Lahat”; FAMAS Awards Winner Best Supporting Actress – Nadine Lustre, Circle of Excellence – Vilma Santos; FAMAS Awards Nominations – Best Picture, Best Director – Dan Villegas, Best Actor – Aga Muhlach, Best Cinematography – Pao Orendain, Best Sound, Best Song – “Hahamakin ang Lahat,” Best Musical Score – Len Calvo; 41st PMPC Star Awards for Movies Winner – Movie of the Year, Movie Director of the Year – Dan Villegas, Movie Actor of the Year – Aga Muhlach, Movie Actress of the Year – Vilma Santos, Movie Ensemble Acting of the Year, Movie Cinematographher of the Year – Pao Orendain, Movie Production Designer of the Year – Mic Tatad King; 41st PMPC Star Awards for Movies Nominations: Movie Theme Song of the Year – “Hahamakin ang Lahat,” Movie Sound Engineer of the Year – Roy Santos, Movie Musical of the Year – Len Calvo, , Movie Editor of the Year – Marya Ignacio, Movie Screenwriter of the Year – Dado Dayao, Movie Supporting Actress of the Year – Nadine Lustre Source: Wikipedia; The Society of Filipino Film Reviewers (SFFR) 5th Pinoy Rebyu Awards Nominations: Best Lead Performance – Vilma Santos, Best Supporting Performance – Nadine Lustre, Best Ensemble Performances – Vilma Santos, Nadine Lustre, Aga Muhlach, Tirso Cruz III, Mylene Dizon, Lotlot De Leon, RK Bagatsing, Elijah Canlas, Gabby Padilla, Ketchup Eusebio, Gio Alvarez, Cholo Barretto, Ron Angeles, Nonie Buencamino, Samantha Samari, Best Film Editing – Marya Ignacio, Best Film Score – Len Calvo;Trinity University of Asia – 10th Platinum Stallion National Media Awards 2025 (PSNMA) Best Film Actress – Vilma Santos; Movie Actress of the Year 6TH Village Pipol Awards (VPA) Nomination – Vilma Santos.

Film Reviews: “Uninvited is a classic tale of revenge. It follows a familiar storyline—a grieving mother, portrayed by Vilma Santos, sets out to avenge the death of her daughter. But there’s nothing ordinary about its execution. From start to finish, I am riveted. Every line is delivered with precision, each movement executed masterfully, and all emotions are so gripping that I find myself wide awake throughout the movie. I’ve seen many remarkable performances from Vilma Santos, but this feels like the culmination of all her finest acting moments. Perhaps it resonates deeply because I’m also a mother, but I’m blown away by Vilma’s performance. Her pain and sadness are palpable. Her pent-up emotions are so carefully restrained that when the moment calls for an explosive outburst, the impact is devastatingly powerful. Nadine Lustre mesmerizes. Her presence is captivating, and her fluent English radiates the sophistication of Fallon Carrington from Dynasty drama series. The gradual development of her character, Nicole, the daughter of the main antagonist, is as compelling. Aga Muhlach wasn’t bluffing when he said, “Kakaibang Aga ang mapapanood niyo rito.” Indeed, as Guilly Vega, he delivers a performance like never seen before. Surrounded by all the antagonists, he eclipses them all with his madness and wickedness. Watching him feels like witnessing Al Pacino in the 1997 Hollywood film Devil’s Advocate…overall, Uninvited is a gripping masterpiece worthy of the four rounds of applause it received during its world premiere held on December 23, 2024. Whether you’re looking to release pent-up emotions or simply need an escape, this film delivers—and it’s so f*uckin’ good. The 50th Metro Manila Film Festival officially opens on Christmas Day, December 25, with 10 films to be shown simultaneously nationwide…” – Karen A.P. Caliwara, PEP, 24 December 2024 (READ MORE)

Poignant and Relentless – “…Considered a cinematic legend in the Philippines, Vilma Santos has been acting for seven decades already. In Uninvited she continues to prove she still has it in her, with her juiciest role in over a decade. Poignant in scenes with her on-screen daughter but relentless when faced with the people she’s about to kill, Santos effectively shifts between the two personas of Lilia and Eva. Aga Muhlach, who started his career as a matinee idol due to his babyface features, uses them to his advantage by portraying the creepiness of Guilly Vega while hiding behind his deceitful looks. And to complete the triumvirate, Nadine Lustre as Guilly’s traumatized daughter proves why she is the best actress of her generation, holding her own against two acting titans in the film’s pivotal climax…” – Nicol Latayan, International Cinephile Society, 28 Feb 2025 (READ MORE)

Formulaic vigilante movie – “…Santos brings some believable humanity to her role as Lilia. Her performance is the main reason why “Uninvited” isn’t a complete waste of time if you want to watch a formulaic vigilante movie. Unfortunately, all of the other “Uninvited” cast members are either too stiff or over-act in their performances. “Uninvited” slowly lurches along to the inevitable reveal of who are Lilia’s targets besides Guilly and how she plans to get revenge. A mid-credits scene is underwhelming and adds nothing interesting to the movie, which ends very abruptly. It all adds up to a sordid soap opera that has no surprises and is actually quite boring in how everything plays out to the very unimaginative end…” – Carla Hay, Culture Mix, 19 Jan 2025 (READ MORE)

Best Picture – “With a powerhouse cast, you wouldn’t be wrong to expect a lot from Mentorque Productions’ sophomore offering in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. The production house already made a big splash in the industry last year with their horror film based on the Philippines’ first documented serial killer, Mallari. In Uninvited, they have proven that they continue to set their standards high in director Dan Villegas’s latest psychological thriller…Vilma plays her role with a perfect mixture of emotion and restraint as a mother who is driven to vengeance powered by sheer pain. Without denying her vulnerable side, she focuses on her goal, no matter the peril that is about to face her. The Star for All Seasons who was hailed as an MMFF Best Actress last year looks like she is gunning for a back-to-back win with her affecting performance in Uninvited…Nadine’s character as Nicole may seem nonchalant at first, but it looks like the actress definitely had a blast playing the entitled yet chronically disgusted daughter who is privy to her dad’s darker side. Nicole’s lines are almost always bitchy and deliciously delivered, with every snarky dialogue sure to delight both Nadine’s old and new fans alike. Her scenes with her dad Aga are exceptionally entertaining as their private moments slowly reveal more details that make sure to excite and add to the tense vibe present throughout the entire film. We love that Aga finally decided to show his full range as an actor, by fully embracing a role that will leave the audience shocked and impressed with his unapologetic portrayal of a man with no soul…From start to finish, Uninvited will keep you on your toes with its tense and thrilling scenes. Prepare to be impressed with direk Dan’s complete fleshing out of characters, from their strengths to even their weaknesses, and most importantly, expect to be entertained with a solid storyline that is a visual and auditory feast worthy of making it to become MMFF”s Best Picture this year.” – Rhea Manila Santos, ABS-CBN News, 25 Dec 2024 (READ MORE)

The growth of female protagonists – “…From being uninvited, you’re now invited. The film successfully went from chill to thrill. Adrenaline rush is served. You won’t leave this party empty-handed. Tension gradually escalates until reaching its peak. The climax is earned. There’s instant gratification to what’s happening. All the technical elements in this film are utilized well to create a satisfying sensory experience. Aga Muhlach fits the role. His face is charismastic while his actions are untamed. This contrasting combination works well to his advantage. There are times when it’s already hard to watch him because of his wildness. Yet he delivers without hesitation…Vilma Santos is guilty of making us scream, cry, and applaud. It’ll be a crime if she didn’t win the best actress award for her completely engrossing performance in this film. Masyadong maiksi ang buong palabas. Hindi nasulit ang lahat ng mga aktor. Yung iba sa kanila ay napadaan lang. Mabigat sana ang papel nila sa istorya, ngunit hindi ito naipakita nang lubusan. Hindi lahat ng usapan ay masayang pakinggan. Yung iba ay pampalipas-oras lamang. Halatang pinagbangga lang ang ilang mga karakter para magsama sila sa iisang eksena. Nakakapagtaka rin na ang kaunti ng security para sa isang makapangyarihan na tao. Kulang pa sa kwento ang karakter ni Aga Muhlach. Idinaan na lang niya sa akting ang kakulangan ng kwento. Hindi tuloy naging pantay ang laban. Kung nabigyan ng mas malalim na katauhan ang kalaban, baka mas madagdagan ang kagandahan ng pelikula. Gayunpaman, sapat na ang kanilang nagawa para madala ka sa mga nangyayari…Whether you’re invited or not, this film is a once-in-a-lifetime event that’s worth attending. Gatecrash all you want. Let’s put the fate in our hands and crash the gates of hell. Let’s celebrate the growth of female protagonists in the world of Philippine movies. Eva runs the world. Witness her reign. Don’t you dare rain on her parade…” – Goldwin Reviews, December 2024 (READ MORE)

Lavish and Outrageous – “…Uninvited is Mentorque Productions entry to the 2024 MMFF from their successful film last year ‘Mallari’. Now taking things further, they wanted to make a statement with something lavish and outrageous with this movie. From the trailers, we already saw a very feisty Nadine, a ruthless Aga, and a vengeful Vilma. From those characters, I was already sold to watch the film. Aga plays Guilly Vega, a wealthy billionaire who throws an extravagant birthday party with his wife and daughter Nicole (Nadine) along with his partners who were part of underground illegal activities, Vilma is Lilia Capistrano / Eva Candelaria, a mother seeking revenge for the death of her daughter caused by Gully…The dialogue in the movie also hits hard, even harder than the profanity that is spurred almost every minute. Though the scenes will indeed bring out the profanity in us on how intense the story progresses. Guilly (Aga) really feels like a twisted maniac, and it shatters the usual image he has with his previous films. Nicole (Nadine) is so wild and cold caused by the trauma and abuse she had all her life. Eva (Vilma) is so driven and also becomes ruthless with her plans for justice…Uninvited will hit you hard and will make you think that money and power can do really bad things, and justice is just a dream or something you have to prepare as you gatecrash into the house of the devil, err I mean demons. Better have a stress ball in hand while watching as you might want to punch someone of something to vent out some rage or frustration that will build up leading to the final act. Also look out for the mid credit scene that hint for something more…” – Florencio Jusay jr, Manual To Lyf, 25 Dec 2024 (READ MORE)

Smells Like Sequel Brewing – “…The storyline centers on Eva (Vilma Santos), a mother seeking vengeance for her child’s death, Lily played by Gabby Padilla. You’d drop jaws at Aga Muhlach’s portrayal of a corrupt billionaire and the “gigil” starts at Eva (Vilma) first stare at him. The Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos delivers a powerful performance as a vengeful mother, while Nadine Lustre’s role adds a contemporary edge to the narrative. The two formidable queens looked beautiful and angry. Without a doubt, Aga, Vilma and Nadine deserve nominations. The film’s technical aspects, including cinematography inspired by “The Godfather,” fluid editing, and an evocative musical score, contribute to its overall impact. While some viewers might find the film’s pacing deliberate, the culmination offers a “crazy climax” that has been described as both satisfying and thought-provoking. “Uninvited” stands out in the MMFF lineup for its bold approach to storytelling and its willingness to tackle complex themes, making it a noteworthy addition to Philippine cinema. The movie will make you and your passe discuss the real story and say, “This movie happened in real life and everyone forgot if justice was served” That is one uninvited discussion we should reflect on. Oh Mylene Dizon’s character and Tirso Cruz III’s are still alive. I wonder what will happen next? It smells a sequel after watching the end-credit teaser…” – Josephine Bonsol, Cogito Ergo Sum, December 2024 (READ MORE)

Thrilling, riveting – “…We all love a good revenge story. We love it even more if it was set up well, allowing for a very satisfactory ending. Uninvited checks both boxes. That it was laid out in a simple and straightforward manner sustained the film’s cause. Film director Dan Villegas did right in applying apparent judiciousness in orchestrating the whole affair. A lesser filmmaker could have easily ruined “Uninvited” given the clear-cut if all-too simple narrative but Villegas knows exactly when to push and when to pull, when to take the edge off and when to hit hard, striking a good balance all throughout. In a nutshell, “Uninvited” is about a simple housewife whose daughter was kidnapped, raped and murdered by a powerful individual and his henchmen. As these things go, justice will ultimately prove itself elusive for the mom and her child, leading to a messy, if all-too brutal rampage of retribution. The film’s anchor, the one and only Vilma Santos, allowed for much restraint in her performance as Eva Candelaria, the film’s avenging angel. And it worked. We were actually fearful that she would utilize the usual verbose approach if only to elucidate the pain and the hatred gripping her character but, no. Her Eva is far from being the screaming, gun-toting Sarah Connor-type of heroine. Soft-spoken, mild-mannered, fearful, we actually wondered how her Eva would pull off her grand plan to execute the film’s villains. The yin to her yang is Aga Muhlach. The actor’s all-too manic interpretation of the vile Guilly Vega, even if it swayed towards being caricaturesque at times, was quite effective, eliciting the exact sentiment needed to pin us viewers to our seats, eager to see his eventual downfall…” – Tempo, 28 December 2024 (READ MORE)

Controlled and Haunting – “…Holding nothing back and going big, his career-defining portrayal magnified the depravity of his character, turning every smirk and gesture into a subtle but chilling revelation. Aga’s grand gestures were definitely the perfect complement to Ate Vi’s controlled and haunting portrayal. As the layers of the narrative continue to unravel, so do the outstanding performances of the carefully chosen supporting cast. Nadine Lustre’s portrayal of Guilly’s spoiled and rebellious daughter Nicole and Gabby’s rendition of the sweet and simple Lily particularly stand out. Nicole’s cold disdain for her father simmers in every glance and clipped line, adding depth to the tension already brewing, thanks to Nadine’s nuanced performance, while Lily’s quiet sensitivity captures the audience’s empathy, as delivered by Gabby. Ate Vi, though, is the film’s anchor. Every emotion Eva experiences — from grief to rage, fear and bittersweet relief — courses through the one and only Star for All Seasons with an authenticity that grips the audience. Her ability to switch seamlessly between fragility and ferocity is what makes her journey not just believable but profoundly affecting. Especially so when Eva’s mission reaches its crescendo, Ate Vi doesn’t just act — she commands, and her audience eagerly savors her triumph. Tying everything together, while the performances shine bright, the technical aspects further elevate the film’s impact. “Uninvited” is definitely a feast for the senses. From the deliberate cinematography that captures the cavernous luxury of Gully’s mansion to the meticulous sound design that amplifies every creak and whisper, every element employed serves the story well. And again, though the film’s initial pacing may test the patience of some viewers, it ultimately proves intentional in the end mirroring the build-up to a truly grand finale…” – Tessa Mauricio-Arriola, The Manila Times, 28 Dec 2024 (READ MORE)

A Fantasy of Justice – “…The film takes a while to get down to business. It is likely that people will see this movie for the sheer novelty of watching Vilma Santos stabbing people (yes, she’s done it before in Tagos ng Dugo but that’s 37 years ago). The movie does give us that, but it saves it all for the final act. It instead has the Star for all Seasons just wandering around this mansion for a while, interacting with the various characters, forming a vague picture of the relationships between the various people involved in this family. What emerges is kind of interesting, but not a whole lot of it really factors into the story that much. We also get flashbacks to what actually happened with her daughter, further explicating on the anger that would lead her to this place. Again: the whole thing is very simple, with practically every scene expounding on how bad Vega really is, and how righteous Lilia is for wanting to kill him. At some point, it does get a bit repetitive: the point has been made over and over, and the fact that very little progress is being made in the present just gets a little frustrating. To be fair, the flashbacks feature some strong work from Gabby Padilla, and that helps things along a bit…But then, the movie does get bloody, and it’s pretty delicious. People get stabbed. People get shot. The blood flows freely, and it feels like the movie gets to exhale. And we get to watch Vilma Santos get to do all that stuff. Not all of it makes sense: at the start of the film, a little bit of voiceover narration from Santos mentions that there’s a lot of security around, and in this climactic battle, they are nowhere to be seen. And there are some things that were set up that don’t pay off much at all. It just feels like there ought to have been more characters involved in this part of the film, and they don’t really show up. But in the end, it’s still a good time. Uninvited goes over-the-top, but it seems to understand something about the helplessness that people feel when confronted by the impunity of the powerful and the corrupt. It gives us a vessel in Vilma Santos to release some of that helplessness, playing at a fantasy of justice that doesn’t really seem possible in a normal Filipino’s life.” – Philbert Dy, Spot, 27 Dec 2024 (READ MORE)

Darker than Dark – “…I’ve never seen a Vilma Santos starrer on the big screen. The first time was during a special screening of Uninvited on Christmas Day at Cinema 3 of Gateway Mall in Cubao. No, it’s not because I don’t like her nor her films. Neither is it because I’m a dyed-in-the wool Noranian. So, why? It’s because I’m not really a film buff. It’s because I am a sucker for Hollywood action movies that star Jason Statham, Jackie Chan, Cynthia Rothrock and Jet Li. I like slam-bang action more and drama less. That’s how it is and always been for me. The only time I get to watch Santos’ movies is when they’re shown on TV or when I browse the Internet. Clearly, Santos gave a nuanced performance in Uninvited. She perfectly foiled any attempt to make herself look glamorous. Her age is clearly defined in her role as Eva Candelaria…Santos has a clear and better grip of her character as a mother who vows to avenge her daughter’s traumatic death. While she’s done this before in Tagos ng Dugo, this time, Santos is not the victim herself and she goes to great lengths to clearly define the two roles apart. What’s highly palpable in this obra maestra by Dan Villegas is the way Santos’ character is presented and the way it is navigated in the course of less than 24 hours. Santos flips through her role with characteristic panache and clearly she’s a shoo-in for the best actress plum. Actually, it’s the ensemble acting that sets Uninvited apart from other festival-quality films. Aga Muhlach is unforgettable in the entire acting exercise. He is presented in a never-before-seen scenario that he convincingly portrays with aplomb. Muhlach plays his character with characteristic chutzpah, the kind that will jolt you in your seat. Nadine Lustre may have just a few scenes but she gallops in these with natural flair. Overall, Uninvited is a very dark movie that naturally seeps through the crisp-as-linen dialogues, nuanced personifications and a no-holds-barred narrative that is darker than dark…” – Alex Brosas, Daily Tribune, 26 Dec 2024 (READ MORE)

Brutal Injustice, Vengeance – “…From the get-go, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 entry, “Uninvited,” is an emotional battleground that aims to explore all the disturbing themes that can happen in a community, from murders and sexual assaults to the rich getting way with their crimes. This film is visibly a tough movie in spots as everything is heightened to get on the viewers’ nerves. The story centers on a grieving mother, Lilia, aka Eva Candelaria (Vilma Santos), and her relentless pursuit of justice for her daughter, Lily (Gabby Padilla), who is brutally murdered and sexually assaulted by billionaire Guilly (Aga Muhlach). After more than 50 years in the industry, Santos refuses to demote her star status. The Star for All Seasons doesn’t just act; she embodies every emotion. In “Uninvited,” Santos becomes a vision of torment as a mother robbed of her child. Lily represents purity and innocence, while its derivative Lilia symbolizes rebirth and, sometimes, “night” or darkness. After seeing Lily’s light dim, we witness Lilia’s quest for justice and her transition to becoming Eva, the giver of life, except that in this film, she is the taker, snatching them away one by one with seeming poetry. We could literally hear the collective sigh of relief and heave of satisfaction every time one villain falls, providing the viewers with their much-needed catharsis before they file out of the cinema. Santos’ performance elevates the ordinary material into a heartbreaking narrative. Every tremor in her voice, every tear shed stab at the heart of the viewers as if they had been right smack in that very scene, and could literally feel her grief behind the screen. Now this is hardly novel for the veteran artist who has done other slasher films, such as the critically acclaimed “Tagos ang Dugo,” but “Uninvited” allows one to see Santos in a new light…However, “Uninvited” isn’t without its flaws. While the film’s emotional impact is clear, it misses an opportunity to delve deeper into the motivations of its characters, and the broader societal implications of the crime are left underexplored. There are also some instances where one might feel the sense of rush in between the scenes, like the production is trying to put everything all at once. Despite this shortcoming, the film still delivers a gut-wrenching story that raises difficult questions about vengeance, morality and the price of sin. It is brave enough to tackle the uncomfortable truth about all the wrongdoings rampant in the world and how people are often capable of doing the unspeakable things in pursuit of justice. Even if it leaves a few unanswered questions in its wake, “Uninvited” is a raw examination of the inherent darkness that can exist within humanity. From the beginning, the intention of the film is to send out the message that sometimes one’s silver lining can be had when justice is served, and one just has to take action to achieve that…” – Jessica Ann Evangelista, Inquirer, 26 Dec 2024 (READ MORE)

Avending Angel – “…Yes, most of us have seen this movie before. And yes, seeing an elderly woman (Vilma is now 71) seeking vigilante justice does require some suspension of disbelief. I won’t be surprised, though, if anyone who has experienced Lilia’s distressing loss would muster enough strength to take her offenders down. And just like the crowd at the film’s advanced screening, I’m willing to bet that audiences will likely cheer and applaud Ate Vi whenever she eliminates one of the bad guys. And yes, spoiler alert, she will eliminate most of them in that single night. Casting actors against type is what sets “Uninvited” apart from other revenge flicks. We don’t always get to see Ate Vi as an avenging angel, the last and perhaps only other time was 37 years ago with “Tagos ng Dugo.” And the last time we saw Aga Muhlach this bad was when he took on the dastardly role of a serial killer in “Sa Aking Mga Kamay” way back in 1996…I wished Ate Vi’s Eva slash Lilia had offed each of these bastards in more creative ways and under different circumstances, but that would probably be a logistical nightmare given the busy schedules of its lead stars. As it is and even with some noticeable but negligible plot holes, “Uninvited” remains one of the standout entries in what is shaping up to be one of the better MMFF editions in recent years. Well-acted, nicely photographed, deftly edited, and aptly scored, I’m not at all surprised the film is already among the festival’s top-grossers this early. Rating: 3.5 out of 4.” – Edwin P. Sallan, Business Mirror, 27 December 2024 (READ MORE)

Vigilante Star For All Seasons – “…Move over, Charles Bronson of Death Wish, take a hike, Liam Neeson of Taken! Vilma Santos is now in the house. And she’s laying claim to the title of vigilante star, manifesting the role of mild-mannered widowed Mom on a mission of vengeance and vigilante justice for the rape and murder of her only child/daughter…And what can we say about Vilma Santos? Who else can make the audience erupt into cheering and applause as she repeatedly stabs to death one of the goons of Guilly Vega? Or when she runs over a person three times? Pao Orendain handles the cinematography, and shafts of light and focus offset a dark, murky atmosphere. It all helps create a claustrophobic sense of imminent doom – whether this is the doom of Lily and her boyfriend at the hands of Guilly and his henchmen or the doom that will descend on Guilly as Lilia plays the avenging angel. If I have to level some criticism on the film, I’d point out the very one-dimensional portrayal of the very rich. They all smoke, they all take drugs, and they all have a callous disregard for others. No one on that side has any arc. And we don’t see the steps by which Lilia decided to take justice into her own hands or how she got invited to the birthday bash and amassed the cash needed to be noticed. A Warner Brothers, Mentorque, and Project 8 co-production, the film will have premieres abroad, and I can only guess it will eventually surface on Max, the Warner streaming platform. If you like your justice-meted-out vigilante style, completely disregarding the rule of law or asking law enforcers to do their job, this is the perfect MMFF film to watch. I enjoyed watching Aga have fun going overboard with his Guilly and appreciated how Vilma was doing something entirely different for her at this stage in her illustrious career…” – Philip Cu Unjieng, Manila Bulletin, 24 Dec 2024 (READ MORE)

Gatecrasher – “…Meanwhile, female rage roles are nothing new to Santos’ catalog. She has helmed similar parts like in Maryo J. de los Reyes’ Tagos ng Dugo and Chito Roño’s Ikaw Lang. In Uninvited, she’s a dynamite, summoning the endurance of those past lives to make way for a maternal figure who’s committed to see her mission through to the bitter end, but remains fundamentally human. But much like its premise and protagonist, Uninvited gatecrashes its way into meaningful insights. It is too contained in its own scheming, in its impressive array of stars, to come up with a story that doesn’t belie a profound critique, or feel like a bloated climax. Simply synthetic.” – Lé Baltar, Rolling Stone Philippines, 03 January 2025 (READ MORE)

Compelling – “…Vilma Santos delivers a masterclass in acting, as expected from the “Star for All Seasons.” This is arguably her most compelling role since Ekstra (2012). Her portrayal is nuanced and commanding, although her stiffness during gunfight scenes slightly detracts from the intensity of those moments. Aga Muhlach shines in his villainous role, a rare but fitting choice for him. This performance rivals his chilling portrayal in Sa Aking Mga Kamay as a psychopathic serial killer. However, his character here is even more despicable—”mas baboy at walang hiya”—eliciting visceral hatred from the audience every time he appears on screen. Gabby Padilla is a revelation, holding her own alongside a powerhouse like Santos. Their mother-daughter scenes are among the film’s emotional highlights. On the other hand, Nadine Lustre and RK Bagatsing feel underutilized. Their characters’ struggles deserved more depth and screen time to fully resonate with the audience. On the technical side, the film excels in cinematography and musical scoring, both of which enhance its moody, suspenseful atmosphere. However, the story’s pacing falters toward the climax…Rating: 3/5” – Ralph Lawrence G. Llemit, Sun Star, 05 Jan 2025 (READ MORE)

Thrilling and Dramatic – “..With a star studded cast consisting of Vilma Santos, Nadine Lustre, and Aga Muhlach, Uninvited is set to be one of the more thrilling and dramatic entries in this year’s festival. Little is known about the plot yet, except that Santos’ character Lilia/Eva is set on getting revenge from billionaire Guilly played by Muhlach. The idea for the film, which will tackle sensitive topics such as physical abuse and violence, originated from Santos herself..” – Mel Wang, Rolling Stone Philippines, 30 November 2024 (READ MORE)

Tipped the Scale – “…I could say right after I watched the film, Vilma Santos might just have tipped the scale for the Best Actress trophy with this entry. You could feel how vulnerable and deeply caring she is at times, ultimately, being a mother to her only daughter Lily. But remember, Ms. Vilma mentioned how she’s never done something like this before… so if you expect a twist of some sort in the story, please, believe her. This is exactly this movie’s biggest selling point, worthy of the amount you’ll spend in the movies this Christmas season. This excellently made film certainly had people in the cinema rooting for her, literally screaming for her to go forward at times which I find cute since most of the folks in the front seat were seniors, and they were not holding back, getting involved in Uninvited’s story…” – John Bueno, Kumag Cow, 26 December 2024 (READ MORE)

The Expense of Brevity – “…At a brisk 90 minutes, Uninvited maintains a tight-paced rhythm that keeps viewers hooked. However, this brevity comes at the expense of deeper storytelling. Lilia’s revenge mission, while emotionally gripping, lacks the depth one might expect from a character who apparently has spent years planning her retribution. Early in the film, she admits to simply “winging it,” a choice that undermines the weight of her motivations. As a revenge thriller, putting the main character onto the battlefield with no real game plan seems like a cop out. A bit more polishing on her preparation and execution could have enriched the narrative and heightened the stakes. One of the movie’s most significant missteps lies in its treatment of sexual assault, a central theme of the story. While it acknowledges the gravity of the issue, the film fails to offer new or meaningful insights. At a time where countless films and shows have already tackled this topic, it’s high time movies start to address sexual assault, and, in this case, human trafficking, as a societal problem rather than a mere plot device. Uninvited stops short of delving into the complexities of the subject, leaving viewers wanting more substance. Despite its flaws, Uninvited succeeds in keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, delivering the tension and unpredictability that make thrillers so enjoyable. Villegas skillfully scatters subtle clues throughout the film, allowing audiences to piece together the puzzle rather than spoon-feeding every detail. By the time the credits roll, certain questions remain unanswered, adding another layer of mystery to the film — a deliberate choice that invites viewers to theorize and debate…” – Alisa Docena, Sine Gang PH, 05 January 2025 (READ MORE)


Video credit: Cinema Bravo

PRESS RELEASES

 

#MMFF2024, #DanVillegas, #DadoDayao, #VilmaSantos, #AgaMuhlach, #NadineLustre, #GabbyPadilla, #ElijahCanlas, #JohnBryanDiamante, #HahamakinAnglahat, #KZTandingan, #ArthurNery, #Uninvited2024, #Uninvited, #MIFF2025

When I Met You In Tokyo (2023)

Posted on by Standard

“Sometimes you meet the right person at the wrong time, but in our case, it was the right time, the right place, and the right person.” – Azon

Basic Information: Directors: Rommel Penesa, Conrado Peru; Associate Director: Christopher Strauss DeLeon; Original Scrrenpaly (Story): Conrado Peru, Christopher De Leon, Vilma Santos; Adapted Screenplay: Suzette Doctolero; Cast: Vilma Santos (Azon), Christopher De Leon (Joey), Cassy Legaspi (Hannah), Darren Espanto (Jomar), Kakai Bautista (Sonia), Lynn Cruz (Anita), Jacky Woo (Akira), John Gabriel (Drew), Lotlot De Leon (Charlene), Gabby Eigenmann (Marlon), Kouki Taguchi (Takeru) Gina Alajar (Susan), Tirso Cruz III (Edwin), Oyee Barro (Ex-Girlfriend of Joey), Yamaguchi Takoro (Officiating Minister at the Wedding), Lisa Lee (Hotel Supervisor); Producers: Redgie Acuña-Magno; Executive Producers: Karishma Gidwani, Rajan Gidwani, Rowena Jamaji; Associate Producers: Liza Guerzon Doria; Musical Score: Jessie Lasaten; Sound: Sound 22; Cinematography: Shayne Sarte; Film Editors: Karla Diaz, Froilan Francia; Production Design: Fedeyo Tagayon, Reynaldo Peru, Buboy Tagayon; Art Director: Irene Mercado; Makeup: Kimberly Datu, Dheng Foz; Sound: Armand De Guzman, Fatima Nerikka Salim, Immanuel Verona; Stunts: Ricky Cruz; Produced: JG Productions; Distributed by: Rafaella Films International; Release Date: December 25 2023; Running time: 123 minutes; Country: Philippines; Language: Filipino

Plot Description: Two elderly individuals cross paths to share their perspectives on tackling unconditional love sacrifices and aging. – Philstar Entertainment (READ MORE)

Azon known for the generosity of her heart meets Joey a divorcee who still harbors the scars of his ex-wife’s infidelity. Tackling unconditional love sacrifices and aging from the perspective of two elderly workers. – IMDB (READ MORE)

In Japan, Azon and her friends work as servants at a hotel in Tokyo, while Joey is a farmer working on a rural farm with his friend Akira and a man recently annulled from his marriage. Azon meets Joey at a bar during a party with her friends, and they are scolded by Joey for being rowdy. Afterwards, a drunk Azon punches him in the face, and her friends drag her away. Later, Azon and Joey meet again when she buys vegetables from him, and they recognize each other from the bar the previous night. After several more encounters, Azon and Joey forgive each other for their misunderstandings and start going out together with their friends. Azon learns that her brother Marlon is a gambling addict after his daughter Hannah secretly contacts her and says that had squandered her remittances. This leads Azon to stop giving him money. Marlon, deduces that Hannah ratted him out and slaps her for being a “traitor.” After several months, he apologizes to Azon, promising to change after visiting their parents’ graves. Meanwhile, Joey is close to his daughter Charlene but has a strained relationship with his ex-wife Susan. With Akira’s advice about forgiveness, Joey decides to forgive Susan and move on from their past mistakes. Azon and Joey gradually develop a romantic relationship, while in the Philippines, Hannah becomes close friends with Joey’s grandson Jomar.

Azon and Joey eventually get married and move to Joey’s home, enjoying a loving relationship. However, due to their age, they are unable to consummate their love on their honeymoon. Their marriage lasts six years, but Azon develops osteoarthritis in her leg, creating challenges for Joey, who secretly suffers from heart problems that only he and Charlene know about. Azon becomes angry when she learns that Joey kept his illness a secret from her, but eventually forgives him and resolve to make the most of their time together. After taking a walk in the snowy mountains, Azon and Joey rest at home. While Azon goes to get water, Joey suffers a heart attack. She returns to find him collapsed, and he tells her he loves her before dying. Both Akira and Azon are devastated by Joey’s death. Azon informs Charlene, who is also deeply saddened. Afterward, Azon reflects on the valuable lessons Joey taught her, including gardening, farming, and how to cut a bonsai tree, which taught her patience. The film ends with Azon narrating about finding one’s soulmate and how they are meant to be together.” – Wikipediia (READ MORE)

Film Achievement: MMFF 2023 – FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence, Best Float, 4th Best Picture, Best Actress; MMFF 2023 Nominations – Gender Sensitivy Award, Cinematography (Shane Sarte), Screenplay (Suzette Doctolero), Actor (Christopher De Leon), Director (Rado Peru, Rommel Peneza); FAMAS 2023 Circle of Excellence – Vilma Santos ; MIF (Los Angeles, CA USA) 2024 Best Actress – Vilma Santos; 7th Eddy‘s Nominations – Best Actress (Vilma Santos), Cinematography (Shayne Sarte), Production Design (Fedeyo Tagayon, Reynaldo Peru), Sound (Sound 22); 40th PMPC Star Awards for Movies Best Actress – Vilma Santos, 40th PMPC Star Awards for Movies Nominations – Movie of the Year (JG Productions), Movie Director of the Year (Rommel Penesa and Conrado Peru), Movie Actor of the Year (Christopher De Leon), Movie Ensemble Acting of the Year (When I Met You In Tokyo), Movie Screenwriter of the Year (Suzette Doctolero), Movie Loveteam of the Year (Darren Espanto and Cassy Legaspi)

Film Reviews: “…Look, it’s tough for this movie to live up to masterpieces like Broken Marriage, or Relasyon, but the legendary chemistry between Vi and Boyet is still very much alive and carries the whole thing. The plot feels a bit like recycled melodrama at times, but their performances are so controlled and natural that they honestly save the film. Between their undeniable spark and that catchy theme song, it’s easy to see why fans are loving it despite its flaws.” – Rendt Viray 2023

Winsome As Ever – “Azon (Vilma Santos) worked as a housekeeper at a hotel in Chiba Prefecture. Even if she was unmarried, she still sent money home to her brother Marlon (Gabby Eigenmann), whom she trusted to build her house in Manila. She was also supporting the education of her niece Hannah (Cassy Legaspi) and Drew (John Gabriel). On Azon’s birthday, she was brought by her co-workers Sonia (Kakai Bautista) and Anita (Lynn Cruz) for a night of fun. Joey (Christopher de Leon) owned his own flower and vegetable farm, also in Chiba, which he ran with his best friend Akira (Jackie Woo). His marriage from his wife Susan (Gina Alajar) had been annulled for several years. His daughter Charlene (Lotlot de Leon) already had a teenage son Jomar (Darren Espanto). On Joey’s birthday, Akira treated Joey out to the same nightclub, where he saw Azon and friends making a scene with their noisy drunk dancing. Honestly, based on the trailer, this film was not exactly among my priorities. I thought the plot would just take the usual obvious rom-com route. However, during the MMFF Awards Night, this film pulled a big surprise by bagging an unprecedented accolade for “4th Best Picture,” while Vilma Santos won Best Actress from out of the blue. Because of this, I became very curious about this film directed by duo Rommel Penesa and Conrado Peru.

So indeed, the two senior protagonists meet under unpleasant circumstances, to the point of calling each other “bru” (short for “bruha” or witch). However, as expected, they began to like each other when they got to know each other better, then eventually fall in love. Despite being the overdone romance cliches that they were, these scenes were the best parts — so sweet and heartwarming. I was smiling, laughing and actually tearing up in spite of myself. I would have wanted the film to end when Azon and Joey got married dressed in kimonos. The story already felt perfect told as it was at that point. However, there turned out to be another hour worth of story left to tell. The delightful senior-citizen romantic comedy turned into a totally different movie, albeit also a familiar Pinoy film story — a melodrama about illnesses. Predictable and sappy, this part of the movie was not my cup of tea anymore. Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon had done more than 20 films together, the last one being “Mano Po 3” (2004). Santos at 70 and de Leon at 67 looked very good, still able to elicit romantic thrills with their killer onscreen chemistry. Santos was as winsome as ever, so cute, always a contender for Best Actress. De Leon was very dashing, so cool and relaxed. His acoustic guitar version of Apo Hiking’s “When I Met You” can still make titas swoon.” – Fred Hawson, ABS-CBN (originally published in the author’s blog, “Fred Said.”), 08 January 2024 (READ MORE)

Higher Standard – “I’ve never been a Vilmanian (Sharon Cuneta is my own showbiz sacred cow), but then, I’ve never seen Vilma on the big screen. Any experiences I have had of Philippine cinema’s “Star for All Seasons” were limited to late-night movies of hers shown on TV. If the lines outside the movie theater for When I Met You in Tokyo were any indication, Vilma Santos-Recto truly has a different pull. The audience, for example, was an interesting mix: all genders, all ages, all economic brackets. Some less fashionable people were up in front, but a chic mother and daughter pair (making Vilma’s reach intergenerational) answered my question in the affirmative whether their spot was the back of the line for the Vilma movie (it was a long line, just to enter the cinema)…

This new movie shows them as Filipino migrants in Japan, of advanced age. Ms. Santos plays Azon, a hotel cleaner, while Mr. De Leon plays Joey, slightly wealthier as a hands-on farm owner. Santos is an involuntary celibate, never having married at her age; while Mr. De Leon has been betrayed by his ex-wife, played by Gina Alajar…Ms. Santos makes everything feel so real: I really felt like I was watching a beloved aunt, in her gestures and her speech patterns. What’s more, despite their own advanced ages (Santos was born in 1953; De Leon was born in 1956 — you do the math), the pair can still bring a frisson of kilig to the audience: not just for the older ones, mind you, but even their younger seatmates. And what a beautiful face, by the way: in the movie, Ms. Santos punches Mr. De Leon at their meet-cute, cries and cracks her voice, and speaks Japanese with a Filipino accent and yet still looks that good. Watching a scene with Ms. Santos talking with her mouth full and discussing rent and government dues, she still looks more beautiful than many women at least 20 years younger than her. Romance blossoms between the pair, predictably so in this romantic comedy/drama, but in the hands of Ms. Santos and Mr. De Leon, teenybopper drivel becomes pure gold.

But they’re getting older, a plot point in the movie: Santos suffers from osteoarthritis, while De Leon has a heart ailment. I begin to think that as one ages, love perhaps becomes purer, regressing from the lusts of youth and ennobled by experience. We watch the pair grow more in love each day, slowed down by age. The bucolic surroundings of the outskirts of Tokyo add to the atmosphere, as well as the Apo Hiking Society’s “When I Met You” (the movie’s theme and part-namesake, sung by De Leon in a scene, and in a duet with Santos in the credits)…With age and health as a plot point, it’s inevitable that one of them dies. Mr. De Leon succumbs to his heart ailment after a peaceful evening in their garden. Followed by a camera, Ms. Santos prepares to go to bed, beckoning her husband to come, and after a search, finds him outside slowly dying. She cries for help in Japanese, and says his name, Joey, over and over. I cried.

Not just moisture that had to be patted dry with a handkerchief, but full-on crying with snot-wiping. Another actress would not have elicited this effect (except perhaps Sharon), and frankly, would have been corny. Santos, however, arrests one with a teenage star’s charm (as she had been) at the start of the movie. Backed up by skill, years of hard work, and solidified showbiz status, this charm pulls you to the very end of the film, making you feel very deeply for whoever she’s playing. By all standards, the film should have been predictable and unexciting. In the hands of other actors, this would have been filler. In the hands of Mr. De Leon, and especially Ms. Santos, the film reaches a higher standard…” – Joseph L. Garcia, Business World, 29 Dec 2023 (READ MORE)

Extra Bloat Subplot – “Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon play characters who meet in Tokyo. While their relationship is contentious at first, they soon warm up to each other and pursue romance in the Land of the Rising Sun. The story reaches a natural ending somewhere in the middle of the movie—but it just keeps going. The film then sort of becomes about what it’s like to be old and in a relationship, though it avoids building new conflicts and largely just shows two older people pretty happy with each other and occasionally encountering problems with their health. Santos and de Leon are still pretty good together onscreen, and there are cute moments scattered throughout. But the production is kind of shaky, and there just isn’t a lot of story to tell. Later in the movie, there’s a subplot involving younger relatives back in the Philippines but it doesn’t go anywhere, only creating extra bloat in a film bloated enough as it is.” – Philbert Dy, Spot, 02 Jan 2024 (READ MORE)

Love No Age – “…May oras na hindi mo na alam kung saan ba talaga papunta ang kwento at kung kailan ba ito matatapos. Hindi maganda ang pagpasok ng istorya nina Darren Espanto at Cassy Legaspi sa pelikula. May mas igaganda pa sana ito. Hindi masyadong nagamit ang karamihan sa mga cast, ngunit napansin ang nakakadalang pagganap ni Gabby Eigenmann lalo pa’t nakakainis ang kanyang karakter dito. Maalog ang ilang kuha. Biglang lalabo ang ilang parte ng eksena. Hindi man maayos ang pelikula sa usapang teknikal, angat naman sila pagdating sa ibang bagay. Simple ngunit sinsero ang atake sa mga eksena. Nakatutok ito sa pagkwento ng pagmamahalan ng dalawang bida. Naipakita kung paano sila unang nagkita at nagsimulang nagmahalan. Kasama mo sila sa kanilang paglalakbay. Because you are not blindsided by their love story, you appreciate its existence. Soon after, you become a fan of it. Mahirap hindi kiligin sa pinaggagawa nina Vilma Santos at Christopher de Leon dito. Ang saya nilang panuorin. Instant hit ang meet-cute moment nila. Ang cute ng tawagan nila. Ang lambing ng halikan nila. Ang kulit ng bed scene nila. Mapapatawa at maiinlove ka. Romcom kung romcom talaga. Hindi lang sila nagpakilig, naipakita rin nila ang kanilang husay sa pag-arte. Mararamdaman mo kapag sila’y nalulungkot at nasasaktan. Naibahagi nila ang kanilang pinagdaraan at pagmamahalan. Love knows no age. This movie shares the same fate…” – Goldwin Reviews (READ MORE)

Same Formula – The story itself is a very simple yet heartfelt “meet-cute that leads to a romance” type of film, and it’s a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It’s the same formula that has worked for a majority of their team-ups. Movies like this depend on how well your leads can co-exist on-screen and not sound like a broken record, but that’s something that’s attributed to their tried and tested chemistry…The script (written by Suzette Doctolero from a story by Santos, De Leon, and co-director Conrado Peru) features a sincerely authentic depiction of the plight of Filipinos living and/or working abroad, which enhances the film’s connection with its audience. One thing we’d say that the movie could’ve improved on is if it held back on nearly going overboard with the Vilma and Boyet B-Rolls of them being sweet with each other (specifically between the 2nd and 3rd acts). Yes, we get that this is a love letter to their fans, but points have to be docked because of this, as this makes the film’s pacing suffer slightly as a result. This, however, is a minor nitpick that doesn’t really bring the film down. – Cinegeeks rating : A-” (READ MORE)

Overflowing Chemistry – “…When I Met You In Tokyo is a film for Vilmanian and supporters of Vilma and Christoher as a love team. The presence of the two and individually on the silver screen is still shining on the big screen. No wonder that they got multiple films together because they truly indeed have overflowing chemistry. Who would say that love is for younger people only, in this film it shows that love is for all ages. Yes they fall in love and have sweet moments in the film but what they have done in this film is still cute and appropriate for their age. You will enjoy the beauty and landscape of Tokyo while watching this film as it was effectively integrated and utilized to the flow of the film. The team up of Darren Espanto and Cassy Legaspi or (CassRen) will definitely enjoy the film as they have their moments and look promising together. Christoher and Vilma still have their brilliance in acting as they showcase their acting capabilities individually especially towards the last part of the film. Vilma is effective and shines in her quiet scenes. The film will definitely be enjoyed by seniors and fans so this is a good watch with your parents or grandparents…” – My Movie World (READ MORE)

Media Press Releases: “When I Met You in Tokyo” is set to have international screenings on February 11 at The Space Moderno Cinema in Rome, Italy, and on February 18 at Citylife Anteo, Milan, Italy. In the US, the film will still be available for viewing at CARCO Theater in Renton (February 17) and Bremerton HS Performing Arts (February 18) in Washington, DC.

Will Vilma, Boyet win in this year’s MMFF? – The endearing love team of Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon are back on the big screen in “When I Met You in Tokyo” and they’re so glad it qualified as an official entry in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) this Christmas Day. Their last film together was “Mano Po 3: My Love” in 2004. It was also an entry in the MMFF that year. It won so many awards, including best picture, best actress for Ate Vi and best actor for Boyet de Leon. Mano Po 3” was filmed in Bangkok, Thailand. This time, their reunion movie is shot on location in Japan. Will history repeat itself for Vilma and Boyet in their film fest entry this coming December? “It’s all up to the judges,” said Ate Vi. “As of now, we’re just happy that we made it as an official entry sa MMFF. This is a simple love story with a good script that also touches on the lives of OFWs. It offers a lot of good insights and lessons about relationships and how it is to be an OFW.” She is turning 70 years old (she’s the youngest-looking septuagenarian we know) on November 3. What is her birthday wish? “It’s not just for myself, it’s for the whole film industry. We all know mahina ang mga sinehan so ang wish ko, mababaan sana ang bayad sa movie tickets, kasi yung P400 now, masyadong mahal for an ordinary wage earner. Kahit for three years man lang, para maibalik ang panonood ng mga tao sa sinehan at maibalik ang sigla ng local film industry.” – Mario E. Bautista, Malaya Business Insight, 31 October 2023 (READ MORE)

Mature and Intelligent Love – “…Vilma and Boyet first teamed up in the blockbuster movie “Tag-ulan Sa Tag-araw” in 1975. It was followed by other hit and award-winning projects like “Relasyon,” “Hanggang Ngayon Ika’y Minamahal,” “Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan,” “Sinasamba Kita,” “Imortal,” and “Dekada ’70.” The last time they worked together for a movie was in 2004 for Mano Po 3.

“I missed the team-up with Yetbo,” she also said. Almost 95 percent of the movie was filmed for a month in Japan. Christopher was impressed with the location. “Ang sarap, super sarap. Japan is so visually rich, ‘yun ang reason kung bakit kami dun nag-shoot. We don’t see much more of the city, siguro mga 20 percent, but the main story revolves around ‘yung mga outskirts of Japan, the culture of Japan. The beauty of the countryside in Japan, mas nag-concentrate kami dun,” he said. On working for the project, Vilma said: “It was very smooth, may mga obstacles natural naman ‘yun di ba? Kahit naman dito but again we all worked hard, talagang binigay namin yung share ng bawat isa. Especially ako, in my case, talagang isinapuso.ko si Azon same thing I guess with Yetbo as Joey.and then yung aming mga producers and all.the staff. We also have a very reliable technical staff headed by, of course, by Shayne Sarte, yung aming cinematographer.” Vilma reassured viewers that “When I Met You in Tokyo” portrays mature and intelligent love…” – Robert Requintina, Mania Bulletin, 13 October 2023 (READ MORE)


Video credit: JG Productions Incorporated

News Links:

  • LIST: Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 winners
  • LIST: The 2024 Manila International Film Festival winners
  • SPEEd announces nominees for 7th EDDYS
  • IMDB When I Met You in Tokyo (2023)
  • Vilma Santos bags 2nd trophy for ‘When I Met You in Tokyo’
  • Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon team up for 25th film, ‘When I Met You in Tokyo’
  • Christopher de Leon bares why he accepted ‘When I Met You In Tokyo’ directorial job
  • Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon off to Japan for reunion film ‘When I Met You in Tokyo’
  • Camera starts rolling in Tokyo for Vilma Santos-Christopher de Leon reunion movie
  • Why Vilma Santos feels anxious about her MMFF entry ‘When I Met You In Tokyo’
  • ‘When I Met You in Tokyo’ marks 25th Santos-De Leon collaboration
  • Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon look back on early showbiz days ahead of ‘When I Met You in Tokyo’
  • Vilma Santos bags MMFF Best Actress award for ‘When I Met You in Tokyo’
  • Through sick and thin, Vilma shows them she’s a true pro
  • First-time producers bankroll Vilma-Christopher film
  • Christopher de Leon explains dilemma of directing Vilma Santos
  • After 5th MMFF win, Vilma Santos wants to spur interest in moviegoing
  • Vilma Santos hopes to do another socially ‘woke’ drama in the future
  • Life and love lessons from MMFF’s ‘When I Met You in Tokyo’

    • FILMS – ITO ANG PILIPINO (1967)

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    Basic Information: Directed: Cesar Gallardo; Story: Augusto Buenaventura; Screenplay: Augusto Buenaventura; Cast: Joseph Estrada, Mario Montenegro, Barbara Perez, Eddie Garcia, Gloria Sevilla, Johnny Monteiro, Vic Silayan, Yolanda Guevarra, Eddie Infante, Elsa Boufard, Jose Vergara, Ely Ramos Jr., Jose Garcia, Rafael Jimenez, Romy Diaz, Jose Padilla Jr., Anita Linda, Lou Salvador Jr., Angelo Ventura, Jay Ilagan, Vilma Santos, Rene Rueda, Avel Morado, Ben Datu, Lou Salvador; Executive producer: Joseph Estrada; Original Music: Ariston Avelino; Cinematography: Felipe Sacdalan; Release Date: Disyembre 30, 1966 – Enero 9, 1967; Production Co.: Emar Productions; Film Poster: Video 48

    Plot Description: Story of Tomas Ronquillo (Joseph Estrada) before the Spanish revolt of 1896. His struggle to fight for his family and the oppressive Spaniards.

    Film Achievement: The 15th Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards Night was held 1n 1967 for the Outstanding Achievements for the year 1966. – Best Picture – Ito ang Pilipino — Emar Pictures; Best Actor – Joseph Estrada; Best Supporting Actor – Eddie Garcia; Best Story – Augusto Buenaventura; Best Cinematography – Felipe Sacdalan; Best Director Nomination – Cesar Gallardo; Best Actress Nomination – Barbara Perez; Best Supporting Actress Nomination – Gloria Sevilla — Ito ang Pilipino

    Film Reviews: – “…In 1966, Estrada was “just” an actor portraying a bandit fighting the Spaniards, led by Eddie Garcia. Directed by Cesar “Chat” Gallardo, an important scene in the film featured the late Vic Silayan telling the young Estrada that he would be the country’s next president-to which, Estrada’s character answered in disbelief, saying it was impossible, because he could neither read nor write! Prophetically, the historical film presaged the actor’s political career. Who would have known that he’d become the 13th president of the Philippines?! At the screening, Estrada’s leading lady, Barbara Perez, who was first seen in 195’6′s “Chabacano,” was in the audience to watch the “lost” film revived by the Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (SOFIA). The actress shares: “Back then, I kept getting in and out show biz, especially when I had to give birth!…” – Rica Arevalo (READ MORE)

    “…Director-scriptwriter Totoy Buenaventura, one of President Joseph Estrada’s favorite filmmakers, is this year’s lifetime achievement awardee of the Manila Film Festival. A Manileño, Buenaventura was born on Feb. 2, 1933 in Tondo, Manila, where he also finished elementary (Magat Salamat Elementary School) and high school (Torres High School). He took up bachelor of arts at Far Eastern University in downtown Manila. Buenaventura wrote scripts and directed films set in Manila, many of which starred Joseph Estrada. The Manila Film Festival honored him with a best director award in 1971 for “Ang Uliran.” Buenaventura’s writing and directorial credits include “Geron Busabos,” “Ito ang Pilipino,” “Erap Is My Guy,” “Bakya Mo Neneng,” “Kumander Alibasbas,” “Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa,” and “Sa mga Kuko ng Agila,” all starring Josesph Estrada…” – Sol Jose Vanzi, June 5, 1999 (READ MORE)

    Ang Giting ng Pilipino – “Ang katutubong giting ng mga Pilipino ang pinapaksa ng pelikulant Ito Ang Pilipino ng Emar Pictures. Ang pakikipaglaban ng magigiting na bayani upang matamo ang kalayaan ay siyang nagpapagalaw sa pelikulang ito na tinatampukan nina Joseph Estrada at Barbara Perez. Kasama rin dito sina Mario Montenegro, Johnny Monteiro at Elsa Bouffard. Sa iba’t ibang yugto ng panahon mula kay Lapulapu, nagpamalas ang lahing kayumanggi ng kagulat-gulat na giting at tapang sa mga bansang nang-alipin sa ating kapuluan. Sa panahon ng pananakop ng mga kastila, hindi mabilang na pagbabangon ang nakatala sa kasaysayan upang malagot ang gapon ng pagkakaalipin. Sa kabila ng pagiging maliit at mahinang bansa, ang Pilipinas ay hindi nawawalan ng mga anak na hindi natakot magbuwis ng buhay sa maraming mararwal na larangan alang-alang sa kalayaan, maging noong lumunsad ang mga Amerikano at nitong huli ay nang pataksil na manalasa ang mga Hapones. Napapanahon madin ang pelikulang katulad ng Ito Ang Pilipino upang maipakilala ang katutubong kabayanihan ng mga Pilipino.” – Tagumpay Magazine, 21 December 1966 (READ MORE)

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    Hotdog: Unang Kagat (1975)

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    Basic Information: Direction: Raul T. Silos; Story: Bert R. Mendoza; Cast: Dennis Garcia, Connie Angeles, Greg Lozano, Ella del Rosario, Jess Garcia, Edward Campos; Special appearances: FPJ, Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada, Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Boots Anson-Roa; Original Music: Hotdog; Cinematography: Fortunato Bernardo; Release Date: 30 May 1975 (Philippines); Production Co: Crown Seven Film Productions

    Plot Description: No Available Data

    Film Achievement: No Available Data

    Film Review: “…Formed by brothers Dennis and Rene Garcia in 1974, Hotdog crashed the music and concert circuit at a time when fans’ musical taste and preference were heavily influenced by imported acts playing trite disco and funk tunes, as Pinoy groups — though highly-talented were relegated to doing covers and cheap imitations of foreign hits to remain relevant. Hotdog became an instant sensation when it launched its distinctive sound that came to be known as Manila Sound, an original Pilipino music distinguished for exuberant songs that featured catchy, captivating lyrics in Tagalog and Taglish that directly appealed to the ordinary Filipino listeners’ everyday moods and sentiments. Through Manila Sound, Hotdog succeeded in revolutionizing the formal and stilted music scene that led to the establishment of a new and lasting identity for mainstream Filipino music and blazed the trail for OPM to take root and flourish from the late ‘80s onward. Its rise to musical stardom has been phenomenal. Its songs, all written by Dennis and Rene Garcia — became smash hits, topping the local charts from the mid-’70s to the mid-’80s and remaining at the forefront of the most recognized and acclaimed tunes in popular Filipino music. Hotdog has released more than three dozen hit singles that eventually attained gold and platinum status. One of its big hits, Bongga Ka, Day (1974), reaped greater success when it spawned a motion picture of the same title featuring the band, together with a stellar cast composed of Fernando Poe Jr., Joseph Estrada, Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos and Boots Anson-Roa in cameo roles. Another hit that was turned into a successful movie starring Nora Aunor was Annie Batungbakal, which was about the story of a disco-loving saleslady. Another popular song, Manila, a tribute to the capital city, has become an anthem of millions of Filipinos working overseas who continue to long for their native land…” – Peter Osias, The Philippine Star Nov 21 2011 (READ MORE)

    “…Last Thursday, we joined 70s fans at “Hotdog: The Reunion” at PICC tent which suffered from the awful sound system where half of what Rene Garcia was saying couldn’t be understood. Most of the group was new, although Maso Diez was there, but the crowd expected Ella del Rosario to sing her big hit “O Lumapit Ka” even if a new girl did quite well. Top favorites at the show were still “Manila,” plus “Bongga ka Day” and “Annie Batungbakal,” which movies of the same title had been produced by Guy’s NV Productions, directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes, starring Guy and favorite leading man of the season Lloyd Samartino (now in TV5’s “PS I Love you ” teleserye). Even earlier, in 1974, the first Hotdog album “Unang Kagat” resulted in a movie with the band in 1975 with cameos of FPJ, Erap, Guy, Ate Vi, and Boots Anson Roa. The 4th reunion concert showed the band headed by the unassuming genius of Dennis Garcia as still the leader of the Manila Sound genre that fused Tagalog with Taglish. In the show they paid tribute to contemporaries VST & Company, Boyfriends, and Hagibis. The disco group VST with Vic Sotto, Val Sotto, Joey de Leon, Homer Flores, and Spanky Rigor had made famous the songs “Awitin Mo isasayaw Ko” and “Disco Fever” while the audience rose to their feet when Hotdog interpreted VST’s “Rock Baby Rock.” The Boyfriends’ pop and disco hit “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal” covered by both Lea Salonga and Dingdong Avanzado in their albums was Hotdog’s next tribute. Then, of course, came the Hagibis with their campy imitations of the Village People in “Katawan,” which to this day is a favorite in dance parties…” – Bibsy Carballo, Journal, Dec 04 2011 (READ MORE)

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    Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw (1988)

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    Basic Info: Direction: Mitos Villareal; Cast: Snooky Serna, Gabby Concepcion, Ernie Garcia, Vivian Foz, Vilma Santos, Tita Muñoz, Augusto Victa, Celina Chase, Julio Diaz, Melissa De Leon, Roland Montes; Released date: 17 March 1988

    Plot Description: No Available Data

    Film Achievement: 1988 FAMAS Best Supporting Actor Nomination – Ernie Garcia

    Film Review: Seeing this soporific melodrama is like a long journey into the night. One wishes that it soon ends for a radiant sunrise to follow. But alas this movie only ignites small sparks of interest to keep us from yawning. The film’s bleak cinematography makes it a visual turn-off, the script needs tightening, the cerebral plot is too familiar and that bit of social relevance has not been smoothly integrated into the story. Serna (Estrella) plays a young, pretty and brainy lawyer but who has not been using her mind well in her romance with company manger Concepcion (Gerry). She feels like a whore each time Gerry brings her to his home but is too weak to resist his bedroom charm. Estrella has just passed the bar and since she’s brilliant, her law office forthwith sends her abroad to handle some cases. It must have taken her several years because when she returns home her child sired by Gerry is already a grown-up girl (Celina Chase). Serna with her sweet and fragile looks, does not project the image of a bright lawyer who is making a headway in her career. We never see her in the law firm she works for or even scanning over some paperwork. She is not smart to tackle her problem from the legalistic point of view. She gets pregnant but we don’t see her wih a bulging tummy and she delivers a bay which she gives to her cousing Aida (Vivian Post) and her husband Roel (Ernie Garcia) for adoption. Estrella does not inform Gerry of her pregnancy when she should have. So off he goes to Germany on official business with Carina (Melissa de Leon), daughter of company owner Dona Mercedes (Tita Munoz).

    Melissa is a novice version of elder sister Pinky de Leon and for a new comer in a dramatic role, her acting is good enough. Munoz is noted for her strong personality on screen but here she delivers a restrained portrayal perhaps because her voice was dubbed by someone else. Dona Mercedes, as written in the script, is a confusing character. She is not an avaricious woman who is content with the profits Gerry brings into the company. Gerry employs fair labor practices but his assistant Atty. Cruz (Augusto Victa) is anti-labor. In a sudden change of heart, Dona Mercedes falls for the scheme of Cruz which triggers a labor strike. Gerry is already home but Cruz calls the shots. And yet, before this, Dona Mercedes has made it clear to her daughter that she needs Gerry. Gerry, by the way, has gotten married to Carina abroad but their relationship turns sours. Once home, Carina immediately seeks her old beau Randy (Julio Diaz) who is now married. Villareal’s treatment is not cinematic. She relies too much on dialogue to make the story move. Estrella’s pregnancy delivery of her baby and developments in her career are simply verbalized. Carina orders Randy to abandon his wife in exchange for a juicy position in her company but we don’t see him working. The illicit lovers vanish from the scene after their poolside dalliance and resurface much later.

    The film’s main weakness is in the script. The trips of Estrella and Gerry and Carino go beyond realistic expectations. And to think that Estrella has only been sent by her office to handle a case or some cases and the couple to close a deal with a business associate. It takes years before they return. In one scene, Carina realizes her love for Gerry who is by then packing his bags to leave her for good. Carina pleads for him to stay but he has already made his decision. The next scene shows Carina in a hotel room with Randy and her she tells him that she is calling it quits. But why go to bed with him in the first place? Actually the central plot which has been complicated by too many subplots is about the romance between Estrella and Gerry. We know that they have to be back to each other’s arms to fullfill a happy ending. Villareal and her scenarist contrive a familiar device. Randy kills Carina with a gun in Gerry’s house where she has sought refuge. And for the coup de grace, Randy’s wife (Vilma Santos) suddenly appears on the scene to kill her philandering husbang. So as not to waste the much vaunted acting prowess of Santos, she is made to deliver a passionate monologue after shooting Diaz. Santos appears too late in the story and she should have an ealier scene to motivate her criminal act in the end.

    Being an avowed womanizer, Randy’s murder of Carina seems out of character. Unless he has fallen hard for Carina, which is unlikely, Randy can simply hook another rich woman to replace her in case his wife rejects him. The most incredulous scene happens in a hospital where the doctor refuses to give medical aid to labor leader Roel who has been shot by a security guard during the strike. “I don’t think he’s gonna make it,” says the negligent doctor who should be shot too. And yet, Roel is able to tell Gerry that Lilet is his daughter by Estrella. Concepcion shows traces that he is intent on tackling mature roles but he doesn’t strike us as a believable young executive. The most powerful performer in the film is Vivian Fos. Garcia suits the role of a labor leader but the script does not give him much to do. The same applies to Diaz whose debonair look makes him a credible playboy but his character lacks depth. This meadering melodrama shows no promise of a brighter tomorrow for the local cinema. – Luciano E. Soriano, Manila Standard, Mar 28, 1988 (READ MORE)

    “…Ate Vi made around 198 films from 1963 to 2002. This includes cameo appearances in Dugo at Pagibig sa Kapirasong Lupa, Mga Mata ni Angelita, Huwag Hamakin Hostess (with Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno with Vilma getting Orestes Ojeda in the end), Candy, No Other Love, Charot, Rizal Alih, Engkanto, and ‘Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw’, a Gabby-Snooky starrer, produced by friend Gabby Concepcion…” – The 28th (READ MORE)

    “…Ernie won many acting awards. He was Aliw Awards’ Best Actor in 1988 for his portrayal in Rolando Tinio’s Filipino translation of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” He also garnered two Best Supporting Actor trophies from FAMAS and PMPC Star Awards for Movies in 1989, in the late Mitos Villareal’s directorial opus “Bukas Sisikat Din ang Araw” which starred Gabby Concepcion and Snooky Serna and where he played the role of a labor union leader…” – Crispina Martinez-Belen (READ MORE)

    “…Ang tatay ni KC Concepcion na si Gabby Concepcion ay isa rin sa mga kaibigan ni Vi. Ilan ding pelikula ang ginawa ni Vi at Gabby katulad ng Pahiram Ng Isan Umaga, Sinungaling Mong Puso, Hahamakin Lahat, Ibigay Mo Sa Akin Ang Bukas at Asawa Ko Huwag Mong Agawin. Sa pelikulang Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw, kung saan si Gabby ang prodyuser ay naging special guest si Vi na sa totoo lang ay halos kasinlaki ang billing niya (Vi) sa mga major characters nito. Isa sa mga anak ni Gabby, anak niya kay Grace Ibuna ay inaanak ni Vi katuwang sina Lorna Tolentino, Alma Moreno, Snooky Serna at Maricel Soriano. Noong last episode ng Vilma show sa GMA 7 ay isa si Gabby sa mga special guests ni Vi at nag-compose pa ng tula si Gabby para kay Vi. Noon namang nagkaroon ng problema si Gabby dahil sa kontrobersiya sa Manila Film Festival noong 1994 ay isa si Vi sa mga naging sabihan niya ng kanyang mga problema. Si Gabby ay naging best supporting actor ng Star Awards for Movies noong 1992 para sa pelikulang Sinungaling Mong Puso, best actor ng Urian noong 1992 para sa Narito Ang Puso Ko at best supporting actor ng Urian para sa pelikulang Makiusap Ka Sa Diyos noong 1991…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)

    Filmography: Ang erpat kong Astig (1998)

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    Basic Information: Directed: Felix E. Dalay; Cast: Jinggoy Estrada, Carmina Villaroel, Rufa Mae Quinto, Bea Bueno, Melisse Santiago, Efren Reyes Jr., Caridad Sanchez, Dick Israel, Alicia Lane, Veronica Veron, Benedict Aquino, Bernard Fabiosa, Gerald Ejercito, Jam Melendez, Martin Gutierrez, Bebong Osorio, Boy Gomez, Resty Hernandez, Manny Pungay, Falcon Laxa, Pong Pong, Nash Espinosa; Vilma Santos; Producer: Vic del Rosario Jr.

    Plot Description: At a relatively young age, Joe Cuartero (Jinggoy Estrada) is already a widower.

    Film Accomplishments: No Available Data

    Film Reviews: Watch for the funny opening scene featuring Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz and Edu Manzano playing rival lawyers and Vilma as the presiding judge!

    “…At a relatively young age Joe Cuartero (JinggoyEstrada) is already a widower. With his wife gone Joe’s life is now centered on his young daughter Tweety (Bea Bueno). But Tweety is under the care of his bothersome in-laws and for Joe to get back his child he must send Tweety to a private school. The devoted father that he is Joe agrees and does everything he can to provide Bea with good education. Bea for her part starts looking for someone who could be her second mother and she takes a special liking on Ms. Celia (Carmina Villaroel) her teacher. Everything seems to be going well for both father and daughter but one day Joe figures in a case of mistaken identity…” – Mav Shack (READ MORE)

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    Apoy Sa Ibabaw, Apoy Sa Ilalim (1977)

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    Basic Info: Screenplay, Director: Ben Feleo; Cast: Romeo Vasquez; Chanda Romero; Lorna Tolentino; Barbara Luna; Original Music: Demet Velasquez; Cinematography: Max de la Peña; Release Date: December 9 1977; Production Co: VS Films – IMDB

    Plot Description: No information available except that the Vilma Santos’ birthday celebration was added as bonus feature of the film.

    Film Achievement: No Available Data

    Film Review: “…Ate Vi made around 198 films from 1963 to 2002. This includes cameo appearances in Dugo at Pagibig sa Kapirasong Lupa, Mga Mata ni Angelita, Huwag Hamakin Hostess (with Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno with Vilma getting Orestes Ojeda in the end), Candy, No Other Love, Charot, Rizal Alih, Engkanto, and ‘Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw’, a Gabby-Snooky starrer, produced by friend Gabby Concepcion…” – The 28th (READ MORE)

    Victoria Lorna Aluquin, better known as Lorna Tolentino, sometimes known as L.T., an abbreviation of her screen name (born December 23, 1961), is a Filipina actress, host, executive producer and widow of actor Rudy Fernandez. Together, they bore two sons named Ralph and Renz. She was born on December 23, 1961 in Concepcion, Tarlac and later moved to Manila. Her dad is from Liliw, Laguna. She is also the stepmother of actor Mark Anthony Fernandez. She is first cousin to actress Amy Austria and a niece of actor Jerry Pons. She was married to Rudy Fernandez from 1983 till his untimely death in 2008. They had two children. She attended the elementary grades at St. Anthony School where she also finished high school She took up a Bachelor of Arts course at St. Paul College in Quezon City, and also at the University of Santo Tomas and Maryknoll College. She started her career as a child actress. Later, she portrayed the young Susan Roces in Divina Gracia and has a total of at least 60 movies. She has won eight film awards and garnered 20 nominations (mostly for Best Actress in FAMAS). She’s also one of the Grandslam actresses in the Philippine Cinema together with Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos and Sharon Cuneta. She won her Grandslam Best Actress for Narito Ang Puso Ko (1993). – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

    Huwag Hamakin: Hostess (1978)

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    Basic Info: Direction: Joey Gosiengfiao ; Story, Screenplay: Toto Belano, Tito Sanchez; Cast: Nora Aunor, Alma Moreno, Orestes Ojeda, Bella Flores, Vilma Santos; Original Music: Demet Velasquez; Cinematography: Rey de Leon; Film Editing: Segundo Ramos; Release Date: August 25 1978; Production Co: JPM Productions

    Plot Description: This is a film directed by Joey Gosiengfiao and features Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno with Orestes Ojeda and Vilma Santos in a controversial guest appearance.

    Film Achievement: No Available Data

    Film Review: “…Mas dramatiko ring isinakonkreto ito ng mahusay na pagganap ni Nora Aunor bilang katulong na namasukan bilang hostess upang matustusan ang pag-aaral ng lalaking iniibig, pinapanood natin siya habang dumaraan sa proseso ng lumbay, pagkabigo at pagtanggap. Matingkad ang kanyang pagkakaganap dahil hinahatak niya tayong damhin ang kanyang mga dilemma habang nakikibaka siyang matanggap ang pagtataksil ng kasintahan. Katangi-tangi rin ang pagganap ni Alma Moreno at totoong nabawasan ang kanyang hysterical gestures sa pelikulang ito ngunit wala rin naman siyang ipinakitang bagong kakayahan para pangatawanan ang papel ng isang babaeng pilit ibinabangon ang sarili upang di-tuluyang masadlak sa kinagisnang uri ng pamumuhay…” – Jojo De Vera (READ MORE)

    “…Si Orestes ay isa sa mga seksing aktor noong kalagitnaan ng dekada 70s kung saan ang dekadang ito ang pinakatugatog ng kanyang katanyagan. Kinahumalinag siya sa pelikula niyang Ang Boyfriend kong Baduy noong 1976 kung saan ipinareha sa kaniya ang limang naggagandahan babae na sina Amalia Fuentes, Barbara Perez, Celia Rodriguez at iba pa. Sa pelikulang Huwag Hamakin: Hostess dalawa sa mga sikat na artista ang itinambal sa kanya na sina Nora Aunor at Alma Moreno na gumanap bilang mga hostess sa kanyang buhay…” – Wikipilipinas (READ MORE)

    “…Ate Vi made around 198 films from 1963 to 2002. This includes cameo appearances in Dugo at Pagibig sa Kapirasong Lupa, Mga Mata ni Angelita, Huwag Hamakin Hostess (with Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno with Vilma getting Orestes Ojeda in the end), Candy, No Other Love, Charot, Rizal Alih, Engkanto, and ‘Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw’, a Gabby-Snooky starrer, produced by friend Gabby Concepcion…” – The 28th (READ MORE)

    “…Do you always succeed in packaging a movie? “Often, yes, But, alas, I have failures too.” For instance? “Well, some reasons for failure are due to wrong chemistry of the cast, to the vehicle (story) and/or unsuitability of both elements. Let’s take the movie, Huwag Hamakin: Hostess, which with solid actresses, a move that proved to be contrary to the image of La Aunor. It would have been all right, if Alma Moreno, Nora’s co-star, was paired with another bold actress. But that, we learned only later and too late! I was aware of Guy’s image. But I wasn’t aware that her image wouldn’t go well with the combination. Not even the controversy of including Vilma Santos in the cast helped. It only antagonized both camps of Nora-Vilma fans…” – Manny B. Fernandez, Expressweek, March 1, 1979 (READ MORE)

    “…In the 15 movies he had appeared in since 1972, Orestes feels that he has not done roles that would demand from him the maturity of outlook as an actor…”I like to be known as an actor and not just a bold star. But cinema is a tremendous image-making machine. I realize that I cannot totally turn my back on my bold image,” Orestes lamented…he is back again in his bold role in “Huwag Hamakin: Hostess.” But Orestes is happy about this role. He is paired with Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno. The picture is a tragic-comedy. “I play a bastard-gigolo who lives off two women portrayed by Nora and Vilma. The role offers me romantic and comedy situations. It also calls for some understanding of a misdirected and amoral character and I certainly find it a challenge,” stresses Orestes when we talked in a downtown hotel which was the setting of one of his love trysts with co-star Alma. ” I am centainly very lucky to have Joey Gosiengfial as a director. He has guided me in my interpretation of my roles. And of course, it’s a rare opportunity to be pitted against two real actresses like Nora and Alma and a veteran performer like Bella Flores (who plays Orestes’ sugar mommy in the flick)”, he adds…Observers in the local movie world believe that Orestes can be a good actor. The guy has looks and intelligence…” – Beth U. Castillo, Expressweek Magazine, 29 June 1978 (READ MORE)

    Candy (1980)

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    Basic Info: Direction: Joey Gosiengfiao ; Story: Ely de Guzman; Cast: Sheryl Cruz, Ricky Belmonte, Rosemarie Sonora, Ronaldo Valdez, Chichay, Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Aruray; Release Date: 11 April 1980; Production Co: Silver Screen Productions – IMDB (READ MORE)

    Plot Description: No Available Data

    Film Achievement: 1981 FAMAS Best Child Actress Nomination – Sheryl Cruz; Sheryl Cruz has appeared with Vilma before in Candy (Vilma in a cameo role) and Good Morning Sunshine (1980) directed by Ishmael Bernal and Mano Po 3: My Love (2004) is their third film together.

    Film Review: “…Ate Vi made around 198 films from 1963 to 2002. This includes cameo appearances in Dugo at Pagibig sa Kapirasong Lupa, Mga Mata ni Angelita, Huwag Hamakin Hostess (with Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno with Vilma getting Orestes Ojeda in the end), Candy, No Other Love, Charot, Rizal Alih, Engkanto, and ‘Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw’, a Gabby-Snooky starrer, produced by friend Gabby Concepcion…Sheryl Cruz has appeared with Vilma before in Candy (Vilma in a cameo role) and Good Morning Sunshine (1980) directed by Ishmael Bernal. Mano Po 3 is their third film together…” – The 28th (READ MORE)

    Sheryl Rose Anna Marie Sonora Cruz (born April 5, 1974 in Makati City, Philippines), better known simply as Sheryl Cruz, is a Filipina actress and singer. She is known for her role as Divina Ferrer on 2007’s television drama series Sinasamba Kita and as Valeria on Bakekang and Rosalinda. Cruz started her career at a very young age. She won the FAMAS Best Child Actress award for her portrayal in the movie “Mga Basang Sisiw” opposite Janice de Belen, Che Che and the late Julie Vega. She also won best child actress for the movie “Roman Rapido” opposite her late uncle the King of Filipino Movies, Fernando Poe Jr. She was later contracted by Regal Films along with Kristina Paner and Manilyn Reynes to form the sensational group “TRIPLETS”. Among the three, Manilyn Reynes became the Star of the New Decade and Sheryl Cruz became the Princess of Philippine Cinema. At that time, GMA Network established the youth oriented TV show “That’s Entertainment” hosted by German Moreno, where she became part of the Wednesday group. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

    Aruray was a famous Filipina comedian of the Philippines. She made many movies produced by her home studio Sampaguita Pictures. Born in 1920, she is one of the most successful comedians of the 1950s and 1960s. She was once nominated as Best Supporting Actress in the movie Torkwata. – Wikipilipinas (READ MORE)

    Darna and the Giants (VIDEOS)

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    Plot Description: The second film after the massive success of Lipad Darna Lipa (Fly Darna Fly), Vilma Santos returned as Darna/Narda in Darna and the Giants. Directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza, Giants was about X3X (Helen Gamboa) who infected ordinary people with serum that made them giants. The giants played havoc to the city and thank goodness Darna eliminated them before demonic X3X conquered the whole world. Now paired with Don Don Nakar as Ding, Vilma radiated the screen for the second time. Kudos to the tricky special effects that made the giants realistic. Ike Lozada stole the film though. His scenes were the funniest in years. Darna used a huge church bell to defeat him. It was unclear why the fat giant, Ike, were allergic to the sound of the church bell. Darna rung the bell to great effects, making the giant Ike felt excruciating pain in his ears. Darna then threw the bell on Ike’s head suffocating him to his immediate death. That alone made everyone’s theatre tickets worth every penny! And lots of pennies as the film became one of two Darna movies that featured Vilma Santos and both films became big box office hits of 1973. – RV


    Video credit: Star Star


    Video credit: Star Star


    Video credit: Star Star


    Video credit: OctoArts Films

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