GMA Films

All posts tagged GMA Films

Movie Must-Watch: “Tiktik -The Aswang Chronicles”

Posted by Norman on September 30, 2012
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

I will let the images and the ‘uncensored’ full trailer of the movie speak for themselves. “Tiktik” – the Aswang Chronicles could be the most impressive Filipino horror flick ever produced. Aside from it being entirely shot against a green screen, the production people – led by Director Erik Matti – used the most advanced technology in filmmaking.

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The movie that could set the tone for a new advent in Pinoy digital filmmaking.


courtesy of AswangChronicles

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Notice the look and texture of the movie. Impressive!

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The eerieness is excellently captured in this shot alone.

Watch “Tiktik – the Aswang Chronicles – co produced by GMA Films, Agostodos Productions, Mothership and Reality Entertainment – and scheduled to open nationwide on October 17. The movie stars Dingdong Dantes, Lovi Poe, Joey Marquez, Ramon Bautista, Janice de Belen and LJ Reyes.

Benjamin Alves: a ‘Kapuso’ Heartthrob in the making

Posted by Norman on March 11, 2012
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

It’s Sunday. Let’s take a much-needed breather from all the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 frenzy just for today so I can introduce one male personality who is very likely to become the next matinee idol of Philippine showbiz.

Benjamin Alves: Out to conquer showbiz via GMA-7

Meet Benjamin Alves.

Some might ask, “Benjamin who?” Well, the guy is a talent of the now-famous Mercator Model and Artist Management and is being handled by head honcho Jonas Gaffud who divides his time between making beauty queens and transforming models into hot celebrities. He is most definitely a cutie of a hunk – what with that good-looking face, those piercing eyes, and a pretty nice built. You’d better get ready to see more of him in the next few months as he starts embarking on a showbiz career that should make ‘Benjamin Alves‘ a household name in no time at all.

During the contract signing: (L-R) GMA Entertainment TV’s OIC Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Benjamin Alves, Jonas Gaffud (Benjamin’s manager) and GMA Films President Annette Gozon-Abrogar

Just earlier this week, Benjamin became a certified ‘Kapuso‘ after signing an exclusive contract with GMA-7 which signals his big-time entry into TV and the movies. Knowing the network, I trust that he will be initially casted in one of its’ top-rating primetime or afternoon prime teleseryes for starters. He should also be seen taking part in the Sunday musical-dance/variety program ‘Party Pilipinas’ plus guest appearances in some GMA-7 and GMA News TV shows.

With those killer looks, how can Benjamin Alves miss?

Benjamin – co-managed by GMA Artist Center and Mercator – will be gradually molded into a dramatic actor in hopes of assuming leading-man status and getting paired with some of the network’s top actresses like Heart Evangelista, Lovi Poe, Rhian Ramos, Carla Abellana and Glaiza de Castro. Movies will most probably be in the offing as well. GMA Films has been steadily churning out a variety of flicks where he could get a role or two in the near future.

So what does the future hold for this tall and handsome 23 year-old? A lot, I reckon. He can fill the niche of GMA-7’s stable of artists waiting to be the next Dingdong Dantes, Richard Gutierrez or Dennis Trillo.

Remember the name – Benjamin Alves. Watch out for more as he boldly steps up to the showbiz plate. 😉

Please feel free to like his Facebook Fanpage by clicking HERE.

Note: Want to give Benjamin a quick shoutout? You can follow him on Twitter @hellomrbenjamin

Movie watch: “The Road” (from GMA Films) is as creepy as it gets!

Posted by Norman on November 18, 2011
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .


courtesy of lhay24

Even before its’ nationwide release on November 30, GMA Films’ horror movie “The Road” has already sparked the interest of foreign movie critics/enthusiasts specializing in films of this genre. Here are some of the quotes:

“Stunning cinematography and sound design combine to create a truly unsettling atmosphere” Todd Brown, editor-in-chief Twitch Film

“A beautifully shot, twisted supernatural tale with incredible FX and great scares!” Brad Miska, Editor-in-Chief Bloody Disgusting

“Creepy to the extreme. It gets under your skin and stays there.” Jason Bene, KillerFilm.com

About the trailer above, here’s more from Todd Brown of twitchfilm.com :

“We ran the first teaser for The Road a while back, much impressed by the visuals and mood of the piece. And now Laranas has released the full trailer for the film, a bit of work that still keeps plot details to a minimum while showing off the pictures gorgeous cinematography and incredibly creepy tone, that tone greatly enhanced by the use of music and sound design from Let The Right One In composer Johan Söderqvist. Laranas is clearly on top form here.”

And regarding the movie poster above, JoBlo.com (Arrow in the Head) and Jared Pacheco have this to say:

“NEW ONE-SHEET FOR GENRE FLICK THE ROAD SCORES ITSELF A ROTTING CORPSE!”
“It seems there’s a Filipino genre flick that’s been getting some attention as of late that has somehow been flying under our radar. Well I’m about to change that. The project I’m getting at is a supernatural romp called THE ROAD and it’s coming our way from director Yam Laranas.”

Here’s the plot of “The Road”:

A twelve year old cold case is reopened when three teens are missing in an abandoned road. In the course of the investigation, deeper and gruesome stories of abduction and murders are discovered. After more than two decades, the secrets of the haunted road may finally be revealed.

If I have interested you so far, then mark the date – November 30 – when “The Road” will open all throughout the Philippines.

“The Road” is directed by internationally-acclaimed director Yam Laranas (“The Echo”) and stars Carmina Villarroel, Marvin Agustin, Rhian Ramos, TJ Trinidad, Barbie Forteza, Ynna Asistio, Derrick Monasterio, Lexi Fernandez, Alden Richards, Louise Delos Reyes and Renz Valerio.

You can follow the movie on Twitter @TheRoadGMAFilms

Two new Pinoy horror flicks to scare you witless

Posted by Norman on September 23, 2011
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

In the next two months, two local films of the horror genre will be released nationwide and they look very interesting enough. I’m a fan of scary movies, aside from the fact that the two directors – Jerrold Tarog and Yam Laranas – have proven themselves more than competent to come up with works that can make your skin crawl. Check them out.


courtesy of regalcinema

Jerrold Tarog caught my attention when he directed the “Punerarya” (Funeral Parlor) episode of Shake Rattle & Roll 12. He gave the same a look and feel that sent shivers to my bones. This time around, he came up with a remake that thrives in a rustic macabre setting which lends more authenticity to the folkloric origins of the flesh-eating creatures called “Aswang“. I’m excited to watch this one. Watch the teaser trailer above and you’ll see what I mean.

“Aswang” is presented by Regal Entertainment, Inc. Directed by Jerrold Tarog, it stars Lovi Poe, Paulo Avelino, Jillian Ward, Marc Abaya, Nina Jose, Precious Lara Quigaman and introducing Albie Casino. It opens October, 2011.


courtesy of pinoymovieblog

On the other hand, Yam Laranas has been churning out mostly horror flicks ever since he started making a name for himself in the biz. In fact, he remade one of his earlier works – 2004’s “Sigaw” (Scream) – into a (straight-to-video) Hollywood production that starred Jesse Bradford and local actress Iza Calzado. His latest offering is “The Road”, an intriguing ghost story that delivers less of the gore and more of the build-up scare tactics – all rolled into an excellently-photographed production that makes me want to watch the whole thing.

The Road is presented by GMA Films and director Yam Laranas. It stars Rhian Ramos, TJ Trinidad, Carmina Villarroel, Marvin Agustin, Barbie Forteza, Alden Richards, Louise delos Reyes, Derrick Monasterio, Lexie Fernandez and Ynna Asistio. It opens November, 2011.

Support Filipino Films. Let’s all watch “Aswang” and The Road. I’m pretty sure we won’t be disappointed. 😉

Joey Gosiengfiao’s Temptation Island (2011) opens today!

Posted by Norman on July 6, 2011
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , .

The day has arrived. The remake of Temptation Island opens nationwide today. If you’re a big fan of the original cult classic, watch this one to see how Director Chris Martinez pays homage to the late mother creator, Joey Gosiengfiao. And if you’re just plain curious, check it out because I’m pretty sure it will be an all-out fun flick to spend two hours of your time with. 😉

Watch the full trailer here:


courtesy of regalcinema

As my week is pretty full at work, I’m scheduled to watch it (with two of my friends-contemporaries) this coming Saturday….first screening! 🙂

Must-look-forward-to-movie-remake: Working Girls (2010)

Posted by Norman on April 7, 2010
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

1984 was the year that the original “Working Girls” movie was released. It became a box-office hit back then as well as an iconic piece of work from the late great Director Ishmael Bernal. The seven ladies who played the title roles were Hilda Koronel, Rio Locsin, Chanda Romero, Gina Pareno, Carmi Martin, Maria Isabel Lopez and Baby Delgado. I remember watching the movie twice in the cinema and enjoying it over and over again on TV. It was a fun chick flick that spawned a sequel that unfortunately flopped.

This year, exactly 26 years after, a remake of “Working Girls” is set for release this coming April 21. And boy, am I hyped for it. Director Jose Javier Reyes wants to pay homage to Ishmael Bernal via this movie and I really hope he lives up to expectations. Viva Films – which produced the original – is also behind the same together with GMA Films and Unitel Productions. The seven ladies in the cast are Ruffa Gutierrez, Eugene Domingo, Iza Calzado, Cristine Reyes, Jennylyn Mercado, Bianca King and Eula Valdez who take on new roles quite different from their predecessors in order to keep up with the times. I must admit, though, that some of them are likely patterned after the first. Take for example Eugene Domingo. She is obviously filling in the comedic part of Gina Pareno (who played an alajera and is now featured in the remake with her) but this time, the former is a seller of fake handbags. On the other hand, Jennylyn Mercado’s character reminds me of Rio Locsin’s role and surprise, they play mother-and-daughter in the movie. Anyways, two other original cast members are part of the new ensemble. Carmi Martin (who popularized the line “Sabel, this must be love!”) is back as a patient of Eula Valdes’ Vicki Belo-reminiscent part, while Maria Isabel Lopez is returning as an activist type who fights against malpractices in cosmetic surgery.

Here is the full trailer of the movie:


video courtesy of YouTube/PinayScandal2009

I’m sure this is going to be fun to watch.

Mark the date – April 21! 😉

“Ang Panday” tops 2009 Metro Manila Filmfest Awards

Posted by Norman on December 29, 2009
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

“Ang Panday” (The Swordsmith) was adjudged Best Picture in the ongoing Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and bested 6 other movies by cornering a majority of the awards handed out last night at the SMX Convention Center. The GMA Films/Imus Productions venture, which garnered 7 trophies in total, is also gunning to be the top grosser in terms of box-office earnings.

Selected as 2nd Best Picture of the festival is Star Cinema’s “I Love You, Goodbye” and following behind as 3rd Best is “Ang Darling kong Aswang.”

Here is the official list of winners:

Best Festival Picture: Ang Panday
2nd Best Picture: I Love You, Goodbye
3rd Best Picture: Ang Darling kong Aswang

Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love

Best Festival Actress: Sharon Cuneta (Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love)
Best Festival Actor: Bong Revilla (Ang Panday)
Best Festival Director: Joel Lamangan (Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love)
Best Festival Supporting Actress: Heart Evangelista (Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love)
Best Festival Supporting Actor: Phillip Salvador (Ang Panday)
Best Festival Child Performer: Robert ‘Buboy” Villar (Ang Panday)

Best Festival Cinematography: Lee Meily (I Love You, Goodbye)
Best Festival Film Editor: Manet Dayrit (I Love You, Goodbye)
Best Original Story: Vanessa Valdez, Kriz Gazmen & Karen Ramos (I Love You, Goodbye)
Best Festival Visual Effects: Ang Panday
Best Festival Production Design: Ang Panday
Best Festival Sound Recording: Ang Darling kong Aswang
Best Festival Musical Score: Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love
Best Festival Make-Up: Shake Rattle & Roll 11
Best Festival Original Theme Song: “Ang Panday” by Ogie Alcasid

Lifetime Achievement Award: Dolphy

Congratulations to all the winners!!!