Marc Abaya

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Movie watch: “Ang Nawawala” (What Isn’t There)

Posted by Norman on July 28, 2012
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

In the ongoing Cinemalaya 2012, one movie that stands out for me is Marie Jamora’s “Ang Nawawala” (What Isn’t There). The movie stars Dawn Zulueta, Marc Abaya, Boboy Garrovillo, Mercedes Cabral, Sabrina Man and twin brothers Dominic and Felix Roco. Here’s the plot just to give you an idea:

Gibson Bonifacio stopped speaking when he was a child. Now twenty years old, he returns home to Manila from his studies abroad, his first visit in three years. He finds his family trying to keep it together, his mother still hurting from a tragic loss in the past. Against the backdrop of the vibrant local music scene, his childhood best friend tries to reconnect with him, while he unexpectedly finds a chance at a first, real romantic relationship. Amidst the holidays, Gibson reconsiders and redefines his relationships with his family, his friends, and with himself.

Featuring songs of Sandwich, Pedicab, Itchyworms, Tarsius, Outerhope and other bands, “Ang Nawawala” sounds like a typical dysfunctional family drama. But this looks like one that can offer more. I’ll definitely find time for it.

You can still catch weekend screenings of the movie at Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma Cinemas. Check out the remaining screening times HERE.

“Aswang” opens today! Watch and be scared!

Posted by Norman on November 2, 2011
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .


courtesy of regalcinema

Regal Entertainment Inc. and Director Jerrold Tarog present “Aswang” starring Lovi Poe, Paulo Avelino, Jillian Ward, Albie Casino, Marc Abaya, Precious Lara Quigaman, Joem Bascon, Nina Jose, and Bembol Roco.

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. 😉

Cinemalaya movie watch: “I-libings” (just how do you read this title?)

Posted by Norman on June 30, 2011
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .


courtesy of ticketworldmanila

First off, how do you read the title “I-libings”? It could mean “to bury” if spoken as “ilibing“. On the other hand, it could also refer to a play of letters (e.g. iPod or iMac or iPad) that makes the word sound like an electronic advancement by way of funeral/burial videography. However which way you read it, the movie certainly makes for a curious watch during Cinemalaya 2011.

The Cinemalaya website describes the movie as:

A coming of age story about Isabel’s lessons and realizations on life and death as a funeral videography intern. Due to her family situation, Isabel is cynical and skeptical of everything that comes her way. When she enters the I-libings for her required college internship, she sees it as the worst internship her college adviser could suggest to her. Later as she accumulates her required hours, she realizes that the company is not just a place where videographers make money out of other people’s misfortunes but is a place where the dead and the grieving receive special attention. It all comes full circle when Isabel is faced with an unusual family tragedy. Isabel realizes that her internship might have been just 200 hours, but the lessons that the I-libings left her would last a lifetime.

The dramedy is directed by Rommel Sales and stars Glaiza de Castro as Isabel. She is joined by Marc Abaya, Carlo Aquino, Rez Cortez, Alchris Galura, Louella de Cordova and Earl Ignacio.

Want to watch “I-libings“? Then catch the movie during Cinemalaya 2011 from July 15-24, 2011. You can visit their website for screening schedules. 😉