MMFF 2017 REACTIONS

The Metro Manila Film Festival 2017 is on the finishing stages of it run and this year was definitely full of headlines both on the good and the bad side. Here are some of my key takeaways from MMFF 2017.

1. ISSUE ON FILM QUALITY

- Much to the disappointment of the hard-core film critics, this 2017's edition seemed like it took a backseat. This year's edition deviated from the 2016 edition wherein the more artsy and indie films get into the mix of the selections. This year saw the more commercially viable films back into the fray with the likes of Vice Ganda, Vic Sotto and Coco Martin heading their respective films into the festival. But for me, it was not an overall disappointment. First of all, what needs to be done is to provide clarity on the intent of this festival. It is not like Cannes or any other prestigious festivals. This is a festival to foster the spirit if the Holidays and I think pretty much sums the rationale in showing more mainstream films for the viewing public. The critics may felt a bit letdown but the kids who are the true stars of Christmas are the winners. If I am a parent I would certainly not let my kids go and watch films about violence and other social issues at a very young age. It is the season to celebrate and commercial films bring out more time with family at the moviehouses.

2. MMFF IS A BUSINESS

- Let us admit it, MMFF is not here for the artsy and film quality people are shouting about. This is a festival aimed at the Holidays and the primary reason is to earn and cash in from the season's holiday feels.

3. THE WINNERS

- The winners are good in their own right but I think some are more rightful for the awards. "Ang Larawan" was a breakthrough but I prefer seeing "Deadma Walking" win. Deadma is a masterpiece in that it shows an ensemble cast that reads realism and a story and plot that is worthy of some praise for both being unconventional, fresh and touching all at the same time. But what shocked me more is Derek Ramsay's victory in the Best Actor Category. That seemed like an odd choice edging out some other great perfomances - Joross Gamboa in Deadma Walking, Paulo Avelino in Ang Larawan and Jericho Rosales in Siargao.


Overall, MMFF was a commercial success and also brought about some well-though movies. It was a good mix of commercial and artsy making it an interesting set for audience to choose from.

RAIN

Rain...

As I am left stranded and can't go home because of the heavy outpour from the Heavens, I realized how my life has been in a cloudy mood for some time. Gone were the days when my life was brimming with happiness... energy, fame. luxury, acquaintances... Now they are mere parts of the past... Even if I want to get them all back, I can't - at least for the moment. It would take an enormous amount of effort to retrieve what was once mine. Each and every piece of my old life seemed scattered to different places. I am hoping I could still get them back or maybe at least get a glance at them for one more time...

Rain continues to pour and I am still stuck... Decisions should be made... I want to go home and desperately desire to take refuge. How can I with the amount of rain falling down? I would definitely get wet, drenched and worse soaked... Got to make a stand and decide...

And so I go on and took a step outside, not minding the rain... letting each raindrop fall on me...

***Note: This is one of my first notes written in this blog way back August 2, 2010.

TOP 20 SONGS: JANUARY 6, 2018

Brand new year and we start a brand new charts. While 2017 saw very minimal charts from my end, this year will be different as we start with the first Top 20 songs for 2018. Ed Sheeran leads the pack at No.1 while BTS makes a wave with their song Mic Drop at No.4.

BRAND NEW YEAR: BIGGER AND BETTER

And another year has just went by and it all seemed like a blink of an eye. Now, a fresh new year is up in front of us. 2017 was the culmination of my recovery as 2015 was quite challenging and 2016 was a step towards betterment. 2017 saw challenges come and go yet I have braved the storm and made sure lessons are learned and carried over towards the days ahead.


2018 is a brand new year and I promise things to be better and much bigger. Here's to more writings and better stories with all of you.

MARVEL STUDIOS' AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR TRAILER

MCU finally releases its first official trailer of the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War and all I could say is wow. This is really the culmination of years and numerous of movies intertwined. The trailer looks sleek and the movie promises to be of epic proportions.

MISS UNIVERSE 2017: FINAL PICKS

If the Miss Universe holds true to reported change in format that sees the Top 16 divided by region, then things could be much more unsafe for all the ladies specially those in the Asian regions. The Asians are showing to be powerhouses this year and with the new development, some might miss the cut to the semis. The news has 4 from Asia/Africa/Pacific (3 from judges, 1 from online vote), 4 from Europe (3 from judges and 1 from online vote), 4 from Americas (3 from judges and 1 from online vote) plus 4 wildcards which can come from any of the regions. With that here is my final picks for the Top 16 in Miss Universe 2017. I think the Europe regions is the weakest of them all.