Forever And a Day - KC Concepcion Impresses in Cinematic Jewel

Eugene Silvero (Sam Milby) stands at the fork of a road. As product developer of a shoe company, he is suddenly missing target sales from his ambitious and expensive new product. And his company is pulling its plug. Meanwhile, Raffy Salvador (KC Concepcion) is facing her fears head on. She has a Stage 4 Lymphoma (a cancer in the lymphatic cells of the immune system), but has had enough of the crippling effects of chemotherapy. To escape from each of their dilemma, they separately head to and find each other in dreamy Bukidnon’s recreational camp where they gradually fall for each other. But Raffy has reservations for an impending relationship. Would Eugene back off if he knew of her condition? Would he be able to convince Raffy to give chemo another go?

In Cathy Garcia-Molina’s “Forever And a Day”, the answers take a rather pragmatic route, and much like real life, the repercussion of some decisions doesn’t always end in “happily ever after”. The film is an exposition on acceptance more than it is about dealing with grief, and in more ways, this is an unusually brave project for a mainstream production bent on concessions that usually dumb down their audience.

KC Concepcion sheds off her theatrical affectations, the vicarious habits that used to underline her distracting enthusiasm displayed in Joyce Bernal’s banal effort “For The First Time” and Joel Lamangan’s “When I Met U”. In Maryo J. de los Reyes’ “I’ll Be There”, KC was able to flaunt flashes of controlled brilliance, but “Forever and a Day” ushers an inspired chapter when the Megastar’s daughter is finally proving her worth as an actress in serious contention. And though it doesn’t seem so, Concepcion is really just three years in the business, though we presume to have known her forever. Her mother wasn't this proficient on her fourth film (Eddie Garcia's "Cross My Heart"). Can you imagine what she is capable of doing on her 10^th year in the business?

As the suffering Raffy, KC pulls away from the usual broad strokes integral in Filipino melodrama. There was a degree of subtle constancy, an unwavering dedication to her character. She never faltered. In fact, her inherent ardor is quite palpable from her facial expression to her body movement. If you’ve never heard of graceful grief, this is how it’s done. And if Raffy fails to tug you in the heart strings, then there is something very wrong with your affect. Suddenly, KC is doing something right.

Sam Milby does well himself as the embattled corporate planner. His motivations were quite understandable, and his concerns thrusted the gravely battered “male ego” to the fore. Gone are Milby’s heavy handed, ultra-emphatic deliveries. He has truly evolved into one of his generation’s most dependable actors (see "Third World Happy" for proof). It also helps that he generates a simmering chemistry with KC.

Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro provide a dreamy backdrop to the emotional predicaments experienced by the protagonists. They perfectly provide a tableau that helps move and highlight the narrative. After this, who wouldn’t want to visit that side of Shangrila?

Director Molina is truly the modern-day exponent of cinematic quotations, but there’s a line in the film that doesn't sit well with us. While Raffy sits beside Eugene, she then looks down, gazes at her shoes and says, “Shoes are the least appreciated things in this world,” which I beg to disagree. We're aware that she was spewing commentary on the seeming expendability of life. But shoes? If that were true, we wouldn’t have an Imelda Marcos. I wouldn’t be buying a pair once a month. Moreover, there wouldn’t be a Eugene Silvero in a movie like “Forever and a Day”. Shoes are indeed much appreciated; people slave away just to plan on buying one. Despite this minor quibble, there are other note-worthy lines. When Raffy talks about the helplessness of her condition, she likens this to “Parang nananakawan… nadaya, even if you’ve done everything right.” Bad things indeed happen even to good people.

The movie is chivalrous in many levels, and we have to tip our hat to Molina’s audacious foray into movie world’s Neverland. Yes, you won’t find a Filipino movie as indomitable in its commitment to delve into the realm of mortality, bereavement and acceptance! It has moments of unabashed mawkishness – the protracted spiels at Raffy’s bedside, but we understand its exigency. More than anything, the film dispenses lessons that most cinematic stories omit or decide to ignore. When life threatens to make a sudden halt, we still try to make the best of our remaining hours. Regardless of its brevity, life is still a precious gift.

For a change, I won’t complaint about the film’s B-rating from this dubious organization called C.E.B.

"Forever And a Day" is clearly a cinematic jewel!

Sam Milby is Eugene Silvero.

gabby's cameo inspires toni gonzaga to enunciate

"cameo"

Overheard several times last week at Entertainment Live.

This was in reference to Gabby Concepcion's swoon-worthy guest appearance in Sharon Cuneta's movie, "BFF". The lovely Toni Gonzaga effusively and repeatedly said:" There is a "ca-me-yo" (accent on the 2nd syllable). Did I really hear her say that in all its trisyllabic glory? Hmmm. Must have misheard it. But I heard it again while she was interviewing KC Concepcion (who vowed how much she "love Toni talaga").

What can you say about your dad's "ca-me-yo"? (mentioned twice during the segment)

...and I fell off my seat as I rolled through my kingdom of hilarity.

Class, all together now - "cah-m'yo"! Again, class, "cah-m'yo". Tintin and Glorybell, the accent is on the 1st syllable.

Asus, and the english proficient Bianca Gonzales can't even correct a dear friend!

Movie Review: When I Met U

Jenny (KC Concepcion) and Benjie (Richard Gutierrez) are two peas in a pod. They are kindred souls who live their seemingly joyful existence through the whims of their controlling and manipulative partners (Alfred Vargas and Iya Villania, respectively). One fateful day, they find themselves spending an overnighter, marooned on a deserted island after their plane encountered mechanical trouble en route to a common friend’s wedding ceremony in Coron, Palawan. After an infuriatingly cheesy cat-and-mouse flirtation amidst lush mangroves and giant lizard, they realize an unmistakable chemistry together.

Once back in civilization, reality sets in. Hooking up as fast friends, they also realize that keeping their current relationships may prove beneficial to both their immediate families as well. But we all know that loving hearts are stubborn, and true love, as the song goes, always finds a way, doesn’t it? Well, at least, in romantic comedies, they do. And this Joel Lamangan-directed starrer is no exception.

The first time I heard that Joel Lamangan was finally chosen to helm this pre-Valentine offering, I was disappointed. I am not such a fan of Mr. Lamangan. His body of work never impressed me, except for a few (Huling Birhen sa Lupa, Deathrow and Pusong Mamon) and I don’t expect “When I Met U” to be among those. KC deserves a better fare than her first movie.

Lamangan’s strong point comes to the fore in that he knows how to somehow please a crowd (Maricel Soriano’s “Bahay Kubo”, Regal's "Mano Po" series) – but not the critically-discerning crowd though. Character development is not among Lamangan’s gifts. This is obvious in “When I Met U”. In fact, the unevenness in the individual narratives between Jenny and Benjie tilts towards Richard’s character. You get to learn the intrinsic mechanics of Benjie’s character through his dysfunctional family: a not-so-easy domestic life of a struggling pilot, an opportunistic father (Tonton Gutierrez) who would rather sell his son’s soul to the devil over the fast buck, etc.

Having said that, Richard’s character Benjie is easily a sympathetic one, and by stroke of luck, Gutierrez comes off with his most believable performance in his entire “leading man” career! We have always been vocal about our indifference to Richard Gutierrez. He was always the “beautiful leading man”, but nary a hint of brilliance. This I believe is somehow because Gutierrez was always “fortunate” enough to be given roles that were always “too big” for his shoes. After all, sometimes greatness isn’t made in a day! In this movie, Richard – like Angel Locsin in “Love Me Again” – takes his artistic steps a notch higher, and I am glad! His mother studio (GMA) has finally given him something that doesn’t overwhelm him, thereby giving him enough space to let his character evolve at his own pace.

Which leaves us with KC Concepcion!

The first 20 minutes of the movie was nagging my patience. KC plays Jenny - a “mall promodizer” (is there really such a term?) who comes off a little too loud and flirty, crass and awkward, and for several instances, more infuriating than endearing or humorous. But as Jenny’s story unravels, we begin to see her in various levels of intensity. This beautiful face is an experimental actress, something that her dear mother Sharon Cuneta would have benefited from had the latter not been too sheltered by Viva Films back in the days. KC does not mind trying new techniques even if in the process, she would look ridiculous (the Hotdog scene), overzealous (the bayawak scene where instead of running away from fright, she waddles in the mud), or downright desperate (the airport scene where she bawls her heart out as her bridal train floats poetically in mid-air). KC is indeed her parent’s daughter – a natural! Had she been banal or flat, she would still look lovely on celluloid. But we have to underline the fact that KC is most effective in her quiet moments; when she weeps without saying much. She must have learned from her mom’s experience in “Madrasta”.

Now, how is “When I Met U” as a cinematic offering? Is it a masterpiece? Surely, it is not! And no one expects it to be. This is made without a grand ambition to be both epic and romantic (like the pretentious and amateurish "Baler"). In fact, the story is way too simplistic; the situations too “maneuvered” to be really believed, but this is where this film succeeds. When a fan-movie doesn’t pretend to be something more than what it is – a crowd-pleasing “fan movie”, then it won’t fall down the pit that made “For the First Time” or even “Paano Kita Iibigin” a big disappointment to “love story” fans like me!

Congratulations KC and Richard!

... an empty piece of a shell...

Movie Review: Joyce Bernal's For The First Time

Candy Pangilinan plays KC's "yaya" in Joyce Bernal's latest movie, "For The First Time". She also started the ball rolling down to a treacherous slope that has no promise of redemption, except for the fact that KC Concepcion stars in her very first movie. Unfortunately for KC, who is obviously bound for greater glories, the well anticipated movie miserably disappoints.

When the loquacious yaya starts spouting invectives, everything that comes out of her mouth doesn't quite translate into anything humorous. In fact, she was my main source of aggravation in the first 15 minutes of the movie. She just wasn't funny! She inspired my violent rages that I began seeing myself wringing her neck, shaking her endlessly until she realizes that her performance was nowhere endearing or amusing. Her character could be a latter-day incarnation of Suzanne Gonzales or Nova Villa who have played the hilarious nanny to many of Sharon Cuneta's early characters. Unfortunately again, Pangilinan doesn't possess the subtlety of the aforementioned actresses. She is as crass as a those MILF characters spouting ideals on peace. LOL. Having said that, let me go back to the movie.

I had high hopes about this movie. It was an "event" that hasn't escaped even my mother who's vacationing in Davao. And like me, she queued to witness this historical event. Me in Galleria, she in SM Davao. We basically know how the story goes: Rich, but hard working girl Pia (KC Concepcion) meets heartbreaker Seth (Richard Gutierrez) while vacationing in Santorini. She despises him like a fatal disease, which amuses the lothario into wooing her overnight. Sparks fly... or I thought it was supposed to.

There was something amiss with their screen pairing. I can't quite pinpoint the culprit. To be honest, I was never enthralled by Richard Gutierrez. Sure, he is "beautiful" - and though I have watched all his cinematic forays, i was never infatuated with him. His beauty is a novelty that's easy to overcome. He never made my toes curl. He just doesn't seem to possess the gravitas that makes leading men compelling - and that is purely personal. I am sure he has made lots of girls dream wild. Not me. I prefer my men "handsome", not "beautiful".

I have to admit though that his television appearances with KC are something to get yourself worked up with. As a couple, they are a perfection. Which begs the question why they didn't quite work onscreen. The answer must lie somewhere in the technicality of cinematic storytelling. This movie was recklessly told in all its mediocrity. It is such a shame, considering they even have to fly to Greece to spice up the formula. Here's another rub: One hour into the movie, the images onscreen start to blur! Their Grecian canvas becomes badly photographed, I could have shot those scenes better with my amateur video cam. It was so bad, it went on for the next 40 minutes or so! Was this partially filmed using a digital camera? Budget constraints maybe? And isn't Star Cinema a reliable source of glossy, flashy, picture-perfect visuals? The answer is obviously "not all the time". Not this time, at least!

Our troubled heroine Pia trades verbal tussle with Seth while in Greece. By stroke of luck, she makes a deal with the devil (Seth, of course). In a day's worth of flirtation, she falls head over heels in love with the cad. Ganun kabilis nawala ang yamot nya sa manlolokong maningibig. What made her change her mind? Simple! Seth pushed her off the jetty and down the aegean seas! Hahaha. As far as I am concerned, if a guy who woos me pushes me to any body of water, not only will I file a criminal case against him, he will also get a kick in the central recesses of his masculinity! I don't get wooed by murderous maneuvers! In my book, it is brutal, not romantic! But hey, it worked, Pia softens up and even accepts a dinner date that night!

Now let me focus on Seth's character who is inadequately threshed out. He has had a long history of "loving" most of Pia's girl friends, so - when did he have the time to actually live in Greece, learn the language - and in the process stamp an idiotic Italian accent to it - then acquire mastership of a tavern? Not only won't he open the guesthouse at the peak of the tourist season, he also kept dating a bevy of ladies. How did he manage to finance himself or his dates? So, in principle, Richard's character is at best, a figment of an extravagantly fertile imagination; a pulp fiction so desirable that you just have to believe sans logic.

Even as the couple gets back to Manila, the situations kept defying rationality: the greek restaurant scene is one of such scene. Allow me to backtrack to Santorini. When Pia's character fails to find a hotel in Greece, she goes back to Seth's tavern. Instead of eating a humble pie, she kept insulting the owner of the house. Didn't she just beg him to take them back? If so, how can she afford to be rude? This is just among a series of mindbenders littering this cinematic event! And yet, this is such a masterpiece that it actually gets a B Rating from the Cinema Evaluations Board! Which makes you think. Who are these nincompoops manning the C.E.B?

And since when has Phillip Salvador turned into a one-dimensional, sour-faced, caricaturish actor? Maybe coz he was underemployed for years? He comes out with a single expression on his face from start to finish - he might as well wear a mask to save him the agony of a transfixed grimace!

Now, the ending (spoilers beware!). Pia turns up to Seth's family gathering with her whole clan in tow, declaring her undying love for the heartbroken Seth. It was nothing but a failed gimmickry that was farcical at best. It unsuccessfully pushed the boundaries of romance, teetering on the vicinity of desperation. But make no mistake, it was neither romantic nor cute. Again, in my book (which took 22 years to write), romance ends with a cute guy wooing the cute girl. Not the other way around!

Now, to the only gem in this otherwise puddle of mud: KC Concepcion! She overflows with a natural instinct and charm that lights up the screen! She is intuitive and formidably competent - way way better than her mother when the latter was April in "Dear Heart" - or her next 10 movies thereafter! In "For the First Time", a movie star is born! It's just too bad that she had to shine in a mediocre movie! Mel Gibson did it in his very first starrer, the Australian teenage flick "Summer City".

Now, what has happened to Joyce Bernal? Why was this story so banal? Doesn't Star Cinema have creative consultants who scrutinize the storyline and the script? Olivia Lamasan? Ricky Lee? Here's more bad news: I watched the evening screening (7:30PM) at the Galleria, cinema 2 (their biggest I believe) and there was no crowd inside. "Caregiver" was almost-full on its FIRST SCREENING on its first day! What gives? But then again, who cares about that observation? I've read somewhere that the film has allegedly earned P15 million already as of 4 PM on its first day! Alleluia!

Would I still recommend this to people? Of course. This is still a must-see movie if only for the fact that this is KC's first movie! This will be remembered and often referred to when KC is at her prime as one of the stellar movie queens in the distant future - like her mom is!

As to my own mother, she forced herself to watch it in SM Davao. My mom is easy to please when it comes to Pinoy movies. She liked most of the Pinoy films she's seen so far, including Sara Geronimo's "Very Special Love". When asked how she liked the movie, she stopped herself to think, then said, "Ah.... ok lang!" And it was the most tentative thing I've heard from my mom!



















Santorini moments...

one humdrum afternoon

All my energy's rarin' to be unleased but I'm stuck on a boring Saturday afternoon. Perhaps I need Enervon. Di ba, more energy, mas happy? Speaking of that irksome commercial, I've wondered how much KC Concepcion was paid to draw those smileys several times over. She has been a ubiquitous sight. In fact, as I write this, she has graced my television screen ad nauseam. She is a lovely lady, but I prefer to ogle at that cutie pie caucasian guy of the Century Tuna commercial.

Now that I think about it, Miss Concepcion is invading my life! Eeeeek! My mom spent a fortune to get this paleozoic coffee table from Iloilo to Manila. And guess what's on top of it? aka Cassandra! KC's debut cd! Both my teenage brothers seem to enjoy listening to it. Brian - the self-confessed school hearthrob - plays a particular song, then stares at this droll CD cover. It's scary looking at him like that. He has girls queueing for him in school - and he pines over a CD cover? Pathetic. And can I please get a tissue for his gob puddling my floor? Ewww.

To be fair about it, KC has a lovely voice. But on random tv guestings, she would rather go for those Alanis Morisette- type of songs "Imposible"? The level of difficulty is obviously a challenge for an artist's vocal prowess. Unfortunately, it also highlights her vocal limitations. This early in her musical career, she does NOT want to alienate new-found fans by revealing so much of her current limitations. She should learn from her dear mother. She will be good at this singing stuff, but it will take time. I am starting to get annoyed listening to her sing "Imposible" - especially when she starts wailing - ooooeeeeooohhhhh. Something like that. Only, more disgusting.

Where has that lovely voice gone? They are right there, in the lovely Tagalog tracks like "Doo Be Doo" (supposedly an African song adapted to Tagalog) and the endearing "Ngiti Lang", which is a Ryan Cayabyab song. I was born ages after many of Mr. Cayabyab's songs made the airwaves so I am not familiar with his supposed genius, but if just for this song, I have become a believer. When I feel down or displeased or aggravated, I secretly take KC's cd back to my room and secretly play "Ngiti Lang" - over and over - then I feel better. This is where I won't mind Ms. Concepcion invade my private space.

Too bad she seems to prefer hiding this feel-good song over the inane "Imposible". As for my hearthrob brother Brian, I'd kick his ass the next time he pervs on a droll CD cover. Makes me blush!


for pete's sake, buy the original