Ruby Ruiz may have been possessed for real as they were shooting the film SAPI, showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Click on link for full screen pics:

http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/2013/11/04/sapi-fear-in-all-levels/

Written By

Jude Bautista

Neither of them anticipated the horror they were about to witness. Broadcast journalist Dennis Marquez (Dennis Trillo) and Producer Meryll Flores (Meryll Soriano) try to calm down public school teachers Ruby (Ruby Ruiz) and Flor (Flor Salangga). Ruby had been possessed earlier in the week and both Dennis and Meryll promised to blur out her face in the video footage they took. In spite of the promise Ruby’s face was never blurred out and students in school where she teaches find out that she was possessed. Meryll suggests they review the episode together so they can talk about their complaints. Instead, the violent images trigger a reaction from Ruby.

Dennis Marquez (Dennis Trillo) interviews Flor (Flor Salangga). Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

The voices from the screen seemed to grow louder in Ruby’s head, whispering yet deafening. When her face is shown screaming, her whole body writhing, mouth frothing, the albularyo hits her with a broom UMALIS KA! UMALIS KA!  Watching it Ruby is hanging on by a thread. But she still manages to speak. Ruby: Yan diba mukha ko yan? (Cries)

Ruby (Ruby Ruiz) is agitated seeing the episode where she is possessed on screen. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

She slowly gets up from the conference table turning away not looking at the TV screen. She hides behind a shelf at the end of the conference room. Now Flor, Dennis and Meryll try to convince her to calm down and come out. After a few moments she emerges, eyes burning, she comes out screaming “Niloko niyo ko! Niloko niyo ko!”. In spite of being small and frail, she overturns the conference table. Meryll: “Kelangan natin ng pari tumawag kayo ng pari! (grabs her i-phone) Hello? Tita? Yes si Meryll ‘to. Do you know a priest? Merong sinasapian ngayon! Ngayon na!

Meryll gets mysterious text message. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

In Brillante Mendoza’s SAPI, a spiritual possession becomes the focal point of a network war, where all forms of evil come out and almost everyone becomes a victim. Opening November 6, 2013 in a theater near you, the spine tingling film is a first in the horror genre for the internationally acclaimed director.

Dante Mendoza is set to receive the Order of Arts & Letters Rank of Chevalier from French Ambassador Gilles Garachon. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Before 2013 ends, Dante will be receiving the Order of Arts & Letters Rank of Chevalier from French Ambassador Gilles Garachon. Mendoza joins an exclusive list of previous awardees which include: Napoleon Abueva, Arturo Luz, F Sionil Jose, Juvenal Sanso, Lucrecia Kasilag, Tikoy Aguiluz, Fides Asencio-Cuyugan and Lulu Tan Gan.

Dennis Trillo meets a girl who was possessed in real life as part of his research. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Mendoza is known for tackling complex issues in his films, SAPI is no exception. What seems to be coverage of spiritual possession turns into a tug of war between the top (fictional) TV networks: SARIMANOK BROADCAST NETWORK (SBN) and Phil Broadcasting Channel (PBC).

SBN Network bosses Racquel Villavicencio and Jon Achaval goes to the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel for a power meeting with their rival network PBC. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

The film provides an insight into that unspoken world of network execs who control what a huge portion of the Filipino population gets to see on their TV sets. In one scene Racquel Villavicencio and Jon Achaval of SBN reach out to their rival Richard Manabat to negotiate the terms of their conflict. They enter the posh Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel but the details of the settlement were excluded. Visually, the environs and the circumstances were more important than the contents of the meeting itself.

SBN Network bosses Racquel Villavicencio and Jon Achaval goes to the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel for a power meeting with their rival network PBC. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Corruption reaches all levels. It’s never just an individual or even a group of individuals but a whole system, a commentary on society as a whole. It was the same with KINATAY, which dealt with corruption in the police force or military. When a cop receives a bribe for a small traffic violation he is only the tip of the iceberg. Corruption in media isn’t just about paying off cameramen or a few reporters. Mendoza is able to show that the whole system breeds corruption. TV networks need audiences/ratings and the desperation to build that audience leads them to achieve it with whatever means necessary.

Dennis Marquez (Dennis Trillo) is assigned to Manila Bay at the height of a typhoon. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Baron Valdez (Baron Geisler) is a cameraman playing both sides of the network war. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Baron Geisler is cast as Baron Valdez a treacherous cameraman working both sides of the network war. He is reunited with Flor Salangga, the faithful friend of the possession victim. Salangga and Geiseler had worked in the Cinemalaya film JAY (2008) by Francis Xavier Pasion. JAY has a similar theme of media people manipulating the depiction of stories for their own ends.

Direk Brillante shoots on an overpass during heavy rains. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Horror in SAPI comes in different forms. Scenes shot in the middle of typhoons give Manileños a chilling reminder of Ondoy and floods ravaging the metro. Nature can be just as terrifying as demons who take possession of human bodies. For a great number of Filipinos SAPI or possession is a part of everyday reality and yet is a subject not dealt with often in the horror genre. It seems too close to home, too real for most of us.

Dante Mendoza shot during the height of not just one but several typhoons. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Direk Jim Libiran cast as TV reporter. He really did have an extensive experience in TV5 in real life as news producer before directing TRIBU. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Jim Libiran is also cast as a broadcast Journalist who touches on environmental issues of irresponsible waste management. Libiran is the multi awarded director of another Cinemalaya film TRIBU. Libiran in real life worked as a network news producer before delving into film. Roeder Camañag is memorable as Abdalap in action musical Dulaang UP’s Orosman at Zafira. Even though he is not able to show his incredible vocals or dance moves as he did in that musical, he easily inhabits a detail oriented Producer of Jim Libiran.

Roeder Camañag is cast as Jim’s frantic TV producer. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Mercedes Cabral is sexy even in an ordinary t-shirt. She has been cast in SERBIS, KINATAY, THY WOMB and now SAPI. She’s also in GMA Network’s KATIPUNAN with Sid Lucero as Andres Bonifacio.

The seductive Mercedes Cabral can truly claim to be Mednoza’s favorite actress having appeared in his most applauded work: THY WOMB, KINATAY, SERBIS and now SAPI. Cabral is also currently cast in GMA Network’s KATIPUNAN with Sid Lucero as Andres Bonifacio.

Mercedes Cabral is sexy even in an ordinary t-shirt. She has been cast in SERBIS, KINATAY, THY WOMB and now SAPI. She’s also in GMA Network’s KATIPUNAN with Sid Lucero as Andres Bonifacio.

Dante Mendoza’s achievement in SAPI is that he redefines what it is that scares us. He knows the most recent and deepest fears of Filipinos. He combines them all, the wrath of nature putting Dennis Trillo in Manila Bay during the height of a typhoon. Animals like boa constrictors become a metaphor for evil. Most of all, he shows us that we are blind from the darkness that resides in each individual. The worst most horrendous of them all is our failure to recognize and admit the potential for evil in each of us.

right: Meryll Soriano shoots with her i-phone 5 in between takes while Baron Geisler and Dennis Trillo receive their blocking instructions. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

The faithful flock to Quiapo church in Manila in the hopes of gaining powers against the evil one. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

PEP Editor Jo Dimaculangan with Direk Dante Mendoza. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Dennis Marquez (Dennis Trillo) is assigned to Manila Bay at the height of a typhoon. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

from left: SOLAR UIP people-Ryan Estioco, Sunby Teng, Lulu Chua, Bing De Ramos of BLINK, SAPI director Dante Mendoza, Butch Ibañez of SOLAR UIP, Ivan Lobaton, Janika De Belen and Mark Suntay of BLINK. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Written and photographed

by Jude Bautista

The devastation of Ondoy and Habagat recently made us all feel helpless. But with the simple act of tree planting we are able to at least directly affect the cause of floods for the long term. Trees are the best way to absorb carbon dioxide emissions, which they say is the great cause of global warming. The effects of global warming are the increased number of typhoons and prolonged droughts each year.

A steel tower allows one to see the growth of forest. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

SPASAA Pres. Rolinda Uy thanks members for their participation. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Trees also absorb water in mountainous areas during the rainy season and help supply water to wells and dams during the dry season.  That’s why Rolinda Uy of Batch 89 thought of organizing the St Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) for a tree planting activity at La Mesa Nature Reserve. It became a family activity for some last August. Former SPASAA Pres. Mark Yuching and wife Janilyn brought the whole family and made it into a great learning experience. Youngest daughter Janine, planted 5 trees and was asking to plant more.

Mark Yuching with son Matthew. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

The trail is easy for anyone to walk. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

The La Mesa Watershed was the perfect venue to bring kids. On weekends it’s barely an hour’s drive from the metro.  The terrain is easy to walk on. The nominal fee includes a short talk, equipment like trowels and seedlings to groups of various sizes. Foresters explain the process of reforestation and even add how fertilizers are made through vermicomposting; the process where biodegradable material is decomposed with worms.

Ashley Go handles the African Nightcrawler responsible for making the fertilizer. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Nursery Supervisor Jose Pascual showed the fertilizer made from vermicomposting. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Forester and Supervisor Abelardo Amadol said that during the Marcos era in 1976-86, the Manila Seedling Bank contributed a lot in preserving a lot of plant and tree species that would otherwise have been lost. These same seeds were used to repopulate the reserve. According to him before the Bantay Kalikasan project, the total plant species in the area were confined to only 8: Acacia Auriculiformis, Acacia mangium, Gmelina arborea, Mahogany (Sweitenia macrophylla), African Tulip (Saptodia Campanoulata), Eucalyptus and Teak (Tictona grandis). Today there are 82 different species planted in the La Mesa Forest Nature Reserve with an over all survival rate of 92.5%. He is proud of the fact that this is the first reforestation in the country to plant that number of Philippine plant species.

Forester and Supervisor Abelardo Amadol gives an intro to the La Mesa Nature Reserve. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

How and when La Mesa Watershed Park was started

An exhibit of photos and information are also part of the facility. To quote a short history of the project: “Illegal settlers used to occupy wide tracts of land. There were vast hillside clearings due to slash and burn farming activities causing denuded forests, threatened wild life, and soil erosion.

The trail is easy for anyone to walk. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Plantation Supervisor Atanacio Sta Cruz demonstrates the right way of planting the tree seedling. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Both Government agencies and private institutions were alarmed because the source of water for over 12 million residents of Metro manila was in peril.  The scenario might further worsen because it is the transit point of water coming from three watersheds, namely Umiray, Angat and Ipo.

In June 1999, Bantay Kalikasan of ABS CBN Foundation Inc. was quick to undertake the reforestation program of the 2,700 hectares La Mesa Watershed Area, the last forest of its size in Metro Manila.”

A steel tower allows one to see the growth of forest. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Emily De Jesus Cruz and her boys. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

The Watershed Today

After years of tree planting by volunteers, non-government organizations and schools, the watershed has now gained large forest cover that contributes to the well being of the La Mesa Dam and more: “With the rehabilitation of the project La Mesa is now considered the “Carbon sink” as it absorbs 3% of the total carbon emissions of Metro Manila. The La Mesa Forest acts as a sponge for trapping water. In addition the watershed is also a living laboratory for field biology and ecology students and researchers. The project now serves as a model of a successful government-private partnership.

A steel tower allows one to see the growth of forest. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

“With the absence of threats posed by the illegal settlers, more wildlife could now be seen at La Mesa. Water quality has also significantly improved with less dissolves materials and less organic matter present in it.”

Get together with schoolmates and make them your family. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

From left: Imee, Ashley and Joshua Go bond with tree planting. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Another SPASAA alum Peter Go brought his wife Imee and teen kids Joshua and Ahsley. They found out that planting trees is a great way to bond. If you’re single (like me), you can get together with old schoolmates and make them your family. Tree planting is a great activity you can do together benefitting not just your community but also the whole world and even succeeding generations.

Get together with schoolmates and make them your family. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Get together with schoolmates and make them your family. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve last August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

David Benoit has the energy of a rock star. David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

[Don’t miss David Benoit’s upcoming concert on October 3, 2012 at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila. Mulatto together with Thor and Acts Manila will be jamming with Benoit for Santuario de San Antonio Parish annual fund raising event, Francisfest.

Beneficiaries of this event funds the different programs and projects of the Parish Foundation like PGH and Rizal Medical Hospital Ministry, the educational scholarship program of SSAPF, the poor and elderly amongst the little Friends of St. Francis in the Friendship Home and Friends of St. Anthony in our parish and the Prison Ministry. The article below is about Benoit’s very successful concert last February 11, 2010. Francisfest with David Benoit is sponsored by PLDT Fiber and Resorts World]

David Benoit has the energy of a rock star. David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

His hair swings wildly back and forth. He hops on his chair while passionately playing the piano, occasionally smiling to the crowd. Although the music is probably one of the most recognizable jazz instrumentals, the energy is akin to a rock concert. Audiences were mesmerized with David Benoit’s ability to inject so much emotion into a performance. He was able to play jazz, blues, pop and even classical music with ease, taking listeners to a fanciful lyrical journey.

from left: Rob Chien, Lea Salonga, Irene Marcos-Araneta and friend. David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

from right: Cinemalaya Chairman Tonyboy Cojuangco, Gretchen Barreto and friend. David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ambient Media and Shindig Productions originally scheduled the return of David last October but was cancelled because of typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng. The delay did not affect the attendance and appeal of Benoit’s performance last February 11 at the PICC Hall. The concert was also sponsored by Jaguar, DPC Yellow pages, MERALCO and media partners Manila Bulletin, HerLife, HerWord.com, OdysseyLive.net, The Lifestyle Network, 105.1 Crossover and your comfortable choice 106.7 DreamFM.

from right: Bituin Escalante, Gerard Salonga in the background and the world’s top jazz pianist. David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

Bituin Escalante. David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

Bituin Escalante enthralled audiences with her version of Benoit’s hit “Here in the Land of the Loving”. The range and power of Bituin’s voice was perfect for the song’s high and deep notes.  Her version was easily more memorable than the original by Diane Reeves. The whole concert was so impressive musically that it should be released as a live CD because it’s a guaranteed hit. Bito also sang the lively and fast “Promise Me a Carousel” which was used by the Phil. Tourism Authority as an anthem. People could not get enough of Bituin’s vocals as she playfully kissed David’s hand after her songs.

Bituin Escalante kisses David’s hand after wowing the crowd. David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

Oggie Benipayo. David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

The night also featured the debut of Oggie Benipayo who likewise gave an impressive performance of “You never love me the same way twice”, “Any other time” and the encore “Take a Look Inside My Heart”. Master saxophonist Tots Tolentino lent his talents to the already star studded show.

From left: Oggie Benipayo and Tots Tolentino. David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

David Benoit also conducted the Filharmonika. David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

Showing his complete skills as a musician Benoit also conducted the orchestra for the piece “Kobe Kimura Dansu Gakuin” & “LAXperience”. The latter was a piece inspired by the pylons of the Los Angeles Airport. Architect Ted Tokio Tanaka designed the structures and asked David to “set it to music”.

Star Columnist and Shang Group of companies Pres Andy Bautista with Cats star Lea Salonga and Tisha Cruz-Bautista David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

From left: David Benoit and Gerard Salonga of Filharmonika in their concert February 2010. David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

“Cats” star Lea Salonga played a pivotal role in getting David back here in the Phil. and in introducing musical director Gerard Salonga. During his spiel he said “Rob Chien and I are both from Los Angeles, he helped us meet Lea Salonga. Mark Winkler lyricist of ‘Here in the Land of the loving’ watched Lea singing that same song on ‘You Tube’ and was so impressed. We thought of getting her for a show. After contacting her she did such an outstanding job. And she said ‘My brother Gerard has an orchestra called ‘Filharmonika’, you should meet him.’ And that’s how we got back here.”

Iza Calzado and Atticus King. David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

David Benoit has the energy of a rock star. David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

David also paid tribute to jazz artist Bill Evans with his tribute “Letter to Evan”. He described Michael Jackson as someone who, “changed the face of music for so many people.” The full orchestra playing MJ’s “Human Nature” behind David’s piano brought out the true melodic qualities of the song.

Bituin Escalante. David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

Near the end of the show came his famous jazz hits, that gave the show a faster pace: “Every Step of the Way”, “Kei Song”, “Some Other Sunset”. Just when the crowd was giving him an ovation, he puts his right hand out to quiet them down. Shifting gears he plays Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” and a solemn, calming mood descends. Halfway through he goes into an improvisational jazz and blues intro to the piece “Freedom at Midnight” then “Linus and Lucy”. No other pianist local or foreign has moved audiences as well as David has with a live performance.

Log on to https://www.ticketworld.com.ph to purchase and reserve your tickets or visit ticketworld outlets at: Makati Shangri-La, CCP Box Office, EASTWOOD MALL – Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City , RESORTS WORLD MANILA – Newport Boulevard, Newport City Cybertourism Zone, Pasay City

From left: Bituin Escalante, David Benoit, Oggie Benipayo and Tots Tolentino. David Benoit will perform at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila tomorrow night October 3, 2012 with Mulatto. Photo by Jude Bautista

The look of love from Jennylyn Mercado to Dennis Trillo. that's real, i caught the facial expression during the MMFF Parade last Dec 24, 2010. They are a real life couple.

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

As the lights went out, Alberto (Dennis Trillo) saw his opportunity. In the corner of the kitchen he grabs her, kisses her neck. Rosario (Jennelyn Mercado) resists and tells him it’s over. He convinces her, this is the last time. He opens a small bodega and pulls her into it and immediately undresses her. Was Rosario a victim of circumstance? Watching the film now, most audiences would understand and see that she need not be considered immoral. But back then, almost a century ago when women were not considered as men’s equal, she was judged harshly by her family and society.

The story of “Rosario” was produced by Cinemabuhay and TV5 in this year’s Metro Manila Film fest. But that was not the only participation of Cinemabuhay as they also produced “Slow Fade” in the newly formed independent film category for the MMFF. Albert Martinez directed “Rosario” and was executive producer for “Slow Fade” which was directed by Rommel Sales. Martinez also happens to be the head of Cinemabuhay whose aim is to fund film projects that are reflective of the Filipino experience. Rosario is based on the true story of a woman who was once the toast of high society and the persecution that she suffered from the mores of the times.

Ciemabuhay’s mission was affirmed when “Rosario” won the Gatpuno Cultural award during the 36^th MMFF awards night. The prize is given to the film that highlights Filipino culture and history. Rosario picked up several more awards such as Best Cinematography (Carlo Mendoza), Best Production design (Joey Luna and Miki Hahn). Dolphy took home the Best Supporting actor for “Rosario”. He also won the Best actor nod for “Father Jejemon.”

Manny V. Pangilinan seemed to downplay his own presence in the film about his grand mother. While Dolphy’s character Jesus did go to the home base of PLDT, the posh Cojuangco building, MVP’s screen time totaled only a few seconds. In fact audiences were denied a good look at MVP’s face as he was often off screen when Jesus related the story of his mother Rosario. Jesus after being victimized by Ondoy is forced to ask assistance from his pamangkin (nephew) who happens to be MVP. It was the first time the tycoon had met Jesus who explained how they were related. The only evidence that Jesus could show were the family photos that were almost washed away by the flood.

Rosario was a captivating beauty that got the attention of everyone who saw her.Jennylyn Mercado as “Rosario” during the MMFF parade last Dec 24, 2010. Photo by Jude Bautista

Rosario was the daughter of Don Enriquez (Philip Salvador) a tobacco magnate in Isabela at the turn of the century. The Philippines was slowly shedding its Spanish culture for the newer influence of the Americans. Rosario was sent to New York for her studies and the film starts with her return to Isabela as a young lady. There she meets the dashing administrator of her father’s properties named Vicente Perez played by Yul servo. Like most Filipinos even today Rosario’s best friend is her cousin Carmen (Isabel Oli). Rosario had grown into such a captivating beauty that many people insisted that she become “Queen of the Carnivale”. Although she had taken back the more modern habits from the U.S. such as smoking cigarettes which she hid from her stern father. Ipe is terrifying as the patriarch who will not tolerate any form of disobedience.

Don Enriquez was known for throwing lavish dinner parties attended by the elite. The guests were played by distinguished actors such as Jaime Fabregas, Ton ton Gutierrez and Dino Imperial. The whole cast includes a roster of big names: Eula Valdez as the Don’s wife Adela, Ricky Davao, Sid Lucero, Empress Shuck, Jerould Aceron, Liza Lorena, Chanda Romero and many more

Jennylyn had the most passionate scenes with Dennis Trillo who is a real life couple. And there seems to be some parallelisms with her role who got pregnant out of wedlock. These days it is even considered as a lifestyle choice. During Rosario’s time it was grounds for a woman to be ostracized.

From left: Dennis Trillo, Jennelyn Mercado in the title role of “Rosario” with co stars Sid Lucero and Yul Servo during the MMFF parade last Dec 24, 2010. Photo by Jude Bautista

The impressive performance by the cast is only part of the success. Cinematographer Carlo Mendoza captured the many difficult scenes which included heavy rain and sequences in many different locations. “Tanging Ina Mo Last Nato”, D.O.P. Sherman Philip So said, “After watching ‘Rosario’ I already wanted to congratulate Carlo. The lighting reflected the mood from the warm tones in the beginning to the colder scenes near the ending. There was an evolution in the lighting and shots.”

A whole ship in the background was recreated from CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) for the port scene as Rosario was bound for Hong Kong. The old Ford cars in the 1930’s, mansions and villas in the tobacco plantations and Art deco buildings in Manila brought audiences to that glorious time in our past. No wonder Joey Luna and Miki Hahn got the award for Production Design. Although there was no Best Costume award that would have also gone to Miki Hahn. The sequined and short skirts of the 1920’s, the terno of the older women were all well researched and designed by Hahn.

The film is an eloquent homage to a woman who was ahead of her time. She was a brilliant pianist who was not able to fulfill her potential and was victimized by a society that has yet to grow in respecting the role of women.