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.