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We told him his movie “Bwakaw” was chosen as the Philippine entry in the next Oscar Awards for the best foreign film category. He was visibly elated and thanked us. Contrary to reports that he’s sick, he looks so hale and healthy and didn’t even have an alalay with him.
“Bwakaw” producer Ferdie Lapus and director Jun Lana represented the movie in the recently concluded Toronto Filmfest. Next stop will be the New York Filmfest where stars Eddie Garcia and Armida Siguion Reyna will be attending. Then it will be shown in competition at the Hawaii International Filmfest. Ferdie Lapus pasted on Facebook Hollywood Reporter’s glowing review of the film. Here are some quotes: “A captivating charmer from the Philippines, Bwakaw charts the gently humanizing process by which a sour gay curmudgeon opens himself up late in life to experience love and loss. Elevated by a performance to be treasured from national screen superstar Eddie Garcia, and equally winning work from a cute pooch, the film gracefully blends melodrama, broad and lower-key comedy, and honestly earned sentiment while making poignant observations about old age, emotional solitude, romantic longing and friendship.
One of the most affecting aspects of Bwakaw is the balance of comedy and melancholy as Rene (Eddie) ponders his mortality. Shot in a sedate style that benefits from the sleepy haze of the tropical light, the film makes economic use of a nonintrusive score to maintain its pleasurably mellow rhythm. While it’s 10 or 15 minutes too long, the unhurried feel seems entirely in keeping with the focus on a character taking stock in his twilight years. Garcia embodies that process beautifully, never forcing the evidence of vulnerability and pain beneath Rene’s abrasive exterior. And with an unassuming appeal that characterizes the experience as a whole, Bwakaw (played by Princess) joins the ranks of the most heart-tugging screen dogs.”
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