 |
| the stars of the PPP entries |
INSTEAD of the usual 8, there will now be 10 entries in the annual Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino or PPP to be shown in theaters nationwide from September 13 to 19. More than 20 films were submitted and these are the lucky ones to be selected. FDCP Chair and CEO Liza Dino Seguerra says the theme of the entries for this, the 3rd year of the PPP, is “Pamilya, Pagkakaibigan, “Pag-ibig”. “This year is extra special as it commemmorates the 100 Years of local cinema,” she adds. “We encourage the moviegoing public to support this year’s entries which are of diverse quality and to attend the PPP 2019 events we have lined up for them.”
The first three entries were announced earlier this year:
“Panti Sisters” - Produced by IdeaFirst Company with Black Sheep, starring Paolo Ballesteros, Christian Bables and Martin del Rosario as three gay brothers, with John Arcilla as their dying dad who promises to reward P300 million to anyone among them who can give him a granchild, directed by Jun Lana.
“Cuddle Weather” - now produced by Regal Entertainment with Project 8, starring Sue Ramirez and RK Bagatsing as two sex workers in a daring and unconventional romance about loveless sex that blossoms into something else, written and directed by Rod Marmol.
“LSS (Last Song Syndrome)” - A romance-musical featuring the music of indie folk band Ben & Ben, with Khalil Ramos and Gabbi Garcia as fans of the band who bond in a series of not so romantic encounters, produced by Globe Studios and directed by Jade Castro.
Four more entries are: “Ellenya L” - the directorial debut of Boy2 Quizon, starring Maris Racal and Inigo Pascual who used to be a love team called Marnigo, but who have since called it quits. Produced by Spring Films, Maris plays a typical millennial girl who wants to become a well known vlogger/social media influencer. She produces video content with the help of her family, unaware that she is becoming pretentious.
“Watch Me Kill” - An action-drama starring Jean Garcia as a jaded hired assassin who protects a girl, Junyka Santarin, also with Jay Manalo, Bodgie Pascua, Althea Vega and Rodolfo Muyuela, produced by Greenlight and CineBandits Entertainment and directed by Tyrone Acierto.
“Open” - An unusual romance about modern love involving a couple and their 14-year old relationship that has become boring so they get into a so-called open relationship, produced by Rex Tiri with Black Sheep and directed by Andoy Ranay. Stars Arci Munoz and JC Santos, with Ina Raymundo, Vance Larena, Sofia Andres and Ivana Alawi.
“G!” - A youth movie about a barkada that goes on a road trip where their bonding moments make them realize the values of love, friendship and family. Produced by Cineko Productions and starring McCoy de Leon, Jameson Blake, Paulo Angeles, Mark Oblea and Kira Balinger, directed by Dondon Santos.
Three additonal films that all star senior actresses in their 80s and 90s are part of the “Sandaan Showcase”, in celebration of the 100 years of Philippine Cinema.
“Circa” - A co-production of four companies, it stars 94-year old Anita Linda as Donya Atang, a once famous film producer during the earlier years of Filipino cinema who is celebrating her 100th birthday. Her birthday wish is for all the actors and staff she has worked with before to have a reunion with her. Also stars Gina Alajar, Ricky Davao, Laurice Guillen, Elizabeth Oropesa, Enchong Dee. Written and directed by Adolf Alix Jr.
“Lola Igna” - stars octogenarian Angie Ferro in the title role of Lola Igna, a foul-mouthed and hard-headed old woman who wants to die, but her neighbors want her to win the title of “the oldest living grandmother in the world”. Her long lost great, great grandson, Tim, played by Yves FLores, an aspiring vlogger ends up giving her a new reason to live. Also starring Meryll Soriano and Ma. Isabel Lopes, directed by Eduardo Roy Jr. as produced by ERT Prods and EMBA Inc.
“Pagbalik” - Stars 85-year old Queen of Visayan Movies Gloria Sevilla, produced by Nuances Entertainment and PRO, directed by Hubert Tibi and Maria Ranillo, filmed in Visayan with English subtitles. Suzette Ranillo stars as Rica, who comes home after working abroad for so long to be reunited with her aging mother, Choleng. In the process, she learns the secret that her mother has done during all the years that she was working away. Also stars Vince Ranillo.
