Take a look back at these Filipino films that made us cry, laugh, wonder, and think in 2023.
About Us Not About Us
As one of the entries of the 2023 Metro Manila Summer Film Festival, ‘About Us But Not About Us’ is a psychological drama film, directed by Jun R. Lana, and starring Romnick Sarmenta and Lance Canlas. It speaks about the queer community that peels off different layers of it, as well as the dynamics of ethics and behaviors between the entrenched relationship between a young student and professor.
Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing)
‘Iti Mapukpukaw’ is a Filipino-Ilocano animated film directed by Carl Joseph E. Papa, and featuring Carlo Aquino, Gio Gahol, and Dolly De Leon. It follows the life of an animator, Eric (Carlo Aquino) who literally has no mouth, and the twists and turns that happen when an alien appears, as well as the death of his uncle who was outwardly lost.
Gitling (Dash)
Starring Gabby Padilla and Yen Kimamura, ‘Gitling’ is a Philippine literary film featuring two people who meet in Bacolod after Jamie (Gabby Padilla) canceled her engagement, and Makoto goes to the Philippines when his wife cheated on him. They unknowingly find smoothness in their friendship as they work together for Makoto’s film.
Third World Romance
In this Philippine Netflix movie directed by Dwein Ruenas Baltazar, real-life couple Charlie Dizon (Britney) and Carlo Aquino (Alvin) openly show the difficulties of being poor, as well as the struggles of finding occupations. Amidst going through layers of poverty, Britney and Alvin develop romance while dealing with life.
A Very Good Girl
Directed by Petersen Vargas, and starring Kathryn Bernardo (Philo) and Dolly De Leon (Molly), ‘A Very Good Girl’ is a dark humor film that hit the Philippine cinema in August, which narrates a story of an uncompassionate vendetta of Philo towards Molly who is a retail mogul of luxurious gowns.
Mallari
Oone of the entries of the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival and is inspired by a true story, ‘Mallari’ is a film by Roderick Cabrido that recounts the terrifying story of Fr. Severino Mallari (Piolo Pascual), a priest during the 19th century of Spanish era, who seemingly killed 57 people to heal his mother who has poor health.
Ten Little Mistresses
‘Ten Little Mistresses [Sampung Mga Kerida]’ is a mystery-comedy movie that unfolds the story of a widowed billionaire, Valentin Esposo [John Arcilla] and his 10 mistresses who fight mightily to become his new legal wife.
Rookie
In this sports film directed by Samantha Lee, ‘Rookie’ features a volleyball player, Ace (Pat Tingjuy) who is encouraged to join a volleyball team by coach Jules (Agot Isidro). Joining the team is an unexpected development of friendship and relationship between Ace and Jana (Aya Fernandez), who is the team captain of the team. Ace’s life will change forever after a physical incident in the post-game.
Huling Palabas (Last Show)
Starring Bon Andrew Antejas, Mark Shun Gomez, Jay Gonzaga, Serena Magiliw, and Cedric Juan, ‘Huling Palabas’ narrates the reality of Andoy (Gomez) that becomes bewildered when two characters—Ariel and Isidro, who seemed to come from a movie, appeared, while Andoy is in-search for his long lost father. The film is directed by Ryan Machado and was featured in Cinemalaya.
Becky and Badette
The Philippine comedy film starring Eugene Domingo (Becky) and Pokwang (Badette), directed by Jun Robles Lana, features two high school best friends who make up stories about their batchmate which goes viral by accident.
Firefly
In this Filipino fantasy film directed by Zig Dulay, a little child (Euwenn Mikael Aleta) leaves to seek the mythical island of fireflies, as he used to hear fables from his mother (Alessandra De Rossi) during bedtime. The child arrives on the island with his wish to bring his mother back to life using hints from an old notebook. ‘Firefly’ is one of the entries of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival.
Gomburza
In a historical account directed by Pepe Diokno that unfolds the narrative of the three Filipino Roman Catholic priests, Mariano Gomes (Dante Rivero), José Burgos (Cedrick Juan), and Jacinto Zamora (Enchong Dee). ‘Gomburza’ is also one of the entries in the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival this 2023. It narrates the braveness and inspirational historical drama of the three priests during the colonialism of Spain in the Philippines.
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