Eight incredible films have been selected by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) for the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP), a one-week exclusive screening of films in all theaters nationwide. Catch the films and its stars during the biggest pre-event – the PPP Grand Fans Day and All-Star Parade on August 11 at the Quezon City Memorial Circle from 10 AM onwards, open to the public and free admission.
The 2018 lineup which will be screened in all cinemas nationwide on August 15-21, 2018 offers a diverse set of films which pushes the envelope of the movie genres that Filipinos grew to love. These films are “Ang Babaeng Allergic Sa Wifi” directed by Jun Robles Lana under The IdeaFirst Company, “Bakwit Boys” directed by Jason Paul Laxamana under T. Rex Entertainment, “Madilim Ang Gabi” directed by Adolf Alix Jr., under Deus Lux Mea Films, “Pinay Beauty” directed by Jay Abello under Quantum Films and Epic Media, “Signal Rock” directed by Chito Roño under Cape Signal Rock (CSR) Films PH, “The Day After Valentine’s” directed by Jason Paul Laxamana under Viva Films, “Unli Life directed by Miko Livelo under Regal Entertianment Inc. and “We Will Not DieTonight” directed by Richard Somes under Strawdogs Studio Production.
In addition to the main entries, the PPP Special Feature Section will be featured which showcases the outstanding Filipino independent films which gained numerous awards from prestigious award-giving bodies as featured in independent local film festivals. Balanginga: Howling Wilderness directed by Khavn (QCinema 2017), Gusto Kita with all my Hypothalamus directed by Dwein Baltazar (Cine Filipino 2018) , High Tide directed by Tara Illenberger (ToFarm 2017), Kiko Boksingero directed by Thop Nazareno (Cinemalaya 2017), Paki directed by GianCarlo Abrahan (Cinemaone Originials 2017) and Tu Pug Imatuy directed by Arnel Barbarona (Sinag Maynila 2017) are all to be screened in SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM Manila, SM Sta. Mesa, SM North EDSA, SM Fairview, Robinsons Galleria, and Gateway cinemas along with the PPP’s main entries.
Short films will also be featured in PPP through Sine Kabataan Short Film Competition which will be paired with the PPP full feature entries. Proudly presented by Official Ambassador Sine Kabataan, Mr. Ice Seguerra, the films include “Alas-Nuebe ng Tanghali” directed by Enalyn Legaspi,”Anonymous Student Vlog” directed by Christian Babista, “Bahay-bahayan” directed by Bryan Spencer Reyes, “Bato Bato Pik” directed by Ardinian Jaq Sanque and Lorys Plaza, “Isang Tula para sa Nawawala” directed by Rodemille Singh, “Koleksyong Pamalo” directed by Len Frago, “Masaya Ako” directed by Daniel Edwin Delgado and Tiara Angelia Nicolas, and “Runner” directed by Levi Jun Miscala.
Now on its second year, PPP showcases quality genre films for its audience and FDCP aims to further maximize this time to holistically conduct a series of events and forms of support for Filipino films, from celebratory fiestas for the public to educational fora and conferences for film industry professionals.
PPP runs from August 15-21, 2018 in all cinemas nationwide and is presented in partnership with National Cinemas Association of the Philippines (NCAP), Unicef, Globe Play It Right, SOLAR Entertainment Corporation, Outpost Visual Frontier, Nestle, Camella Condo Homes, ThinkBit, Sequioa Hotel. It is also supported by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEED), CNN Philippines, PEP.ph, MOR 101.9 For Life, The Manila Bulletin, Malaya, Philippine Star, Wish 107.5, Push.com, Uniquely Pinoy, Adobo Magazine, FILCASPRO and INQUIRER.net as well as by the following government agency partners, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), National Youth Commission (NYC), Office of the Vice Mayor Quezon City (OVM) and Quezon City Film Development Commission (QCFDC).
PPP ENTRIES
Ang Babaeng Allergic sa WIFI
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Writer: Jun Robles Lana
Director: Jun Robles Lana
Cast: Sue Ramirez, Markus Paterson and Jameson Blake
A girl develops an allergy to Wi-Fi and is forced to live in a remote province, pushing her to reevaluate her relationships and the boy she believes is her one true love.
Bakwit Boys
Genre: Musical Romance
Writer: Jason Paul Laxamana
Director: Jason Paul Laxamana
Cast: Vance Larena, Nikko Natividad, Ryle Santiago and Mackie Empuerto
Four brothers known as the Bakwit Boys get a shot at their dreams when a rich city girl discovers their music talent.
Madilim ang Gabi
Genre: Suspense Political Thriller
Writer: Adolfo Alix Jr.
Director: Adolfo Alix Jr.
Cast: Gina Alajar, Philip Salvador and Felix Roco
A couple is caught up in drug war when their son goes missing.
Pinay Beauty
Genre: Comedy
Writer: Allan Habon and Rod Marmol
Director: Jay Able
Cast: Chai Fonacier and Edgar Allan Guzman
Pinay Beauty is about the perennial quest of a typical Filipina to look Caucasian and the cost they entail.
Signal Rock
Genre: Drama
Writer: Rody Vera
Director: Chito Rono
Cast: Christian Bables, Francis Magundayao, Elora Espano and Mon Confiado
Intoy, a carefree no-hoper in a small town decides to help his sister in Finland win a child custody battle.
The Day After Valentines
Genre: Romance Drama
Writer: Jason Paul Laxamana
Director: Jason Paul Laxamana
Cast: Bella Padilla and JC Santos
A distraught man named Kai meets Lani, a woman who helps him mend his brokenness and soon tags her as his “Ms. Repairman.”
Unli Life
Genre: Comedy
Writer: Ferdinand Aguas and Jan Freud Gallon
Director: Miko Livelo
Cast: Vhong Navarro, Joey Marquez, Winwyn Marquez and Ejay Falcon
Benedict, a famous podcast DJ is given several chances to travel back in time to change events that affects his lovelife whenever he drinks ‘wishky’ in a bar called “Turning Point.”
We Will Not Die Tonight
Genre: High Octane Action-Thriller
Writer: Richard V. Somes and Eloisa Francia
Director: Richard V. Somes
Cast: Erich Gonzales and Alex Medina
Kray is a stuntwoman, an aspiring actress and an all-around racketeer who can’t seem to get a break. A botched deal gone into a total haywire will challenge her principles and skillset.
SPECIAL FEATURES ENTRIES
Balanginga: Howling Wilderness (QCinema 2017)
Writer: Khavn, Achinette Villamor and Jerry B. Gracio
Director: Khavn
Cast: Justine Samson, Pio Del Rio, Warren Tuaño
1901, Balangiga. Eight-year-old Kulas flees town with his grandfather and their carabao to escape General Smith’s “Kill & Burn” order. He finds an infant amid a sea of corpses and together, the two boys struggle to survive the American occupation.
Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus (CineFilipino Film Festival 2018)
Writer: Dwein Baltazar
Director: Dwein Baltazar
Cast: Iana Bernardez, Nicco Manalo, Dylan Ray Talon, Soliman Cruz, Anthony Falcon
Writer/director Dwein Baltazar takes us to one of Manila’s smoky avenues, and sinks us in a compelling observation on desire following four men yearning for one enigmatic woman.
High Tide (ToFarm Film Festival 2017)
Writer: Tara Illenberger
Director: Tara Illenberger
Starring: Arthur Solinap, Sunshine Teodoro, Dalin Sarmiento, Forrest Kyle Buscato, Christine Mary Demaisip, Riena Christal Shin
High Tide dives into how climate change, particularly rising sea levels impact the locals of coastal villages. At its core is the story of a young boy that is left an orphan, and as an effect of a massive typhoon, he loses his ability to speak.
Kiko Boksingero (Cinemalaya 2017)
Writer: Emmanuel Espejo Jr., Ash Malanum, Denise O’Hara
Director: Thop Nazareno
Starring: Noel Comia Jr., Yayo Aguila, Angel Aquino, Denise Soliva, William Buenavente at JM Canlas
Kikko Boksingero tells story of a child who was under custody of her Nanny Diday (Yayo) while the relatives are leaving on states. Kiko’s mother died while he is unfamiliar with his father. George (Yul Servo) returned, he tried to reestablish relationship with his son Kikko with boxing.
Paki (Cinema One Originals 2017)
Writer: Giancarlo Abrahan
Director: Giancarlo Abrahan
Starring: Dexter Doria, Eula Valdez, Ricky Davao, Shamaine Buencamino, Paolo Paraiso, Ina Feleo, Noel Trinidad
Paki is a portrait of the modern Filipino family, and follows a 80-year old woman who decides that she will be an old maid. As the woman tries to leave her husband for sixty years, their children forbid their parents to separate to keep their long-lasting bond alive.
Tu Pug Imatuy (Sinag Maynila 2017)
Writer: Arnel Mardoquio
Director: Arnel Barbarona
Starring: Malona Sulatan, Jong Monzon, Luis Georlin Banaag III, Jamee Rivera, Jillian Khayle Barbarona, Henyo Ehem
Tu Pug Imatuy, which means “The right to kill” in Manobo, follows Lumad couple Obunay and Dawin who are uprooted from their traditional way of life after a military encounter. Soon, they find themselves unwilling instruments in the soldiers’ anti-guerilla operations. What will it take for them to reunite with their family? Inspired by actual events, the film tackles the Manobos’ struggles against environment plunder and the militarization of their communities.
SINE KABATAAN ENTRIES
Alas-Nuebe ng Tanghali
Directed by: Enalyn Legaspi
Three children were about to change their lives after a police officer caught them inhaling a rugby.
Anonymous Student Vlog
Directed by Christian A. Babista
A young girl accidentally witnessed a crime while filming her vlog.
Bahay-bahayan
Directed by Bryan Spencer Reyes
A young girl who dreams of becoming a mother suddenly becomes one when a baby is left at her doorstep.
Bato Bato Pick
Directed by Ardinian Jaq Sanque and Lorys Plaza
Unwanted pregnancy has caught a young couple in the midst of turmoil.
Isang Tula para sa Nawawala
Directed by Rodemille Singh
A young man finds himself searching for his mother in Hong Kong bringing with him the hope of seeing her again after ten years.
Koleksyong Pamalo
Directed by Len Frago
A boy collects all stuff used by his mother to beat him for disciplinary sanctions.
Masaya ako
Directed by Daniel Edwin Delgado and Tiara Angelica Nicolas
A boy faces many challenges in his life – separation of parents, unfaithful love and bullying. Until when will he keep on smiling?
Runner
Directed by: Levi Jun Miscala
A boy wants to continue his secondary education by becoming an athlete but his inauspicious boss obstructed this aspiration.
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