If you can't find a subtitled copy, just tell me, I'll make a transcript for you on my free time (which is almost always lol). If I start today, I can give the transcript to you by next week. Just inform me.

Age of Loneliness-

Don't worry, it's still on my most-wanted list. One day I'll manage to find a subtitled copy maybe.

9/10
So much has been said about John Lloyd Cruz's acting prowess. I think its no question that he can bring all the tears and the emotion in every scene. This movie is one of them.
Erik Matti starts to impress me. He might just make it into my favorite directors list.
Having said that, the movie is not one for the lists. At least for me, that is. The reason being, story-wise, we've seen it all. And it didn't help that it had a near-2 hour runtime. From the start I think I know where the movie will lead me to. I'll make a summary and you decide for yourself:
The story is about the unfortunate plight that struck the family headed by Edgar (JLC). His wife, Kaye (Meryll Soriano) got herself into trouble by engaging in a scam (which was unknown to her to be a scam) started by his own father. His father died (committed suicide or probably killedthe movie wasn't clear on that) and so the creditors went after her. Their life savings were used to pay up but were still insufficient. They started getting death threats, creditors were harassing them here and there, they got cases filed against them, so Edgar was forced to bring their daughter to his family in a mountain province and seek help there. His own family earns by mining and digging earth to find gold (gold digging??? Gong! lol).
Kaye was involved in a sectarian religion called The Church of Yeshua which collects massive amounts of tithes. Edgar sees this religion as a money-making scheme and although he supports his wife, he starts to question the sincerity of the church leader. They tried to borrow money from the Bishop but was refused. Edgar starts to become violent.
A couple-creditor gave them an ultimatum to give them the money on a certain date. The date is nearing and Edgar still can't come up with the money being asked. Kaye was abducted. He then asked the help of his brothers to make a passageway to the house of the church where the tithes were kept. They stole some money but it was still lacking. And so he was forced to do the unspeakable.
That's it.
If only for Tirso Cruz's portrayal of an annoying Bishop, this one is gold. To be blunt about it, the movie was brought about by JLC. And that's not saying much because as I've said its already a given that JLC will cement every scene he does. But if there's one thing I could commend this movie for, its the guts. In a country where different sectarian churches gets established by the day, this movie was not afraid to show the wonders of how a church gets established and how "legitimate" can a church be.
To clayton: Don't get discouraged by my review. I think you're going to love this.

Age of Loneliness-

Congrats! Here's hoping it doesn't languish unsubtitled for years to come.

The update that no one asked for from me:
Last night was the MMFF Awards night.
Paolo won Best Actor!
And Christian Bables (the one I also wished to win the Best Supporting Actor) also won! :)))
And Die Beautiful won the Audience choice award (same as with the Tokyo Film Fest). :)))
Words can't explain how happy I am.

Moment of Peace-

Haha!
Well, yes of course Paolo Ballesteros not winning the Best Actor Award in the MMFF is an issue of NATIONAL CONCERN for me so yes, it deserves its own Senate inquiry.
Honestly, one can't be certain. This present committee at the MMFF is a species of its own. The usual "suki" of MMFF movies such as the tried and tested Vice Ganda, Vic Sotto, Mano Po movies were all declined. So while I'm optimistic and of course, one can't discount Paolo Ballesteros' portrayal here as short of a Best Actor award, I don't know if his Tokyo win will give him some more credit than the others.
This is actually the first time I cared about the MMFF to be honest. lol.
But to be honest, I'm interested to watch almost all the movies in this year's MMFF. Except for the Vince and Kath and James which is Star Cinema's $$$$ entry. But I really have to push Die Beautiful's ticket sales that I have to sacrifice watching the other entries. The things I do for fangirling.
Hey clayton, honestly most movies in the MMFF are worth a watch. If any of these films are showing in theaters near you, give it a try.

Remembrance-

Thanks for the review - this one looks like it doesn't deserve to be thrown unseen into the
My Amnesia Girl
basket!
If Paolo doesnt win Best Actor in this Metro Manila Film Festival, I say sabotage and Im waging waaaaaaaaaaarrrrr!!!!!
Sounds a bit harsh can't you just have a Senate enquiry?
I take it that the fact film played at Tokyo a few months back won't prevent it from picking up acting awards at MMFF?

====================
Remembrance-

For a nice catholic girl, you watch some racy movies!

I know that basically everyone here has had enough of my Paolo Ballesteros fangirling that its entirely a given that I will like this movie no matter what. But I'm not saying this just because I'm his fan, but Paolo really nailed it big time. He waited 16 looong years for this point in his career to come and his time has arrived. Its his time to SHINE.
I wasn't prepared for what I saw. I only have the trailers to observe and from that, I took that the movie would be a light-hearted movie filled with gay humor. Yes, it was light-hearted to some extent and yes, it was filled with colorful gay humor. But what I didn't expect is that it was filled with drama! Wow, give Paolo comedy and he can make you laugh. Give him a make-up kit and he'll transform himself almost perfectly into international celebrities such as Beyonce, Angelina Jolie, Miley Cyrus, etc. Give him some drama scene, and hell give you that crying look. It was so surreal watching him do all those roles in one movie.
What might be the biggest barrier for this movie to finally reach its peak sales is that it is Rated-13 by the cinema evaluation board. Which means only those 13 up can watch it. And rightfully so. And because Im a 12 year old fangirl who believes that her idol is a virgin who only exudes innocence and sweethearts, I wanted to scream Paolo dont do that! when that scene of him doing simulated butt sex was being shown. For a while I wanted to cover my eyes and ears and did not want to hear and see him making that face of someone so immersed in sex the first time. And I didnt want to hear him say those profane words. But then I thought to myself that this is part of his career calibration. He needs to do all these stuff, no matter how unconventional of him, because the role calls for it. And then the next scene follows, he was being
raped
. And there, he once again proved that he is a versatile actor. That he has so much more to him than his looks.
The movie tells the story (and struggles) of Trisha Echevarria (Paolo Ballesteros), a transgender who was disowned by his rich father and survived on his own by joining beauty contests. He adopted a young girl and raised the family by the meager amounts he get from joining these pageants. Typical struggles of transgenders were given emphasis in the film: discrimination from the family, from the community, and from men. The title is Die Beautiful because it shows his life in throwback form: he starts dead here. He instructed his bestfriend that in case he dies, he should be shown beautiful in his coffin. He has to be someone in all the 7 days of his wake.
I have to give a shout-out to the other lead star in the film: Christian Bables. He was perfect in his role as the bestfriend of Trisha. I never heard of him before and seeing him here, wow, the guy has potential! He should win Best Supporting Actor.
If Paolo doesnt win Best Actor in this Metro Manila Film Festival, I say sabotage and Im waging waaaaaaaaaaarrrrr!!!!!

Remembrance-

I didn't watch it (and no plans of watching) but yes, I know its cheesy. Especially if you've got Sam Milby there. Angel Locsin cannot pull off a rom-com. She's best left in a drama where her drama prowess is showcased.

Remembrance-

The Third Party (2016)
Sorry, no. Girl meets her ex-boyfriend, only to also meet his BOYfriend. Pretty cheesy stuff. Zanjoe Marudo, once a TV bad boy, now playing homosexual for the nth time, with Sam Milby, who always looked like he'd fit such a part, joining him, while us heterosexuals mourn over Angel Locsin's youth and sex appeal gone.
2/10

Yeah, it's mainstream, so they'll always play it safe so not to jeopardize their prize possession in Kathniel. At least they didn't make it as cheesy as many of StarCinema's other romances. Still safe, safe, safe.

Yeah, totally agree with your review. That's why I never bothered with it despite the continuous marketing of the powers-that-be that this is not your ordinary mainstream lovey-dovey movie and that Kathryn and Daniel has both matured in this, etc. etc. etc.

Remembrance-

Watched fewer filipino movies in 2016 than last year as less films seems to me leaked with english subs unfortunately, but I did catch Barcelona: A Love Untold:

1. Barcelona: A Love Untold (2016, Olivia M. Lamasan)
   The same old OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) love story in new wrapping in form of the lovely surroundings of Barcelona, Spain, where the #1 love team of Daniel Padilla & Kathryn Bernardo can yet again fall in love. So yeah, typical romance flick from the Philippines. Nothing new, nothing original, but a serviceable mainstream love story where they in a wholesome way exploit the beauty of Bernardo to no end.
   4/10

Yes, he's gifted with good looks that he can actually pass up as a handsome guy and a beautiful lady at the same time. But I prefer him being his gay self. Just carefree and witty with his lines.
Actually (as if you asked; but you know you're the only person who listens to me so I'll just talk even if you didn't ask lol) it took me a long time before I became his fan. I'm usually apathetic to actors and it will take long before I get to love an actor. He need not be a good crier, he just needs to be a good person. I've known his existence since he started in the industry way back his teen years (he's 30 plus now) but it's just lately when I've been watching his videos on youtube as a noontime show host where they get to interview Filipino masses. I can just observe his being humble and down-to-earth. He's a real person with nothing to hide. I can see his sincerity. Add to that his sense-of-humor that is so just..I know we're meant for each other! Bwahahahahahaha!
No seriously, sitenoise, thanks. I've always known you're someone who loves learning and exploring other people's inputs but I really appreciate you taking the time to hear about a fangirl's crazy mind. I'll try to be more serious with my so-called reviews next time. Paolo's starrer film "Die Beautiful" is showing soon in the country and I hope I get to review it properly by then. lol.

Remembrance-

I had to Google a pic of the guy to see what's got you gushing. Seems a number of them are of him made up to look like a womanor else they're fan photos making comments that he might look better as a woman. He's better looking than Anne Curtis it seems. lol , sometimes this is all a movie can offer. I've watched my share of movies just so I could look at someone.

English translation: Why do all handsome men have boyfriends?
Spoiler alert: No good or objective review will ever come out of this because this co-stars Paolo Ballesteros
and I'll just talk about how I gushed watching him in the movie. lol.
No seriously, I'll try to "review" the film.
I love the film, but not because of the story or the production aspects. Actually, to be blunt about it, if Paolo Ballesteros didn't star this film, I would've trashed it. No, I don't think I'll ever lay my eyes on this. But because it has Paolo baby in it (lol), I endured the runtime.
I'm not fond of Anne Curtis' acting. I have nothing against her. I just don't like her acting. Same with Dennis Trillo. I'm sure both of them can act, but you know that certain unexplainable feeling that you just can't seem to like them even if I think there's every reason to like them. To each his own, I guess.
To be honest, and I'm being fair by saying this, Paolo brought the film together. He was the "fun" in the film. Because this is a film that's as predictable as Anne Curtis' acting, there's a little reason for one to enjoy this film. Story is about Kylie (Anne Curtis) whose ex-boyfriends have all been gays. His bestfriend, who happens to be a closet gay, Benj (Paolo Ballesteros) reconnects with his childhood bestfriend, Diego (Dennis Trillo). Kylie and Benj are wedding coordinators and they were chosen by Diego to plan his wedding. Benj tries to figure if Diego is also gay and does everything he can to unleash his gay self. But in the process, Kylie and Diego becomes close to each other and yes, here's the part where you just fast forward it or you can go for a bathroom break and you wouldn't miss anything.
Paolo was just so good in his role as a closet gay. Regardless of his sexual orientation (I love him even if he's gay or not or whatever) he was just so good and he gave justice to the role. I was just laughing so hard everytime he opens his mouth. I wish this will open more doors for him. He can be a good starrer for rom-coms and sitcoms.
My verdict: You need to be a fan of the artists in the film for you to love this film. Otherwise, it's just one of those movies you watch on a Saturday night out with friends or cousins. Or on a family reunion when one can switch being busy catching up with their relatives while watching something play on the TV.

Remembrance-

This movie was less talked about, at least for me, so I was overwhelmed and impressed after watching this. Story is unoriginal, what with a thousand psychological thrillers we've seen, but the execution was still as brand new. I even think that me being clueless what this movie is about made the turn of events more remarkable.
What I like about the movie is that there's just two main characters (played by Piolo Pascual and Rhian Ramos), yet we are engaged in their world set in a vintage mansion located in some far-flung hill or whatever. We are then tried to see into their pasts, see a window to their soul, then boom, one character or another acts strangely, then stranger, then we get surprised in the end. Its not that long, with some sexy steamy scenes (what with Rhian Ramos'long legs getting its own spotlight) plus the story is engaging.
My verdict: Recommended.

Remembrance-

I don't know if I'm allowed to critique this "movie" because I bailed out after 20 minutes of it. It was irredeemable.
Movie is directed by Quark Henares. It stars Derek Ramsay, Shaina Magdayao and Iza Calzado..all of whose acting prowesses have already been tested and proven.
This should have been a made-for-tv movie. Or a plain sitcom. I think it was a hurried decision to come up with this "movie". It tried so much it was just too bad. Cheesy. Over-the-top.
This movie was released at the heat of Philippine elections. I never saw it advertised until I saw its poster on the theaters. It. was. really. bad.
Story is about an aspiring senator (Derek Ramsay) who employs a strategist (Shaina Magdayao) to boost his campaign. Iza Calsado is a rival with whom the senator had a previous relationship. That's just about where I stopped. Or right along the scenes where the strategist begins to fall for the politician. So I kinda have these premonitions that watching this movie will bring me nowhere.
You know there are movies where even if you've only seen a part of it, yet you get that very very strong intuition that nothing substantive will happen in the latter parts? Yeah, that's what happened to me here. And don't even mention the supporting actors who just failed to save the movie. The plot was quirky and funny. Supposedly. But it was all wasted. All because of, I don't know, I blame the director for it. He tried so much (or he just plainly lacks the talent) that what came of it was a poor attempt to score a laugh or cheer from the audience.
My verdict: NOT RECOMMENDED.

Impera-

Uh-oh, I always knew I was dumb but I just made a new low dumb when I posted the link. (I should never underestimate the powers of the admin). I thought we were just engaging in our own simple talk here. I forgot, this is the internet. Anyone can lurk. Lesson learned, next time I recommend something on YT, I'll send it via PM.
Or can admins' powers reach until PMs? lol.
Anyway, I'm saddened you didn't get a chance to view the movie on that link. I was actually waiting for your feedback on it, whether positive or negative. lol. I have the movie on CD with me, I wish I can show it to you (and tell you why it looks funny to us Filipinos) but we're from different sides of the globe so..
As for Norte Hangganan ng Kasaysayan. I haven't read any negative review of it yet so if you have that extra money already, try to give it a try. I loved that film, I would've placed it in my top 10 but I'm still on my Lav Diaz quest (finding his movies are a pain in the ass)both online and on video stores so I can't really say with certainty if it is Lav's best or I've yet to see another.

Between Mind and Heart-

Thanks for recommending "Pedro Penduko:Return of the Comeback ".
Unfortunately the link
doesn't work for me (YT says: This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by ABS-CBN Corporation.) and I didn't find another version with English subtitles on YT. I also didn't find any DVD with Pedro Penduko on Amazon.
It seems that there are very few Filipino DVDs on Amazon. The one I found with good reviews is
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Norte-End-History-Archie-Alemania/dp/B00LCL1UCS/
"Norte, the End of History"
Norte, hangganan ng kasaysayan (2013)
. I must say I feel not very inclined to buy it as my own life is rather taxing at the moment.
each brain develops its own preferences

I have to confess I've never indulged in Dyesebel, but if I had, well Vilma is my vintage.

I'm.not so sure about that.
Btw, if there's any comic book character I'm glad to watch. (to be honest, I really feel awkward watching 'em allI look like this
) But I like Dyesebel. Especially Alice Dixson. She's so gorgeous. Who's your favorite Dyesebel?

Between Mind and Heart-