This year sees BG Produtions International of Baby F. Go, indiefilmmeister, pushing to increase its film portfolio with the rolling out of several projects, one of which is titled Burak.
At the height of the Metro Manila Film Festival last year, Go called for a story/press conference of the new project that will banner her company’s film production for the first quarter of the year.
At Salu, the restaurant in Quezon City that serves updated Filipino dishes, Go gathered the stars, writer, and director that will shape the film that her company plans to release via international film festivals within the year. She said, “We will also see if we could screen the film in the country.”
Joel Lamangan, MMFF Best Director for Rainbow’s Sunset, and Eric Ramos who also won a trophy for Best Screenplay for the same film are again teaming up for Burak.
Burak is the Filipino word for mire, which is found in most parts of Manila where informal settlers have established their colonies.
The film, Ramos explained, is situated in a little island off Manila Bay called Sitio Onse. It is a haven and sanctuary for various criminals of all shapes, sizes and ages. They all answer to a corrupt and ruthless cop named Julius (Jay Manalo), whose only soft spot is his kindness and generosity towards his 11-year-old son by his former lover Marya (Cherry Pie Picache).
Still considered the First Lady of Sitio Onse despite being estranged from Julius, Marya is a petty thief and con artist whose family includes her father figure and partner in crime Lolo Gemo (Tony Mabesa). Their latest con (in the story) is the birth of a supposedly miraculous Baby Nazarene. The tale captivates this island village of seasoned swindlers, if only for a spell.
The murder of a mysterious former resident reminds Marya that Julius is rotten to the core. A chance encounter in Luneta with a missing 12-year-old girl with Down Syndrome triggers a series of events that rouses her maternal instincts and awakens her common decency-putting her on a collision course with the criminal mastermind behind Sitio Onse.
Lamangan said he has been nurturing the idea since many years ago and he is very grateful that Baby Go has taken interest in putting the idea with Ramos’s script to film.
Cherry Pie Picache and Jay Manalo said they are happy to work with Lamangan again whom they consider more than a filmmaker but a mentor in all aspects of film making. Picache said she couldn’t forget the first time she worked with the director because the experience made her start looking at movies at a different perspective.
Manalo, meanwhile, credited Lamangan for everything he knows now about acting. “He guided me to what I have become now. Thanks, direk,” he said.
MMFF’s Aurora continues to haunt audience
If there’s one movie that continues to draw audiences to cinemas, it’s Viva Films and ALIUD Entertainment’s Aurora.
The audience is curious why those who had seen it during its run during the festival last year had been talking how scary the story is.
Actually, the film is about a ship called “Aurora” that collides with a rock causing it to sink.
Thousands of its passengers drown to death and many of the dead bodies turn up along the shore of the tiny island near the shipwreck, but many are still missing, and their distressed families are in need of a place to stay in as the search continues. This is the situation the Anne Curtis’ character finds herself in. She (Leana) is the owner of a rundown inn on the island and with an eight-year-old sister (Rita), played by Phoebe Villamor. She is asked to help look for the cadavers in exchange for a large amount of money. Though at the beginning Leana is hesitant,sher fear is overcome by her sympathy for the families and her sister’s encouragement.
Helping her in the search are her ex-boyfriend Ricky, played by Marco Gumabao, and a boatman named Eddie, played by Alan Paule.
This mystery thriller is directed by Yam Laranas, who also did Sigaw (2004) that was turned into a Hollywood film entitled The Echo (2008), The Road, and Abomination. He also wrote the screenplay ofAurora” with Gin de Mesa (All Souls’ Night)
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Life’s Big Events Expo opens
Themes & Motifs, the Philippines premier wedding fair and special occasions’ expo organizer, opens its 2019 season with a brand new event to celebrate life’s biggest moments.
Aptly called Life’s Big Events Expo 2019 (LBEE2019), the two-day fiesta of wedding and party products and services is billed as the country’s biggest one-stop-shop for once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.
Register for free admission and giveaways for brides, grooms, debutantes, graduates, anniversary celebrators, through www.themesnmotifs.com and enjoy the most comprehensive array of wedding and party ideas under one roof on Jan. 12 and 13at the SM MegaTrade Hall.
The Birthday & Party Zone highlights some of the Philippine’s finest party suppliers showcasing the trendiest ideas in debuts, gender reveal parties, proms, grad balls, and other once-in-a-lifetime events.
Moms and dads can accompany their kids to join the free kiddie party activities such as magic shows, face painting sessions, storytelling time, food carts, etc. to get inspiration for their next birthday celebrations.
Kiddie-party.com, the country’s foremost supplier of dream birthday party packages is an event partner and chief party designer of LBEE2019.
On the other hand, debutantes, grad ball attendees, and prom goers can consult with couturiers, make up artists, stylists, etc. for the newest and trendiest party scene ideas.
The Concept Room Studio, a pioneering all occasion glamour photo styling studio, will give visitors a chance to have their very own portraiture sample at the event.
The Wedding & Anniversary Zone features the local wedding industry’s crème de la crème of wedding professionals, certified legitimate supplier aside from being acknowledged as some of the most creative in their respective fields.
As the only wedding fair organizer that puts a premium on selecting only wedding suppliers with legitimate businesses, Themes & Motifs combines both talented newbies and well-loved veteran professionals.
Led by major sponsors Goldenhills Jewelry, Henry Pascual Event Styling, Hizon’s Catering, and Nice Print Photography, brides, grooms, and anniversary celebrants can expect an extra boost in their wedding and celebrations planning through fine ideas and great discounts that will be offered by the best of the best in the local wedding industry.
Wedding Caterers, Photographers, Bride & Groom’s Wear, Cakes, Florists & Event Stylists, Wedding & Engagement Ring Manufacturers, hair and make-up artists, and other wedding related products and services professionals will compete with each other in offering nothing but the best deals and offers to LBEE2019 visitors.
For more details, visit www.themesnmotifs.com or call (632) 413.7892 or 0917.52207078.
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