A Wedding (from Hell) and a Song

Not being knowledgeable in superstitious beliefs, I was a bit puzzled about this whole sukob concept in Chito Roño's latest horror film.

I had always thought that sukob was only applicable to weddings-that two sisters shouldn't marry within the same year, or else it would spell bad luck for both marriages. I know a thirty-something woman who had determinedly waded through flood waters during her wedding day, all because she had two twenty-something sisters who were also scheduled to get married after her. If she had postponed her wedding because of the flood, she would have to wait two years because of this whole sukob thing.

Apparently, if Chito Roño and co-scriptwriter Chris Martinez are to be believed, sukob applies to deaths in the family as well: You'd be courting terrible, terrible luck in the form of one hell of a scary child-like creature in bridal attire if you got married within a year of a family member's death. If that child-like creature was supposed to be a flower girl, I wouldn't know for sure, because I had my eyes closed every time she made her sudden appearances.

I used to be very cynical when it comes to local horror flicks. For some reason I couldn't understand, our filmmakers kept failing to mine our culture for materials for good scary movies-despite the fact that the supernatural is more natural than it is super for us Filipinos. Those of you who've been raised on at least one horror story as a cautionary tale, raise your hands. My point exactly.

I've been happy to note, however, that lately, the horror movie concepts have been improving. There's "Feng Shui" (Roño) that twisted the idea of the ubiquitous bagwa, "Sigaw" (Yam Laranas) that made international waves with its haunted apartment yarn... and now, "Sukob" that exploits this strange superstition that hovers over what should be the happiest day of at least two people's lives. Now if only they can perfect the craft.

But let's applaud Roño this time, because "Sukob" is unquestionably better than "Feng Shui" in all aspects. The powerhouse cast is competent, with Jhong Hilario, Ronaldo Vasquez, and Boots Anson Roa standing out. The cinematography is exceptional. We have indeed, at least in this genre, gone so far since the days of horror movies with ten-second screaming scenes.

I say watch "Sukob"-and bring a friend. Even if there's hardly a difference in Kris Aquino's character (and acting) in both of Roño's horror films. Even if I'm wondering what that child-like creature is supposed to be, as there was no back story offered on her. (I mean, is she the official sukob collector?) And even if there's a whole scene that screams Sadako rip-off.

I guarantee that it delivers.

And I believe three's a charm. I'm already looking forward to Roño's next horror project.

"Philippine Idol", 'bay

I wrote in this space last week that the "Philippine Idol" judges exceeded their talent quota in Cebu. Curiously, Sunday's audition episode showed few talents (and among those, two were from Manila), and plenty of sideshows. It certainly was no testament to the singing skills of the residents of this part of the country. But no matter-judges Francis Magalona, Pilita Corrales, and Ryan Cayabyab were unanimous in saying that Cebu was practically brimming with talent.

This week's standouts include Brian Sombrero (who boxed his way to weight loss, just for "Philippine Idol", and then flew all the way from Manila to audition); Zandra Tan (who does ballroom dancing too); Ricardo Sabanal (who has a background in musical theater); Giancarlo Magdangal (also from Manila, and research tells me he's been in the public eye before as part of this vocal group that's "more than just a boy band", 17:28); Randolph Libres, M.D. (who wore a salmon shirt that said "Starving Artist", yeah right, doc!), and Stephanie Lazaro (who came all the way from Down Under, after a failed bid for the 2005 Australian Idol).

Let's see what next week's "Philippine Idol" brings!

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