Entertainment

Mainstream movies back, television re-invented

March 26, 2012 | 12:00am

The best indication that movie viewing has indeed returned is the simultaneous showing of rivals GMA 7’s My Kontrabida Girl and Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang from Skylight Films and Star Cinema. We watched both, found Kontrabida traditional mainstream, Corazon more experimental in approach, yet enjoyed the almost forgotten tradition of Pinoy movie theater watching complete with cola, popcorn, comments and arguments, loud laughter so irritating to foreigners in the house.

My Kontrabida Girl tells of Rhian Ramos’ plan of vengeance on Aljur Abrenica who had broken her heart. The film’s showing is both a risk and a show of support for the network’s talented star whose love affair with Mo Twister ended in what we have always blamed on the social media. The film had a respectable audience at Megamall. On the other hand, at Greenbelt 1, Corazon comes across like a local Twilight, where Bella Swan surrenders her human identity to marry vampire Edward Cullen, only this time it is the human Derek Ramsay, upon discovery of his wife Erich Gonzales’ true identity as “aswang” decides to join her in the land of the “aswangs.” We’d like to add, that director Richard Somes’ film is scarier, more sophisticated, with more atmospheric music and sound effects, and better acted than that of Twilight. Which is not to say that Robert Pattinson doesn’t have the immense talent demonstrated on other non-Twilight films we have watched.

Dahil sa Pag-ibig tackles ticklish issues

It is not only Rhian who is submerging herself in work to forget a love gone awry, but also everyone’s dreamboat Piolo Pascual. Apart from planning on taking a leadership training course often considered as preparation to become a pastor, Piolo is promoting his long delayed film with Regine Velasquez Paano Kita Iibigin directed by Joyce Bernal, and taping the teleserye Dahil sa Pag-ibig with Cristine Reyes as love interest.

Erich Gonzales and Derek Ramsay team up for the first time on the big screen in Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang

Dahil, formerly entitled Padre de Pamilya, signifies ABS-CBN’s continuing battle for excellence in soaps by tackling issues that are controversial, seldom addressed by others, away from formulaic safe issues. In the soap, Piolo plays a priest who falls in love with his sister. Although a reality existing since the age of the Spanish friars, no one has dared expose it within today’s milieu as Piolo and Cristine must now deal with their adult feelings for each other.

The cast is as large as Walang Hanggan, Kapamilya’s great success, but is more controversial in theme. Joining the leads are Jericho Rosales, Maricar Reyes, and Christopher de Leon. Joining in major roles are Ronaldo Valdez, Sandy Andolong, Tetchie Agbayani, Rafael Rosell, Denise Laurel, Freddie Webb, Rey PJ Abellana, Carla Martinez, Joonee Gamboa, Bing Davao, Melissa Mendez, Malou Crisologo, Cheska Iñigo, Jeffrey Santos and Edward Mendez; with the special participation of Joel Torre; and introducing teens Ella Cruz and Francis Magundayao. Direction is by Darnel Villaflor and Avel Sunpongco.

Perfect as mobile Bahay ni Kuya

Our friend Art Lukban was insistent we visit the recent Worldbex 2012 and we were glad we did. As premium brands manager of Matimco’s line of Matwood, Weatherwood (which we used in our gazebo), Deckstyle and others, Art proudly toured us up and down the two-storey House of Wood that was attracting crowds at the entrance lobby of the World Trade Center. Matimco’s two-storey pre-fabricated house served as the best sampler for all its brands. There were all sorts of discounts offered, with the best one in the exact replica of the house going for a mere P1.5M. We couldn’t help imagining how this could serve as a mobile Bahay ni Kuya for smaller communities come rain or shine, or flood.