I feel so mighty proud when young STAR writers like Erwin Romulo, Quark Henares and Pepe Diokno use their passion and talent into directing/producing films that cause a great stir in our consciousness. And give us hope that yes, Filipino films will be better and more beautiful.
That was the same feeling I got when I watched a short film directed by Albert Martinez for Inno Sotto’s Thirty Twenty Ten fashion show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines last November. Starring Heart Evangelista and Daniel Matsunaga, the film gave fashionistas in the audience a Chanel moment, as refreshing and poetic as the film the world has seen on the legendary designer, and as elegantly fragrant as the ad for her famous scent. The film was short and sensuous, and it left an imprint on my mind. That of Albert Martinez, a director with a depth of purpose.
When I watched Rosario, I saw the same imprint. I loved the movie, despite distracting stuff like Philip Salvador’s glossy plastic-looking moustache. I think I liked it a lot too because the true story written by Manny V. Pangilinan about his grandmother, was just too interesting, so full of pathos. It made me cry, it made me think, it made me remember.
The poetry so fearlessly recited by Vicente against American colonialism during a dinner (where an American couple walks out) went by too quickly, I wanted to catch the lines. The intense scenes where Sid Lucero shows his acting brilliance — and his intense love for Rosario — also unfolded so fast, I wanted to see it again.
So when Virgie Ramos — herself an intense devotee when it comes to films that bare a sincere effort towards achieving quality — announced that she would host a special screening of Rosario for the benefit of friends who missed it, I ran towards Greenbelt 3’s My Cinema. And what did I see? Not just a cozy cinema ready to show the film I loved, but also a delectable dinner spread reminiscent of the film’s era and setting. Always a passionate producer of things grand and beautiful, Tita Virgie asked chef Florabel Co to recreate the dinner spread, complete with details, that she did for Rosario! Delicious!
The main course, Rosario, left the viewers satisfied. I wouldn’t mind seeing it again.