Word of mouth benefits ‘English Only, Please’

The recently concluded 40th Metro Manila Film Festival is a big success for the small movie “English Only, Please” produced by Quantum Films headed by lawyer Joji Alonso who gave us award-winners like “Kubrador,” “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,” “Here Comes the Bride” and “Ekstra.”

Who would imagine that this indie film starring Derek Ramsay and Jennylyn Mercado will triumph against all odds?

Who would have thought that this romance-comedy would stand a chance against the movies which has big budget for promo, have backing from the major studios and have bigger stars? But “English Only, Please” proved them wrong by taking the box-office by storm, thanks to the awards it won.

The awards that “English Only, Please” nabbed, including the 2nd Best Picture, acting awards for Derek and Jennylyn, plus best director and best screenplay were enough to make people curious about the flick which captured an audience looking for a different  kind of film to watch during the annual December fest.

Thanks to word of mouth and the power of social media, it helped “English Only, Please” move up the unofficial list of top three earners among the eight MMFF entries. It has surpassed the expectations of many who thought the movie will not stand a chance. The people behind the movie proved them wrong. The project is well-acted and well-crafted. It is certainly deserving of the awards it got.

For sure, “English Only, Please” will be among the movies to reckon with come the annual awards season. Congratulations to the people behind the movie.

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Megastar Sharon Cuneta marked her birthday last January 6 and we wish her only the best. We all know that career-wise and in her personal life, 2014 was not a good one for the actress-singer.

After her show on TV5 was axed, Sharon severed her ties with the Kapatid network and for the longest time, she was absent on television. The year ended on a sad note when her loving mother, Elaine Cuneta, passed on.

That was Sharon’s most difficult and challenging year as she said in one of her posts on Facebook. We understand if she will choose to be silent with regards to her plans for her career and personal life.

She has yet to recover from the loss of her mom but just like her millions of fans, we hope that she bounce back and resume her career with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.

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 “Fusion” will be a one-day festival that will celebrate the legacy and future of OPM. It will open 2015 in a big way.

On January 30, the Mall of Asia concert grounds will transform into a true festival arena. Immerse yourself in a whole day of music through pocket stages, activity booths and other attractions.

Come nightfall, different acts from different genres and eras will come together in one big stage, and perform with each other in never-before-heard-collaborations. Pure music will be king as they bring out hit after hit.

The old will meet the new. Legends will battle it out with rookies. Genres will come together to make a new kind of music that will make every concertgoer proud to be Pinoy, and proud to love OPM. The musical event hopes to put the country in the world music tourism map, especially in the observance of the Visit Philippines Year 2015.

Among the artists included in the roster are Bamboo, Sarah Geronimo, Parokya ni Edgar, Yeng Constantino, Andrew E, Noel Cabangon, Kamikazee, Wolfgang, Rico Blanco, Gloc 9, The Dawn, Ebe Dancel, Joey Ayala, Tres Marias, Sandwich, 6 Cyclemind, Kitchie Nadal and Barbie Almabis.

“Fusion” will be a night for celebrating world-class Filipino music. It will be a night for reaffirming the conviction that being Pinoy sounds good.

Among the event sponsors are 7-Eleven, Hapee Toothpaste, Philippine Airlines, Tanduay, and CDO Highlands Corned Beef. Event partners are Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit, Filipino Society of Composers, Artists and Producers, Inc (FILSCAP) and the various record labels participating in the event.

Media partners include Viva, MTV, PBO, Manila Broadcasting Company, Fox International Channels and a lot more.

Tickets to “Fusion 2015” are available at Ticketworld, SM Tickets and Ticketnet. Ticket prices are P1000 (VIP) and P350 (general admission).