The Philippine Online Chronicles

FILM

Reviews: Yes to Septic Tank, No to Pureza?

“Best Actress. Best Screenplay. Best Director. Best Film. Audience Choice.” were the Cinemalaya awards cited by Inquirer writer Pam Pastor as she listed reasons why the public should watch “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” starring Eugene Domingo.

In a Q & A with Inquirer, scriptwriter Chris Martinez said, “In my heart, I know it’s a crowd pleaser. Script pa lang, tawang tawa na si Uge (Eugene) and direk Marlon. But it’s not all laughter—it has bite!”

During the shoot, Domingo really fell (accidentally) into a septic tank. She said, “After the accident of falling into the septic tank during the shoot, I easily get tired, my back hurts and I get emotional. I thought it was post-hospitalization depression or whatever you may call it.”

Nevertheless, both Domingo and Martinez were extremely happy with their film’s awards.

Domingo said, “I am super satisfied! Cinemalaya is a very important event for me. This is their seventh year and I started being aware of it early on. Cinemalaya offers us new Filipino films to watch. What’s rewarding here is that of course as an actor, I get to accept and play roles that surprise the audience and myself as well!”

Meanwhile, no-holds-barred critic Katrina Stuart Santiago wrote that Melai Cantiveros’ Adventures of Pureza, Queen of the Riles’ “first step at comedy is dependent on co-actors who do the acting better.”

Santiago pointed out that while she always had faith in writer-director Soxy Topacio, Pureza was unfortunately limited by its commercial responsibilities, with Cantiveros is “obviously the point” of the whole film and that everything else is allowed to suffer.

Still, “There was laughter as provided by Pareño and the rest of the cast, there were bright brilliant moments of comedy. Right there was the director's hand. I've got faith in Soxy Topacio. Always will,” Santiago wrote.

Fil-Am star to look out for

Another Filipino-American making a name in the United States is Liza Lapira who stars as Emma Stone’s bestfriend in the romantic-comedy film “Crazy, Stupid Love.”

A long-time actress, Lapira was best known for playing Kianna in the 2008 film 21. She also starred as Special Agent Michelle Lee in NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

An ecstatic Stone said during an interview, “Liza should be in many movies, because she’s brilliant,” Emma added. “So much of what she did was improv. She’s genuinely hilarious.”

THEATER

Cory ng Edsa on stage

“Cory ng EDSA,” a sequel to the musical “Ako si Ninoy” opened last weekend in Manila.

Written and directed by Vincent M. Tañada, “Cory ng EDSA” tells the story of former President Corazon Aquino through the eyes of a reporter who has covered her life.

"Cory ng EDSA," a production of the Philippine Stagers Foundation, has playdates on July 31, August 6-7, 13-14, 18, 20-21 and 28; September 4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, and; October 2, and 15-16 at the Saint Cecilia’s Hall, St. Scholastica’s College.

BOOKS

Writer figures in fairytale

Almost in sync with her fantasy with a twist novel “Before Ever After,” Samantha Sotto seemed to have been living in a fairytale when she received news that her first book was accepted by no less than the Random House Publishing in New York, the largest English-language general trade book publisher in the world.

“I only started researching about publishing when I finished the book. I knew absolutely nothing about the process so when I saw a second-hand copy of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Getting Published on sale, I bought it. That’s where I learned that I needed to find a literary agent,” Sotto said.

She used Google to search contact details and sent out excerpts to her preferred agents. It was then that she found her present agent who sold the book within a month.

“Before Ever After” is a modern fairy tale about “true love, happy endings, new beginning, and everything in between.” It tells the story of Shelley who learns three years after her husband Max’s death that he is still alive. He tracks him down with Paolo, who is supposed to be Max’s grandson.

The book launch and book signing party was held at the National Book Store Glorietta 5 branch on July 27. It will also be released in the United States.

Fil-Am bookfair in San Francisco

Butch Dalisay writes in his column that a “sizable contingent is shaping up” for the Filipino-American Book Fair in San Francisco, United States in October.

Among those invited are Virgilio Almario, Bienvenido Lumbera, F. Sionil Jose, Benedicto Cabrera, Ambeth Ocampo, Felice Sta. Maria, Marites Vitug, Criselda Yabes, Isagani Crus, Vim Nader and Teo Antonio (who will both perform in a balagtasan bout) and young writer Carljoe Javier.

The book fair is said to be organized by the Literacy Initiatives International Foundation.

MUSIC

American Idol in Manila

The long wait is over for American Idol fans in the Philippines. On September 20, American Idol Season 10’s Top 11 finalists will be at the Araneta Coliseum to perform for the first time in Asia. In the top 11 line-up are Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart, Jacob Lusk, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Naima Adedapo, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Stefano Langone, Fil-American Thia Megia, and Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery.

They will be performing a wide range of song genres and fan favorites from the show, as well as new original singles from their solo projects.

Jazzanova

Berlin-based group Jazzanova hits Manila with their electronic tunes on August 12. Jazzanova is a DJ/producer collective consisting of Alexander Barck, Claas Brieler, Jürgen von Knoblauch, Roskow Kretschmann, Stefan Leisering, and Axel Reinemer. Formed in 1995, they are said to be one of the foremost proponents of “nu-jazz.”

Presented by Frequency Manila, Nomad Technology, Music & Wine Radio and Vinyl on Vinyl, Jazzanova Live in Manila will be held at Time, Makati Ave. Only 200 tickets will be made available. Tickets are sold at P500 a piece. For inquiries, e-mail jazzanovamanila@gmail.com.