12th CineManila Film Festival

It used to be held in Makati, then it moved to the Gateway Cinemas in Cubao in 2007 and 2008, then to Market! Market! in Taguig last year.

This year, all roads lead to Robinsons Movieworld at Robinsons Galleria in Quezon City for the annual showcase of some of the best of Philippine and world cinema in the Cinemanila International Film Festival from December 1 - 5,2010!

Now on its 12th year, the five-day festival screens about 50 international and local films -- from the current toasts of the local independent cinema scene, to award winners and favorites at prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Rotterdam, Sundance and Pusan.

For the complete list of the featured movies and the schedule of screenings, visit the official website of CineManila at http://www.cinemanila. org.ph

The Good Life with LG

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of LG. All opinions are 100% mine.

I admit that when it comes to cellphones. I go more for function than design. I only use it to make phone calls and send/receive text messages.

But as I was browsing through the latest editions of smartphones now available in the market, one brand rose above the rest.

The LG brand  has always been synonymous with good quality when it comes to electronic gadgets.  Their latest cellphone, the LG Optimus 7 has quite a number of attractive features that will guarantee you complete satisfaction.

The device functions with the latest Microsoft Operating System Windows® Phone 7 so browsing the Internet will be quite easy and convenient.

It also allows you to store hundreds of mp3, videos and  other applications like high resolution photos because it has an extensive and power 16GB memory.

Another interesting feature is their voice to text  that will allow users to talk and communicate, hands free.

Taking pictures is hassle free as its 5MP camera has simple and basic settings which will be nicely displayed through a 3.8 inch LCD screen.

So the next time I find myself in need of a new cellphone, I just might consider purchasing a LG Optimus 7- the ultimate multimedia entertainment device that fits in your palm.

BABIES

This documentary by Thomas Balmes features a year in the lives of 4 babies who are located in different locations. The children are, respectively, in order of on-screen introduction: Ponijao, who lives with her family near Opuwo, Namibia. Bayar, who resides with his family in Mongolia. Little Mari in Tokyo, Japan and Hattie who is in San Francisco, USA.

There is no script, no dialogue except for candid footage of the 4 babies in various states of cuteness, tantrums et al. The documentary realistically captures on film the earliest stages of the journey from birth until they take their first step, a year later.

It also shows how one's environment can be the guiding force in the upbringing of a child. The sparse and dare I say squalid surroundings of a poor village in Africa, the barren snow capped mountains of Mongolia to the cosmopolitan metropolis of Tokyo and suburban America - they all provide excellent backdrop for the film.

Strangely enough I found myself more interested in the lives of Bayar and Ponijao because their lives provided a good glimpse into how babies born in impoverished nations 'amuse' themselves without the help of fancy toys and electrical gadgets. Crying, crawling and playing under the harsh sun and among cattle and just being their cute little selves despite their spartan environment was interesting to watch.

Some documentaries tend to drag on for hours and then end with some relevant social commentary on an important issue but this film gets a thumbs up even though it didn't convey any message. Because after all babies in any race, size, shape and form will always elicit a positive response!

6th Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival

Cinema One Originals Movie Schedule 2010
Cinema 4, Shang Cineplex
EDSA Shangri-la Plaza Mall
Ticket: P150.00

10 November, 2010 (Wednesday)
12:00 - Wanted:Border
02:00 - Paano Ko Sasabihin
04:00 - The Cinema of Celso Ad Castillo
07:00 - Confessional
09:00 - Ishmael

11 November, 2010 (Thursday)
12:00 - Ishmael
02:00 - The Cinema of Celso Ad Castillo
04:00 - Yanggaw
07:00 - Third World Happy
09:00 - Dagim

12 November, 2010 (Friday)
12:00 - Third World Happy
02:00 - Dagim
04:00 - Ishmael
07:00 - Astro Mayabang
09:00 - Tsardyer

13 November, 2010 (Saturday)
12:00 - Astro Mayabang
02:00 - Tsardyer
04:00 - Ishmael
06:00 - Third World Happy
08:00 - Layang Bilanggo
10:00 - Ang Damgo

14 November, 2010 (Sunday)
11:30 - Layang Bilanggo
01:30 - Ang Damgo
03:30 - Third World Happy
05:30 - Astro Mayabang
07:30 - Tsardyer
09:30 - Dagim

15 November, 2010 (Monday)
11:30 - Astro Mayabang
01:30 - Dagim
03:30 - Layang Bilanggo
05:30 - Ang Damgo
07:30 - Tsardyer
09:30 - Ishmael

16 November, 2010 (Tuesday)
12:00 - Layang Bilanggo
02:00 - Ang Damgo
04:00 - Third World Happy
06:00 - Tsardyer
08:00 - Dagim
10:00 - Astro Mayabang

Designer Bathroom Suites

One of the things I cherish most when I stay at hotels are their luxurious bathrooms. It has always been my dream to own a house where the bathroom will be as grand as the ones I've seen at 5 star hotels. It should be both functional and ultra modern with a chic ambiance. A sanctuary where I can soak in a bath tub at the end of a very long day. Or dash in for a quick shower when I am in a hurry. A place where clean towels are nicely hanged in shiny metal racks. Pristine bathroom tiles adorn the floor. And, of course the ubiquitous ceramic toilet that is the center piece of any bathroom.

All these items are readily available for your perusal at a great website that specializes in bathroom suites. At betterbathrooms.com they cater to all your bathroom needs. The neatly organized website is easily navigable with different product categories. It is worthwhile to check out each and every category before you make your choice. Their jacuzzi section just stirred up my visions of a very relaxing and quite enjoyable activity. Better Bathrooms has just launched a new range of value bathroom suites which are available at affordable prices!

KOREAN HORROR FILM FESTIVAL

The Shangri-La Plaza hosts the Korean Film Festival from October 27 to 31 and November 2 to 4 at Shang Cineplex Cinema 4.

The event is a partnership between the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, The Korea-Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc. and The Shangri-la Plaza.

It will showcase Korean cinema with an exciting line-up of widely acclaimed horror and thriller films.

Screening Schedule

October 26, Tuesday
Epitaph (By Invitation Only)

October 27, Wednesday
2 PM Arang
5 PM The Red Shoes
8 PM M

October 28, Thursday
2 PM Hansel and Gretel
5 PM Ghost
8 PM Paradise Murdered

October 29, Friday
2 PM Ghost
5 PM Arang
8 PM Epitaph

October 30, Saturday
2 PM The Red Shoes
5 PM Paradise Murdered
8 PM Hansel and Gretel

October 31, Sunday
2 PM M
5 PM Epitaph
8 PM Arang

November 2, Tuesday
2 PM Hansel and Gretel
5 PM M
8 PM Ghost

November 3, Wednesday
2 PM Paradise Murdered
5 PM Arang
8 PM The Red Shoes

November 4, Thurdsay
2 PM Epitaph
5 PM M
8 PM Paradise Murdered

Admission is FREE. For inquiries please contact 633-7851 loc.113 or log on to www.shangrila-plaza.com for more details.

RIPRENDIMI (GOOD MORNING HEARTACHE)

9th Italian Film Festival
Cinema 4, Shang Cineplex

"Riprendimi" is a dramedy (drama and comedy) about Lucia and Giovanni. On the eve of their anniversary, Lucia (a film maker) recorded a DVD showing a montage of their entire relationship and married life. It is her anniversary gift. When Giovanni (a bit actor) comes home he announces over their romantic dinner that he is leaving Lucia and their baby son Paulino. Lucia is heartbroken. While Giovanni moves on pretty quickly and finds love in the arms of Michaela, a doctor.

It sounds like a pretty ordinary premise for a movie. Except that their lives are being filmed for a documentary. The main focus is to present the lives of temporary actors. Yet as the documentary progresses, all the nitty gritty details of the couple's breakup is recorded for posterity. As they follow the separated couple around, though, both Giorgio and Eros (the film makers) find themselves increasingly drawn into the emotional drama being played out before them.

So there is a film within a film aspect going on. The concept is pretty current as reality shows are the norm, nowadays. Most of the film revolves around people talking directly into the cameras as they (friends of the couple) are interviewed and asked to comment on the ongoing separation.

Although this is a story about a broken relationship, there's as much comedy as tragedy in the tale. Much of the film is very funny yet sad as well. It is a bit difficult to watch as we bear witness to Lucia's anguish over the break up of her marriage. But overall it is a good case study into the break up of a marriage.

THE TOWN

Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Hall, John Hamm

"Welcome to the bank robbery capital of the world"

Cinema 3, Shang Cineplex

After a slew of Spanish films overload, I was really looking forward to some mindless entertainment c/o Hollywood. But I guess I picked the wrong film since "The Town" hardly qualifies as "mindless". And that is a good thing because frankly it has been a (long) while since I've watched an 'intelligent' film.

A well crafted heist movie that had all the key elements of a blockbuster yet at the same time, it had some soulful depth and edgy vibe to make it highly entertaining. It unfolds in the bank robbery capital of the world, a town named Charleston in Boston. A suspenseful bank robbery in progress marks the scene where we are introduced to the ensemble cast. Multidimensional characters composed of bank robbers, FBI agents, bank manager, junkie siblings and a host of other bit players in supporting roles. There are dramatic elements, thrilling action sequences, romantic entanglements and even a tinge of redemption - which are all mixed and well blended together under the able direction of Ben Affleck.

I'd have to say that Ben Affleck unfortunately doesn't know how to act. So it is really great that he found his niche behind the cameras. He can pat himself over the shoulder for a well done job in his second directorial work.

TRES DIAS CON LA FAMILIA(THREE DAYS WITH THE FAMILY)

9th Spanish Film Festival
Cinema 1, Greenbelt 3

The film unfolds through the eyes of Lea, a student in Toulouse who goes back to Girona, Spain to attend the funeral of her grandfather. It turns into a reunion of sorts as family members gather for the wake and funeral. A nostalgic time as uncles, aunts and cousins reminisce as they grieve together. Yet at the same time, they still maintain a certain degree of aloofness. A careful attempt to avoid intimacy in order to keep up a good appearance.

Based on the numerous family reunions I've attended, I notice there is a guarded tendency for us to merely share news we think are worth sharing. This same premise is explored in the film as we only get bits and pieces of information about each character. There is no pressing need for the audience to be spoon fed every single detail of their lives.

And surprisingly, I find that technique quite acceptable. Not because I didn't care about the characters, I did. The director or scriptwriter felt it was up to the viewer to form their own conclusions.

The movie is inundated with long yet soulful scenes of pure silence and quiet solitude. Prodding much contemplation for the characters who pretend that all is well on the outside. Yet deep inside, they are deeply troubled with sentiments like loneliness, break ups and a general sense of a vague uncertainty. Fears and apprehensions which afflict most if not all of us, naturally!

LA TETA ASUSTADA (THE MILK OF SORROW)

9th Spanish Film Festival
Cinema 1, Greenbelt 3

This Peruvian film focuses on Fausta who suffers from "la teta asustada" which literally translates to 'frightened breast'. It is said to be a condition that afflicts the children of women who were raped or abused during Peru's years of terrorism.

Fausta is inherently a timid and innocent girl who certainly seems harmless. Yet she feels the need to torture herself emotionally and physically as a result of her 'situation'. She is constantly terrified, especially of men, and goes to extreme lengths to protect herself against a largely non-existent threat of rape.

The film which is set in a dusty and arid Peruvian town draws much inspiration from its authentic location. Giving us a glimpse into the daily existence of its inhabitants who are mostly poor yet are also enriched by their religious beliefs, local folklore and ancient traditions.

For instance, they kept showing numerous wedding ceremonies. These include odd pairings, absurd photo moments and celebratory dancing. The brides are always content in their wedding gowns and the gathered observers are always euphoric despite the fact that the impoverished backdrop is bleak, hopeless and foreboding.

What's even more remarkable is that these moments of happiness are depicted as not only a result of the bad times, but as an inherent and inevitable consequence of suffering.

Shot with a mix of carefully framed long shots and mobile close-ups, this is certainly one of the strangest films I've watched in my viewing history. I can't say that it was eccentric nor was it quaint, I figure that unique would be the correct word!