Moview Review: 'Pagpag Siyam na Buhay' is an Extreme Horror Flick with a Twist!

I've just completed watching 4 of the mainstream movie entries in the 39TH Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2013. These include, "Boy Golden: The Arturo Porcuna Story," "Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay," "My Little Bossings,"  and "Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy." And of course, I even watched one of the new wave movie entries, the action film "Saka Saka." And yes, I will share with you my movie reviews for each of these movies. I already completed the review for "Boy Golden." 

Of the said five movies that I have watched for the year, "Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay" is the No. 1 on my list! Aside from the fact that I'm a lover and a big fan of horror movies, there are certain things in the movie which made it as my No. 1 favorite!

First of all, the story is not predictable! There is a twist and mystery in the story that made the audience hook! "Yun bang, aabangan mo ang bawat eksena at hihintayin mo ang susunod na mangyayari!" Although you know that each of them will die, there is still a question in your mind if how the tragedy could be stopped!  

Second, this movie really gives you an extreme horror experience! Yes, "sobrang nakakagulat at nakaka-kaba ang mga eksena" specially when they involved the Filipino tradition of "patay" and "lamay."  "Takot pa naman ako sa mga patay at sa mga lamay"  so this movie gave me an nth level of frightening experience! "Umpisa pa lang nakakatakot na"  when the movie started during the wake of the dead Enchong Dee who committed suicide. His girlfriend Empress violated some of the beliefs by wearing red in the wake and not practicing "Pagpag" therefore the ghost of Enchong followed and terrorized her!   

Third, I love the twist and the way how they relate the Filipino beliefs and superstitions to the horror story. It was clearly depicted in the movie, "kung ano 'ung nilabag na pamahiin, dun namamatay 'ung lumabag." For instance the character of Miles Ocampo who look at her face on her mirror during the lamay, she died also on the mirror - "nabubog at natusok ng malaki niyang salamin sa kwarto" at the same time, a big chandelier felt on her! Also the character of CJ Navato who stole food, the sandwich on the lamay, he died via 'sandwiched' by two vehicles! Another one,  the character of Michelle Vito who cried on the coffin of the dead, she died by means of water! It is similar to the character of Dom Roque who wiped the tears of Michelle in the coffin therefore he died also in the shower room by means of water and glass! 

Check out the full trailer of "Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay" below and see those things that I've mentioned:

Aside from that, the main characters of the story showed a great acting skills! Paulo Avelino's acting here as a ghost killer is superb! He is my bet for the Best Supporting Actor award. And yes, he didn't failed the expectations of audience here in the movie by giving his best in terms of acting! He reminded me of his character as Nathan in "Walang Hanggan!"  

Of course, Shaina Magdayao who is playing the wife of Paulo is also great in acting in the movie. She revealed a 'bida-kontrabida' character in the story! 

Kathryn Bernardo, the lead actress in the movie who is portraying Leni also didn't left behind! "Di rin nagpatalo sa aktingan ang Teen Queen of Philippine showbiz!"  She can do both drama and horror at the same time! You can really feel her swing of emotions in the movie!

And of course, I love the lead child star Clarence Delgado in the movie! He is playing Macmac, the cute abandoned child and the unknown son of Paulo and Shaina. His ka-cutan and his power to see the next tragedy even though he can't speak captured the hearts of the viewers! 

The movie's target audience were teenagers, youngsters, and young at heart that's why the story revolves around the group of teenagers! But of course, they were able to combine the needs and expectations of the older viewers.

And two of the downfalls, the negative sides of this movie was first, they continue the tradition of serial killings with a pattern which reminded us of "Feng Shui," "Sukob,"  and "The Healing."  And second, I can't accept the part of the movie wherein they bring a new life to the dead people. "Nabuhay 'ung patay at bumalik na parang normal na tao lang!"  This is when the characters of Macmac and Paulo, the former dead were given new life and retain as normal people! And what is the connection of the characters of Enchong and Empress who appeared in the first part of the movie to the story of Kathryn, Daniel, Paulo, and Shaina?! It wasn't revealed in the end! These were just some of the improvements of this film but overall, this movie is one of the best!  

Once more, congratulations Star Cinema, Paulo Avelino, Kathryn Bernardo, Clarence Delgado, Matet De Leon,  and to all the people behind this film for giving us another remarkable horror movie like this! Two thumbs up "Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay!" It's my No. 1 MMFF movie for 2013! (RCB)

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How It Feels Like 'Aswang!'

We are currently on the so-called "Season of Horror and Terror" as we are celebrating the Halloween, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day. Different horror stories were currently airing on the different TV stations, topics and themes of the different parties, and features on the different movies.     

Now inline with the season, I will also share with you one of my horror-theme portraits! 

Do you believe in the Filipino folklore "Aswang"?! Or do you already encountered in real-life these human-eating creatures of the dark?! How does it feel being an "Aswang" imagining yourself being one of them?!  

Well, let me share with you my "Aswang" moments together with the "Aswang" guy who turned me wild just like him: 

He made me thirst for a human flesh! He turned me salivating to eat the inner organs of a human being!

I got my best shots with an Aswang guy during the Premiere Night of "Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles."  The setup of the SM Megamall Cinema 9 depicted a 'pugad ng mga aswang' place! Dried leaves, bloody human organs, and Aswangs surrounded the venue! And I got one of the best Aswang guy to shot!     

"Ang Sarap Magpa-Aswang," my recent status I had posted in my Facebook account identifying one of these photos! :) How do you love our photos?! Happy Halloween Everyone!(RCB)     

'Dead Mine' Palpitates My Senses with It's Deadly Twist!

 

For the second time now, I was invited by my blogger friend Kuya Ferdz of TaDi ("Tatak Digitista") to watch and scream for the premiere nights of two Hollywood movies brought to us by the SM Cinema Exclusives or CinExlusive. Well, the movies we watched together with my officemate friend were truly inline with the Halloween season - they were both terrifying which awaken our senses! Let me share with you my frightening experience watching this second horror movie (I'll share the first one in my next post).    

"Dead Mine" is actually the first original feature produced by HBO Asia and making its cinema debut this coming November 9, 2012. There are many good things to note about this movie aside from the breath-taking thriller it offers. Let me count it to you one by one.

First, I like how the casts were put together. Yeah, the actors portraying different roles in the movie actually came from different part of the world. Hunks Sam Hazeldine and Les Loveday of Great Britain, cult action star Miki Mizuno of Japan, cutie heartthrob Jimmy T of Singapore, tough hunky dudes Ario Bayu, Bang Tigor, Joe Taslim and Mike Lewis of Indonesia, and our very own sweetheart Carmen Soo of Malaysia comprise the main cast members! It's nice to see Ms. Carmen Soo who once became part of the Philippine showbiz (particularly in the teleserye "Kahit Isang Saglit" with Jericho Rosales) back in the movie scene via an anticipating Hollywood movie like this.

Jimmy T, Sam Hazeldine and Miki Mizuno Fight Until the End

Mike Lewis, Carmen Soo and Les Loveday All Face Death in a Tragic Way!

The second good thing about this movie is that it makes you proud about our country. Count how many times the words "Philippines" and "Yamashita" mentioned in the movie! Yamashita or Yamashita treasure is actually part of the Philippine History as it depicts the Japanese invasion in the country forming one of the most important blocks of Filipino history! Conflicts in the movie started as the group of Les Loveday hunts the Yamashita treasure in Bali, Indonesia!      

Third, the story is unpredictable! We all know that the lead stars of the different movies stay alive until the end. But after you witnessed the ending of this movie, you will get shock on how it was concluded!

Fourth, this movie is actually the second film (next to "The Healing") which truly puts me on the state of shock! In the middle of the movie, my heart was beating faster and faster! My 'kaba' was raised to its highest point when the lead stars were hunted by the dead soldiers or when the evil monsters kill the cast!      

The Good Soldiers were Yet to Defeat!

The Dead Soldiers of the Dark!

Fifth, the movie didn't only combined action and horror. It also merged the past and the future! Yes, the movie has a touch of historical facts but at the same time presented in futuristic approach. Imagine how the metal immortal soldiers and the oldies who retain youthful and active via experimental formula formed through a hi-tech futuristic approach!   

To visualize how the story goes, here is the full trailer of "Dead Mine" for you to watch:

Actually while watching this movie, I visualize it as a "Walking Dead" three times higher! The monsters and the evil metal soldiers in this movie were the hi-tech versions of the TV series zombies! Cool.

Even though I already watched this movie during its premiere night, I also want to watch it over and over again! There is really no 'sawa' factor in this horror flick. I am highly recommending this movie. Two thumbs up! It will truly be a sure hit. Happy Halloween!(RCB)          

Rocky and Lovi Turn the Red Carpet Purple!

For the first time, I met in person the so-called "Horror Princess" Ms. Lovi Poe! Lovi once more stars in another horror flick, "Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles."

I personally met Lovi during the Red Carpet Premiere Night of the said movie last October 15, 2012 in SM Megamall Cinema 9. It was so surprising to see that me and Lovi wore the same color of cloth. We were both in purple! Many says, "terno kami nang gabing iyon!"

We fitted one another! "Bagay na bagay daw kami!" We posted a chemistry on that prestige night.

We didn't only took our photos together, we even got a video! Yes, and in our video, we promoted the exciting horror movie released by GMA Films. 

Well, here is our video. Let's all watch this:

Lovi is so kind, humble, and approachable in person! It was so opposite to her personality in person wherein she was always misinterpreted as 'mataray' or 'masungit!'

What can you say about our photos and video together?! Do I have a gut to be her next new leading man?! c",)

The Unexpected Twists in 'Segunda Mano!'

I could say that "Segunda Mano" is one of the best movies I have watched this year! Though it was not a pure horror everyone is thinking of, the story brings us more unexpected twists!

Last night, I watched the said movie with my GF in SM Mall of Asia! Originally, we were planning to watch "Shake, Rattle, and Roll 13." We came in the mall at around 7pm. But the next movie hour for SSR13 was at 11:30pm. So we decided to watch our second choice - "Segunda Mano!" The next movie hour of this horror flick from Star Cinema was at 9pm.

While waiting for the hour of showing, we roamed around the mall and spent sweet night together!

At around 8pm, we decided to go up the movie house. It was shocking to see that many people were falling inline for the said movie. As we have seen, "Segunda Mano" has the most number of viewers next to "Enteng Ng Ina Mo!"

People were very excited to watch this fourth horror movie of Ms. Kris Aquino. As the light was turned off in the theater, people were shouting!

In the beginning of the movie, you may say that it's an ordinary horror film with a very predictable plot! The owner of the red bag was revealed upon the start of the story! You will eventually know who is the ghost in the story who keeps on haunting the character of Kris Aquino as Mabel!

But as the story progresses, in the middle and in the last part of the movie, you will appreciate its essence! You will witness more twists and revelations you wouldn't expect! The purpose of the ghost haunting Mabel, the real killer in the story, the reason behind the lost of Mabel's little sister Marie, and the relationship of the characters of Kris Aquino as Mabel and Angelica Panganiban as Mariella were some of the twists in the film that surprised the audience!

In the movie, I can say that Ms. Kris Aquino is not only the Philippine's Horror Queen. She revives her previous title being the "Massacre Queen!" Yup, you will witness a masscre scene in this movie which once brightened the career of Ms. Kris way back in 90's (Remember "The Elsa Castillo Story?")!

There is also a touch of comedy in this movie! I love the cats which serve as 'pandayang pang-gulat', the character of Mosang which gives humor to the story, and of course the character of Ms. Bangs Garcia who is a 'kikay' bestfriend-sidekick of Kris! I bet Bangs for the Best Supporting Actress Award for this movie!

I would recommend you guys to watch this movie. In the end, you will find out that it's worthy! "Sulit na sulit ang pera mo at ang pag-uwi ko ng gabi kagabi!" Hehehe...I came home last night at around 12:45am! c",)