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Friday, May 31, 2024

Movies That Mark 30th Year in May 2024

At least seven Filipino movies were released in theaters in May 1994. Many of these movies can now be viewed on YouTube, while others are occasionally aired on free television.

Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko
Maestro Toribio: Sentensyador
Nandito Ako
Wating
Pintsik Haik!
Hindi Pa Tapos ang Labada, Darling
Macario Durano

Details of each mentioned title follow.

Friday, May 24, 2024

Notes on Pio de Castro III's "Soltero"

The title of Soltero (Tagalog: Bachelor), a 1984 film directed by Pio de Castro III for the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines, sounds like solitaire, the card game. 

Although cards have nothing to do with this movie, the titular character Crispin Rodriguez (exquisitely portrayed by the late Jay Ilagan) appears to play numerous games. 

In each game where happiness is at stake, he uses a card that represents a unique aspect of his singlehood. 

Photo Credit: YouTube / Star Cinema

The opening line, penned by screenwriter Bienvenido Noriega Jr., explicitly delineates this quest for happiness: 

"Para sa lahat ng mga nagsisikap lumigaya, bagaman nag-iisa. At sa mga may katambal na, ngunit nagsasarili pa rin."

("For those who seek happiness despite being alone. And for those who may have found it, but still wish to be alone.)"

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Remembering the 1994 Miss Universe Pageant in the Philippines

Miss Universe Philippines 2024, the fifth edition of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant, is scheduled at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay tomorrow, May 22.

The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) is a country-level beauty pageant that chooses the official representative of the Philippines to Miss Universe, one of the Big Four beauty pageants. 

Exactly thirty years ago today, the Philippines successfully staged the 43rd Miss Universe pageant.

Photo Credit: pep.ph

Following are clippings related to Lindablue F. Romero's coverage of the historic event for the May 22, 1994, issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Some personal notes, comments and trivia are also included.

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Alice Guo and References to Filipino Pop Culture

Alice Leal Guo is a name that suddenly emerged in public discourse in a manner that lightning flashes on the sky during a hot summer day. Guo is the businesswoman who was elected in 2022 as municipal mayor of the town of Bamban in Tarlac province.

Following a number of raids conducted by government forces in the town, a Philippine Senate Committee investigation linked Guo to illegal activities by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

In the probe, Guo's Filipino citizenship has been put in the spotlight and is now being scrutinized due to inconsistencies in her testimony and documents.

When it comes to popular culture, the ensuing controversy jogged the collective memory of many Filipinos. 

                                                    Video Credit: YouTube / Rappler

For this post, emphasis will be given to two movies and two television programs from the last five decades promptly. One of those programs focus on a song.