Erich Gonzales Film 'Mariposa (Sa Hawla ng Gabi)' Goes International via Far East Film fest in Italy

The highly acclaimed Cinema One Originals’ “Mariposa (Sa Hawla ng Gabi),” which stars Erich Gonzales, has been chosen to be included in the prestigious Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy. 

Directed by visionary indie filmmaker Richard V. Somes, the psycho-action thriller tells the tale of an innocent woman, played by Erich, who unravels horrible truths while in search of her long lost sister, threading together intense moments shot in the hidden areas of Manila. 

The unique rawness depicted in Mariposa successfully takes the local film scene to whole new levels, exposing how the values of innocence, helplessness, and justice are brutally translated in today’s day and age. A daring revelation on how aggressive struggles really are, this edgy work of art takes things even further by having the movie’s main star take center stage, portraying a role that demands an unexpected sense of versatility from Erich that took viewers by surprise. 

“Mariposa” will be shown from April 19 to April 27 at the Far East Film Festival. The annual Far East Film Festival, now on its 15th year, is the biggest European film festival that showcases East Asian films. The  Cinema One Originals Festival is an annual project of Cinema One, the country’s number one cable channel. 

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Cinema One Originals 2012 Festival Winners Revealed

The Cnema One Originals Digital Film Festival awards night happened on December 3 at the Dolphy theater, ABS-CBN compound. Catnip won the most awards with 3, while Pascalina was named Best Picture.

Palitan bagged the Best Actor and Best Actress trophies for Alex Medina (son of actor Pen Medina) and Mara Lopez (daughter of actress/beauty queen Maria Isabel Lopez), respectively.

Here is the complete list of winners for the 2012 Cinema One Originals 2012:

• BEST PICTURE (Cinema One Currents category) - Pascalina
• BEST DIRECTOR - Kevin Dayrit, Catnip
• BEST ACTOR - Alex Medina, Palitan
• BEST ACTRESS - Mara Lopez, Palitan
• SUPPORTING ACTOR - Nicholas Valera, Aberya
• SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Ria Garcia, Melodrama Negra
• SCREENPLAY - Kevin Dayrit, Catnip
• SOUND - Mickey Macachor, Aberya
• MUSIC - Join the Club, Circa, Rugis & Kevin Dayrit, Catnip
• PRODUCTION DESIGN - Michael Espanol, Mariposa Sa Hawla ng Gabi
• EDITING - Kevin Dayrit, Catnip
• CINEMATOGRAPHY - Danilo Salas III, Anak Araw
• AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD - Melodrama Negra
• JURY PRIZE - Ang Paglalakbay ng Bituin sa Gabing Madilim

The 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival will run until December 9 at Robinson’s Galleria Movie World and until December 4 at the Edsa Shang Cineplex.

The 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival is an annual project of the Cinema One, the local movie channel on cable, owned and operated by Creative Programs, Inc (CPI).

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Erich Gonzales Reunites with Richard Somes in Mariposa Sa Hawla ng Gabi

After “Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang”, Erich Gonzales stars in another dark and gritty film by acclaimed director Richard Somes, “Mariposa Sa Hawla ng Gabi” that will be screened during the 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival.

Erich Gonzales in Dark Thriller "Mariposa Sa Hawla ng Gabi"

Somes admitted that he loved Erich’s acting style, “I thought Erich really suited the lead character of Mariposa and I have already written the script to really suit her personality. The problem was, she became super busy because of her other commitments,” he said.

The director who has worked with Erich thrice was surprised when the seasoned actress informed him that she has received the script and felt ecstatic to do the film. “We talked and she agreed to adjust her schedule to make room for Mariposa,” Somes said.

In Mariposa, Erich will portray a ‘probinsiyana’ who ventures into the city to find her long lost sister. Somes said that this reunion would be fun and easy for both of them since he already knew what Erich is capable of. “Erich will portray a very challenging role here and very different from the ones she has done so far,” he said.

The director mentioned that in the film, Erich skinned a monitor lizard without any hint of fear and that she has some really amazing fight scenes without the help of a double. “You will really see a ‘kickass’ Erich in this film,” he said.

Likewise for Alfred Vargas who also stars in Mariposa. Somes said that Vargas prepared physically and mentally for this project, “Alfred has always been pictured as a kind and handsome corporate guy; very clean and gentlemanly. But here in Mariposa, he’ll portray a very different role; the characters here are dark, grim and gritty,” he said.

The film was set in 1994 in the gloomy side of Metro Manila. “Mariposa Sa Hawla ng Gabi” also stars Joel Torre, Mark Gil, Rez Cortes, Maria Isabel Lopez, Dennis Padilla and John Lapus who will also portray a shocking role.

“There are a lot of compelling scenes in Mariposa. Erich was very fantastic in portraying a really strong woman,” said Somes.

Watch “Mariposa Sa Hawla ng Gabi” on December 1 at 5:00 p.m., December 5 at 9:15 p.m. and December 8 at 2:30 p.m. at the Robinson’s Galleria Movie World and December 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Edsa Shang-ri La Cineplex during the 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival.

The 2012 Cinema One Originals festival will run from November 28 to December 9 at Robinson’s Galleria Movie World and from November 29 to December 4 at the Edsa Shangri-La Cineplex. The festival’s much awaited awards night will be held on December 3 at the Studio 1, ABS-CBN Main Building.

The 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival is an annual project of the Cinema One, the local movie channel on cable, owned and operated by Creative Programs, Inc (CPI).

For more Kapamilya updates follow/like BIDA KAPAMILYA on Twitter and Facebook.

Daughter of Beauty Queen Bares Body and Soul in "Palitan," Cinema One Originals Entry

Set in the gritty streets of Raon, Quiapo, “Palitan” which stars Mara Lopez, Alex Medina and Mon Confiado, is an erotic film which is a tribute to the classic “Scorpio Nights”.

Directed by Ato Bautista, the film was inspired by his most favorite film of Peque Gallaga. “I made Palitan as risqué and bold as possible but it’s not really based on the story of Scorpio Nights,” said Bautista, who waited seven years to make it.

The film marks the first leads and most daring roles of Lopez, daughter of former beauty queen Maria Isabel Lopez and Medina, son of veteran actor Pen Medina.

Cinema One Originals 2012 Film Festival Finalists

Lopez admitted that she had to consult her mother before accepting the role. “My mom and I discussed if I am ready to accept such an intriguing role and she said she’ll always be there to help and support me. It’s my most challenging role and there are a lot to watch out for, but I don’t want to divulge anything. Let’s just say I placed my full trust to my co-actors and director,” said Lopez.

In “Palitan”, Confiado, the consumate actor who is known for his dedication by transforming himself into the characters he portrays, plays Ramiro, the cunning boss of the stupid and ill-tempered Nestor (Medina) who is badly in debt with him. Love-starved and porn-tired Ramiro wants more than money from Nestor; he wants his young and lovely common law wife, Luisa (Lopez). Ramiro and Nestor agree on a deal that will push the characters into unexpected and unexplored boundaries of power play, love, lust, deceit, and jealousy.

Bautista’s fifth full feature, “Palitan” was supposed to be his second fillm and be released as “Scorpio Nights 3” years ago but never came to fruition. And now we have the chance to watch “Palitan” in selected theaters, it will have its premiere night on December 1 at 9:30 p.m. at the Edsa Shangri-La Cineplex during the 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival.

The 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival will run from November 28 to December 9 at Robinson’s Galleria Movie World and from November 29 to December 4 at the Edsa Shangri-La Cineplex. The festival’s much awaited awards night will be held on December 3 at the Studio 1, ABS-CBN Main Building.

The 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival is an annual project of the Cinema One, the local movie channel on cable, owned and operated by Creative Programs, Inc.

For more Kapamilya updates follow/like BIDA KAPAMILYA on Twitter and Facebook.

'Slumber Party' Official Trailer (Starring Markki Stroem, Archie Alemania, RK Bagatsing)

Check out the official trailer of Cinema One Originals 2012 entry Slumber Party starring Markki Stroem, Archie Alemania, RK Bagatsing and Sef Cadayona, with the special participation of Venus Raj. 

SLUMBER PARTY PLOT – On the eve of the Ms. Universe Pageant – the boxing main event for all gays in the Philippines, three friends decides to throw a SLUMBER PARTY as part of their yearly vigil to support our representative. Mending a broken heart, Elle and Jhana consoles their friend, Phillippe, as his romance with his recent guy was tragically and abruptly nipped in the bud. However, the supposedly fun spectacle for the three was cut-short when, Jonel, a young frat boy burgled the three lovely ladies’ castle. Afraid and petrified, they attacked the frat boy who became unconscious. This gave the three a time to marvel at the young frat boy’s enigmatic boyish looks and amusing hot body. As they go on with their fantasies, the decision to keep the guy with arms and legs tied in the chair and hold him hostage will challenge their views on life, love and friendship all in one night. Set on the eve of Aug 23, 2010 of the new Noynoy administration when 2 "MAJOR MAJOR" events are underway: the heated bus hostage-taking of HK nationals in Quirino Grand Stand, and Phil. Candidate Ms. Venus Raj pressured to bring home the coveted crown to vindicate her country mired in shame in the international community.

The movie is directed by Emmanuel Dela Cruz from the screenplay of Troy Espiritu and Phillipe Salvador Palmos. The lead characters, though straight men portray gay roles in this true-blue Pinoy satire film. See other entries here.

Don't miss this "major major" film event from November 28 to December 9 at Robinson’s Galleria Movie World and from November 29 to December 4 at the Edsa Shang Cineplex. Meanwhile, here is the official trailer of Slumber Party.

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Restored Version of 'Oro Plata Mata' Opens 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival

The restored version of the multi-awarded Filipino classic “Oro, Plata, Mata” by Peque Gallaga will open this year’s Cinema One Originals Film Festival on November 28 at the Robinson’s Galleria Movie World.

The screenplay of the 1982 film was written by Jose Javier Reyes with cinematography by acclaimed cinematographer Rody Lacap. The film was set in the Philippine province of Negros during World War II and tells the story of how two haciendero families cope with the changes brought by the war.

The film cast includes Cherie Gil, Sandy Andolong, Ronnie Lazaro, Joel Torre, Liza Lorena, Manny Ojeda, Mitch Valdes, Lorli Villanueva, Abbo dela Cruz, Kuh Ledesma, Manny Castaneda, and Mary Walter. It won the 1982 Gawad Urian awards for Best picture, direction, cinematography, production design, musical score, and sound. In the same year, it won the Luna Awards of the Film Academy of the Philippines for Production Design and for Best Supporting Actress (Liza Lorena).

“The script, by Jose Javier Reyes, is so thematically dense that a single interpretation is probably insufficient to discuss what the movie is really about. One could say, at the very least, that the film is about irrevocable change, how one can never really go back to happier times, once you’ve been touched by war. It’s about inevitable decay: gold, silver, death. It’s about the country, and how we’ve come to this point,” wrote Philbert Ortiz Dy in a review. “Oro, Plata, Mata has much to offer you. It’s the kind of film that gives you more and more to chew on the more you watch it. It’s an almost frighteningly rich film experience, one that shouldn’t be missed by any Filipino film devotee,” he added.

This marks the first showing of the restored version of the film. The restoration was made possible through a partnership between ABS-CBN Film Archives headed by Leo Katigbak and Central Digital Lab, Inc. It is the second film restored after Ishmael Bernal’s “Himala” in time for its 30th anniversary.

“Oro, Plata, Mata” is considered as Gallaga’s most significant contribution to Philippine cinema. Catch this timeless classic at the opening of the 8th Cinema One Originals this November 28 (Wednesday) at the Robinson’s Galleria Movie World. The festival’s opening event will start at 6:00 p.m.

The 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival will run from November 28 to December 9 at Robinson’s Galleria Movie World and from November 29 to December 4 at the Edsa Shangri-La Cineplex. The festival’s much awaited awards night will be held on December 3 at the Studio 1, ABS-CBN Main Building.

The 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival is an annual project of the Cinema One, the local movie channel on cable, owned and operated by Creative Programs, Inc (CPI).

For more Kapamilya updates follow/like BIDA KAPAMILYA on Twitter and Facebook.

Cinema One Originals 2012 Presents its Biggest Line-up with 13 Competition Feature Films

Cinema One Originals 2012 proudly presents its biggest line-up for its 8th year run with 13 competition feature films; divided into two categories: “Cinema One Plus” composed of seasoned directors awarded with a two million production budget each and “Cinema One Currents” composed of new breeds awarded with a one million budget each.

Chosen through careful deliberation from hundreds of entries, these 13 films, six of which debuts as the filmmakers first feature film, have the potential to make names for its filmmakers, directors, writers and actors in the local and international arena.

“The festival is definitely bigger now in terms of content, variety and ambitions compared to the past years of Cinema One Originals. We have something for everyone not answered by mainstream cinema,” said Cinema One channel head, Ronald Arguelles.

Check out the 8th Cinema One Originals Festival 2012 line-up here

Apart from these originals, the festival will give tribute to Philippine classics through the screening of three of the most important restored films that greatly contributed to the foundation of Philippine Cinema: “Oro Plata Mata”, “Himala” and “Genghis Khan”.

“Oro Plata Mata”, the 1892 film directed by Peque Gallaga will serve as the opening film for the prestigious event while the award-winning film “Himala” will celebrate its 30th anniversary through an exclusive showing of a documentary special by “Ka Oryang” director Sari Dalena and writer/editor Keith Sicat.

An exhibition programme featuring guest films will also take place in the festival to include special screenings of “Alagwa”, “Supremo”, “Jungle Love”, and “Graceland”.

The 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival will run from November 28 to December 9 at Robinson’s Galleria Movie World and from November 29 to December 4 at the Edsa Shang Cineplex. The festival’s much awaited awards night will be held on December 3 at Studio 1 ABS-CBN Main Building.

The 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival is an annual project of the Cinema One, the local movie channel on cable, owned and operated by Creative Programs, Inc (CPI).

For more Kapamilya updates follow/like BIDA KAPAMILYA on Twitter and Facebook.

Cinema One Originals 2012 Film Festival Finalists

The 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival will run from November 28 to December 9 at Robinson’s Galleria Movie World and from November 29 to December 4 at the Edsa Shang Cineplex. The festival’s much awaited awards night will be held on December 3 at Studio 1 ABS-CBN Main Building.

Here are the 13 finalists at the 2012 Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival:

FIRST CATEGORY (Budget: P2 Million)
		MARIPOSA SA HAWLA NG GABI A tale of an innocent woman who unravels horrible truths while in search of her long lost sister in the city Director: Richard Somes Starring: Erich Gonzales, Alfred Vargas, Joel Torre, Maria Isabel Lopez, John Lapus and Mark Gil
		MATER DOLOROSA A story about a typical Filipino mother who lives a dark, shadowy life in Manila’s underground Director: Adolfo Alix, Jr. Starring: Gina Alajar, Cogie Domingo, Alessandra de Rossi, Carlo Aquino, Joem Bascon, and Mercedes Cabral with the special participation of Phillip Salvador
		BAYBAYIN A unique tale of two sisters who fall in love with a man who can’t hear and speak Director: Auraeus Solito Starring: Assunta and Alessandra de Rossi and introducing Adrian Sebastian
SECOND CATEGORY (Budget: P1 Million)
		ANG PAGLALAKBAY NG MGA BITUIN SA GABING MADILIM A story about the companionship between three escaping rebels and a young war survivor against a Mindanao war backdrop Director: Arnel Mardoquio
		CATNIP A psychological film on two friends who despite their frequent rifts and differences find comfort in being together Director: Kevin Dayrit Starring: Lauren Young and Maxene Magalona
		MELODRAMA NEGRA A dark comedy which follows the complicated and macabre lives of a woman and her ‘dead’ friends, blood-hungry sociopaths and a wealthy political family Director: Ma. Isabel Legarda
		SLUMBER PARTY A riotous comedy about a tied-up cute frat boy and three curious gays Director: Emmanuel Dela Cruz Starring: Markki Stroem, Archie Alemania and RK Bagatsing
		PASCALINA An untypical story of a simple girl who, after visiting her dying aunt, experiences changes in her life that will push her to the edge of madness and monstrosity Director:  Pam Miras
		ANAK ARAW Talks about the colonial illusion of an albino who believes that he is a son of an American Director: Gym Lumbera
		EDSA XXX A futuristic black comedy film infused with original rock soundtrack. It tells the story of the reign of Three Eyes in the Philippines in year 2030 Director: Khavn De La Cruz Starring: Epi Quizon
		ABERYA Cebu story about love, sex, and psychedelic potions which intertwine the lives of four people in one night Director: Christian Linaban Starring: Will Devaughn, Mercedes Cabral, Iwa Moto, and Nicholas Varela
		PALITAN Depicts lovers who find themselves asphyxiated and trapped in an erotic triangle Director: Ato Bautista
		MAMAY UMENG Gives a glimpse into the life of an 84-year-old man who is alone, waiting, and praying not for long life, but for a quick escape Director: Dwein Baltazar

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Markki Stroem is a 'Beki' in Slumber Party Movie (Video Teaser)

Singer-actor Markki Stroem plays a gay role in the indie movie Slumber Party, one of the finalists at the 2012 Cinema One Originals digital film festival. One of the movie's leads, the role is quite new to Markki who is also known to be a hunky model.

Slumber Party is a true-blue Pinoy satire film "set on the eve of August 23, 2010 of the new Noynoy administration when 2 'MAJOR MAJOR' events are underway: the heated bus hostage-taking of HK nationals in Quirino Grand Stand, and Philippine Candidate Ms. Venus Raj pressured to bring home the coveted crown to vindicate her country mired in shame in the international community."

Photo: Markki Stroem at the 2012 Cosmo Bachelor Bash

From the screenplay of Troy Espiritu and Phillipe Salvador Palmos and under the direction of Emmanuel Dela Cruz, Slumber Party is one 'major major' comedy movie you don't want to miss.

Watch the first teaser of Slumber Party starring Markki Stroem:

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Erich Gonzales Topbills Mariposa Sa Hawla ng Gabi

Still high from the success of her movie Suddenly It's Magic with Thai heartthrob Mario Maurer which premiered last October 31, Erich Gonzales will again topbill a new movie entitled Mariposa (Sa Hawla ng Gabi).

An indie film, Mariposa Sa Hawla ng Gabi is one of the finalists at the 2012 Cinema One Originals digital film festival. Mariposa is a tale of an innocent woman who unravels horrible truths while in search of her long lost sister in the city.

Directed by Richard Somes (Corazon Ang Unang Aswang), Mariposa (Sa Hawla ng Gabi) also stars Alfred Vargas, Mark Gil, Joel Torre, Ma. Isabel Lopez, John "Sweet" Lapus, Dennis Padilla, Rez Cortez, Odette Khan, Vangie Labalan, Mon Confiado, Ermie Concepcion, Alex Vincent Medina and Levi Ignacio. It is under Cinema One Originals and Strawdogs Studio Production.

Watch the teaser trailer of Mariposa Sa Hawla ng Gabi below:

Photos courtesy of Mariposa Sa Hawla ng Gabi Facebook

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