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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Cinemalaya’s gem is about a money remittance clerk

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If you have relatives abroad and regularly send money via a remittance company, you must be familiar with the employees that process your transactions, and most likely one of them is someone similar to the character Ogie Alcasid plays in the film by James Robin Mayo (director of last year’s talk of Cinemalaya, Kiko Boksingero).

Kuya Wes (it’s a pun on Western Union, I guess) is about Wes (Ogie Alcasid), a remittance center employee at Western Remittance. A seemingly average guy, his daily routine is as predictable as the daily business in the center. 

But, things suddenly makes a dramatic whirr when one day Wes encounters a client who redeems the money sent to her by her OFW husband. Several transactions more and Wes finds himself smitten by Erika (Ina Raymundo) who operates a small eatery somewhere.

Actor and singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid (left) with 'Kuya Wes' director James Robin Mayo.

That is the heart of the film laden with layers of subplots that enrich the texture of the adventure of Wes.

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Singer, songwriter, and actor Ogie Alcasid is one of the producers of the film which screenplay was sent to him to read by Mayo hoping not only that he could star in it, but also to underwrite the production.

To make the long story short on how Kuya Wes got to be, Ogie was able to convince two other friends to co-produce the film –Awkward Penguin and Spring Films.

This is Ogie’s 38th film, his first foray into the indie scene, and his first as a producer for his own company A-Team. 

“When I read this one (referring to the Kuya Wes script), di ko mabitawan, tawa ako nang tawa. At the same time, naiiyak ako inside.” (I could not let go of the script, I was laughing and crying deep inside).

He added that it was the combination of witty dialogue, punchlines – basically, a well-written script that got him. He immediately agreed to do the film and met with Mayo who said that he was surprised that Ogie would say “yes” so quickly.

Ogie, aware of the filmmaker’s problem and determined to make the movie, approached fellow actor, Piolo Pascual, who is also a movie producer.

“‘PJ,’ sabi ko, ’meron akong nabasa kasing script, eh baka gusto mong i-produce.’ At sabi kokahit wag mo na akong bayaran, gawin mo lang.’ Sabi niya, ’Sige Kuya, kung okay sa iyo, babasahin ko.’ Wala na akong narinig sa kanya until after 3 or 4 months. Nakita ko si Ericson of Spring Films] sa ASAP, tapos sabi nya,’Hey we’ll be doing your film!’ Sabi koHuh? Talaga? Okay yun ah!’ Tapos kinausap ko si Piolo, sabi ko ,‘O, sabi ni Ericson…’ ‘Oo, pero hati tayo.’”

Ogie felt lucky, Kuya Wes got the interest of the producers, otherwise the screenplay could just have been on his table while Moya was filming other projects.

Aside from Ogie and Ina, rounding out the cast are comedienne Moi Bein, Alex Medina, and Karen Gaerlan, whose roles also give the movie depth and color.

The haunting “Waltz of Four Left Feet” by Shirebound and Busking serves as the film’s official soundtrack.

Kuya Wes had a gala screening last Monday at the CCP Main Theater. The film is screening in select Ayala Cinemas.

12 is the number of love

There are a lot of love songs played on the radio over the years, a lot of different renditions, and different quality of voices.

However, Ronnie Liang’s latest album, 12 gives us a glimpse of what it is to be in love again. 

The Filipino singer and performer, Pinoy Dream Academy 2nd Runner-up, released his latest album –12 (Viva Records) in time for his celebration of his 12th year in the recording industry. Just like in his other previous four albums, Liang never fails to serenade us with the feelings he has in his heart.

Also, he never fails to showcase how incredibly talented he is. 

The album is a testament to his enduring quality, why he is still in the industry, amazing us with every song he sings. 

Remember what a big hit “Ngiti” was when it was released!  It was followed by “Akala Mo” and songs, all certified hits.

This fifth album shows how wonderful it is be in love, even if at times it is unrequited. 

Love can be complicated but it is also the best thing that comes to anyone. 

Can you describe your feeling when your loved one sings his thoughts to you? Or can you describe the pain you feel when your feelings are unreciprocated? 

Try listening to “Tila” and listen how Ronnie Liang sings his thoughts and pours out his heart to let his special someone know how he feels whenever she is around. You can always show how much you care about someone but it will always be hard to say what’s on your mind.  Isn’t that sweet? Isn’t it romantic? It is sweet and romantic, definitely. You would wish that there would be someone out there who would do just the same.

If you don’t have that “someone” yet, just grab a copy of Ronnie Liang’s new album–12–or you can just download it on your phone or add it to your playlist on Spotify. You can just pretend that he is singing his song exclusively for you. 

If you have a significant other, you can also play one of his latest songs. 

ABS-CBN, New Era Ph collaborate for first-ever UAAP caps

ABS-CBN and international lifestyle brand New Era unveiled its first-ever collection of UAAP caps, showcased at the SM Mega Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong City, in support of the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81.

The Kapamilya Network—UAAP’s licensing representative—inked its first collaboration with New Era, the official headwear provider of the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G-League.

The new UAAP cap collection is the latest gear that students and alumni can wear to show their school spirit, featuring individual designs for each UAAP member school—Adamson University, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, National University, University of the East, University of the Philippines, and University of Santo Tomas. 

Launched during New Era’s anniversary celebration dubbed “Infinithree,” the program featured a striking fashion show headlined by the much-awaited product reveal. Local dance company Upeepz gave a jaw-dropping performance, showing off their dynamic moves.

This latest UAAP collection can be pre-ordered at neweracap.ph/sport/UAAP and at the New Era – SM Megamall branch. It will be available nationwide on the first week of September in all New Era Philippines retail stores, online store, as well as the ABS-CBN Store or through the uaapstore.com

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