Sounds odd? Better watch the third installment of Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, which Quantum Films and Dreamscape Digital turned into a web series, streaming beginning today on iWant.
According to its writer, Chris Martinez, the digital series is a laugh-out-loud sequel that lampoons the making of a historical biopic, with Eugene Domingo reprising her lead role—a megalomaniacal and egotistical version of herself.
In this movie within a series, Eugene’s character pushes the boundaries of her talents and dares to direct, take on the lead role, and produce her own film about Bracken, a mestiza, and Jose Rizal’s well-known paramour. Hence the title Ang Babae sa Septic Tank: The Real Untold Story of Josephine Bracken.
The seven-episode mockumentary series documents the step-by-step process in making a biopic. As a first-time director, Direk Uge goes overboard with every aspect of the film, interfering with the costume design, screenplay, musical score, editing, and almost everything else, causing turmoil on set.
In the series, Eugene is joined by other artists who gamely act as “versions” of their actual selves, including Tony Labrusca, who plays as himself and as the hunkiest Jose Rizal ever.
Mylene Dizon and Joanna Ampil also play as themselves and Jose Rizal’s sisters Narcisa and Saturnina, providing tension and sass as they compete for their lady director’s attention and approval.
Award-winning director and writer Jose Javier Reyes, meanwhile, portrays himself and as Direk Uge’s screenwriter who becomes her unwilling partner-in-crime.
“Great franchises usually come in threes. So, I thought there should be a third entry, it shouldn’t stop at one and two,” Martinez said of the Septic Tank’s latest installment.
“Part three came with the dawning of streaming services. There was a time when I was binge-watching several series and I thought, why couldn’t we do Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 3into a series? I think the format of Septic Tank 3 really suits a series because it’s a process of how to make a film: from the script to pre-production to shooting to post-production and the final episode is the premiere night,” he carried on.
To provide the anchor on historical facts, renowned Filipino historian Ambeth Ocampo goes onboard to ground viewers on the true stories and shocking trivia surrounding the historical characters.
“In this era of fakery, fake news, and faking history, Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 3: The Real Untold Story of Josephine Bracken is easily the funniest, most relevant, and most entertaining series you can find on iWant and elsewhere,” ended Martinez.
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Period love story in ‘Emperor: Ruler of the Mask’
On Monday, GMA Heart of Asia brought forth a historical Korean drama that tackles political turbulence, corruption and romance via Emperor: Ruler of the Mask.
Set in the Joseon era, it follows the story of Crown Prince Lee Sun (Yoo Seung Ho) who was forced to wear a mask his whole life and has been sheltered away from the outside world. He begins to question why he must wear the mask. In search for answers, he escapes the palace.
He meets Han Ga Eun (Kim So Hyun), a kind and caring woman who does what she can to help her fellow people.
He also crosses paths with his namesake Commoner Lee Sun (Kim Myung Soo / “L”). He’s intelligent but is held back by his lowly status. Commoner Lee Sun is then willing to step up and wear the mask in place of the Crown Prince to go against a powerful and wealthy organization called Pyunsoo.
Meanwhile, Kim Hwa Gun (Yoon So Hee), the granddaughter of the leader of the shadow organization, falls for the Crown Prince. This ends up dividing her loyalties between him and her grandfather.
Will Crown Prince Lee Sun defeat the Pyunsoo or will fear, greed, and distrust get in the way?
Follow his compelling journey in Emperor: Ruler of the Mask after Love You Two on GMA Telebabad.