Cinema Bravo Movie

Fate pairs Adrian Lindayag, Keann Johnson in ‘The Boy Foretold by the Stars’

Adrian Lindayag and Keann Johnson, two of the most talented rising stars in the country today, play the leads in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2020 romantic comedy “The Boy Foretold By The Stars.”

Adrian is a stage performer who was a mainstay of the iconic late night variety show “Walang Tulugan” hosted and produced by the renowned German “Kuya Germs” Moreno. Among Adrian’s notable projects include ABS-CBN’s top-rating afternoon teleserye “Kadenang Ginto” and the blockbuster stage musical “Rak of Aegis.” Currently, Adrian can be seen in the TV 5 sitcom “Oh My Dad” with Ian Veneracion and Dimples Romana.

Keann, meanwhile, is a model who has appeared in commercials and TV shows.

Adrian and Keann get the biggest breaks of their careers in “The Boy Foretold By The Stars” produced by Clever Minds, Inc. of actress Jodi Sta. Maria and her partners, The Dolly Collection and Brainstormers Lab. In this feature directorial debut of writer-director Dolly Dulu, Keann and Adrian play Luke and Dominic, respectively — both students at an exclusive boys’ school.

“Luke is an athletic, boy-next-door, introverted type of guy,” Keann says of his role. “He’s very mysterious. Once you get to know him, you’ll end up falling in love with him.”

Adrian discloses that his character Dominic is outgoing and studious.  He says, “Dominic is a senior high school student. He is an achiever. He is a student leader. Very logical ang personality niya. Straight ‘A’ student. Ambitious siya.”

Luke and Dominic develop a special relationship after meeting at a school retreat called Journey With The Lord.

Fans of the boys love (BL) and rom-com genres will be happy to know that “The Boy Foretold By The Stars” has a lot to offer: a kilig story with a heartwarming message, moving performances of the good-looking cast and topnotch production values. “Our movie was shot and created even before the recent BL hype,” says Adrian. “Nakunan namin siya at natapos before the pandemic. Kaya sobra naming swerte wala kaming restricitons. Ang dami naming talents. Pwede kaming mag-shoot kahit saan.”

The rom-com features big scenes and breathtaking locations, one of which was a scene shot in a field filled with numerous lights. “The mounting, the quality of our film… it’s really a visual treat,” says Direk Dolly.

It’s really a big film with an important message, says co-producer Derrick Cabrido of Clever Minds, Inc. “Noong napunta sa amin ang materyal na ito, almost tapos na ang pelikula. When we saw the material, we already saw yung potential ng product…. Sa dami ng nangyari sa atin this year, we deserve a movie like ‘The Boy Foretold by the Stars’ na light and we can learn from.” 

“The Boy Foretold By The Stars” won 3 awards, including 2nd Best Picture, at the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival 2020 Gabi ng Parangal.

It is still streaming worldwide at UpStream.ph. Go to bit.ly/BoyForetold to buy ticket. Click “Pay” to get your ticket to GMovies.ph, the partner ticketing site. Click “Create an Account” if you don’t have a GMovies account yet. Click “Stream Now” to watch. For details and updates, like and follow The Boy Foretold By The Stars on Facebook & Twitter and follow @clevermindsinc on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Migs Ramos Review

‘Suarez: The Healing Priest’ review: John Arcilla’s memorable performance

‘Suarez: The Healing Priest’ is a heartwarming film that poses to bring joy and healing this Christmas season.

Official poster of SUAREZ: THE HEALING PRIEST.

Suarez: The Healing Priest is one-of-a-kind entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. It’s a depiction of the life of beloved priest, Father Fernando Suarez, who is fondly known to heal and do miraculous things to people who are physically sick. The priest became well known to many people in the Philippines because of his practice and teachings Just like any other mortals, he went through ups and downs, much to the point that he was implicated in a controversy that sparked rumors among the leaders of the church. Even so, he was vindicated and died peacefully knowing that the movie adaptation of his life story is in the good hands of director Joven Tan and Saranggola Media Productions.

The film literally brings joy and healing. It simplifies the story of Father Suarez from the building of his church, to his personal weaknesses, to his relationships to people around him. While some of the stories were shortened, the film manages to make it understandable in a good way.

It basically celebrates his gift of healing, but it also doesn’t veer away from discussing his troubles, including the many controversies that hounded him. It shows that Father Suarez has gone through human emotions and experiences and fears like any other ordinary people. The selection of cast were good and John Arcilla’s performances never fails to amaze us. He portrayed Father Suarez well enough, knowing that he was handpicked by the real Father Suarez to play the role. Everything from the film is simple and easy-going. Some parts are a bit off because of its cuts but everything else is relatable enough.

The film is no doubt a total blessing for everyone and a timely offering amid the ongoing crisis where many of us are desperately looking for hope. It’s a pleasing film for the whole family this Christmas.

SUAREZ: The Healing Priest is an official entry to the 46th Metro Manila Film Festival. Starring John Arcilla, Jin Macapagal, Dante Rivero, Marlo Mortel, Rosanna Roces, Jairus Aquino, and Alice Dixson. Directed by Joven M. Tan.

Streaming until January 7, 2021 on http://www.upstream.ph.

Cinema Bravo Feature

One ticket for the whole family! Metro Manila Film Festival 2020 goes online

For the first time in over 4 decades of its run, Metro Manila Film Festival is going online. This is made possible by the new online video streaming platform, upstream.ph, and its official ticketing partner, GMovies.

Here’s everything you need to know about the first online edition of MMFF:

  • How to buy tickets for #MMFF2020
  • Duration of #MMFF2020 as an online film festival
  • Cost of tickets for #MMFF2020
  • How to stream movies of #MMFF2020
  • List of movies showing at #MMFF2020

How can I buy tickets for #MMFF2020?

If you live in the Philippines, you can buy tickets for #MMFF2020 just by going to www.gmovies.ph/stream-now. Viewers abroad can buy tickets starting December 18.

Steps on how to buy online tickets for MMFF 2020:

  1. Go to www.gmovies.ph/stream-now to view the available movies. Click your chosen movie title (VIEW DETAILS).
  2. Click PAY to get your ticket from GMovies, the film festival’s partner ticketing site.
  3. If you still don’t have a GMovies account, click CREATE AN ACCOUNT. It’s for FREE!

When is #MMFF2020?

The online film festival will run from December 25, 2020 to January 7, 2021. You can watch anytime during that period.

Your purchased movies are under “My Shows” in your GMovies account. Once you press Play, you have 24 hours to finish the movie.

How much is the ticket for #MMFF2020?

If you’re using a PH SIM on your GMovies account (whether you’re in the Philippines or abroad), you can watch an MMFF 2020 movie for only PHP 250.

If you’re using a non-PH or foreign SIM on your GMovies account (whether you’re in the Philippines or abroad), you can watch an MMFF 2020 movie for only USD 10.

How should I stream #MMFF2020 movies?

Once you’ve booked your ticket, you can select the “Stream Now” section in the GMovies website or mobile app. Or if you prefer to watch at a later time, you can access and stream all your purchased movies that are not expired yet from My Shows.

Streaming is strictly capped to one device at a time. You can watch using your cellphone, tablet, laptop, computer, or Smart Android TV.

A movie is only valid for viewing 24 hours after you pressed Play.

What are the 10 official entries to #MMFF2020?

Instead of having the usual eight entries on its lineup, #MMFF2020 features a total of 10 movies — a mixed bag of family drama, romance, fantasy, action, thriller and horror.

MAGIKLAND (adventure-fantasy)
Starring Miggs Cuaderno, Elijah Alejo, Joshua Eugenio, Princess Aliyah Rabara
Directed by Christian Acuña

COMING HOME (drama)
Starring Jinggoy Estrada, Sylvia Sanchez, Martin del Rosario, Edgar Allan Guzman, Vin Abrenica
Directed by Adolfo Borinaga Alix Jr.

THE MISSING (horror)
Starring Ritz Azul, Joseph Marco, Miles Ocampo
Directed by Easy Ferrer

TAGPUAN (romance-drama)
Starring Alfred Vargas, Iza Calzado, Shaina Magdayao
Directed by Mac Alejandre

ISA PANG BAHAGHARI (drama)
Starring Superstar Nora Aunor, Phillip Salvador, Michael De Mesa, Zanjoe Marudo, Joseph Marco, Sanya Lopez
Directed by Joel Lamangan

SUAREZ, THE HEALING PRIEST (biofilm, drama)
Starring John Arcilla, Jin Macapagal, with Alice Dixson, Rosanna Roces, Rita Avila
Directed by Joven Tan

MANG KEPWENG, ANG LIHIM NG BANDANANG ITIM (comedy-adventure)
Starring Vhong Navarro, Barbie Imperial, with Jaclyn Jose, Benjie Paras, Ryan Bang, Ion Perez
Directed by Topel Lee

PAKBOYS (comedy)
Starring Andrew E, Janno Gibbs, Jerald Napoles, Dennis Padilla
Directed by Al Tantay

THE BOY FORETOLD BY THE STARS (BL/romcom)
Starring Adrian Lindayag, Keann Johnson, Iyah Mina
Directed by Dolly Dulu

FAN GIRL (coming-of-age)
Starring Charlie Dizon and Paulo Avelino
Directed by Antoinette Jadaone

About GMovies

GMovies is a mobile app and website platform that provides a seamless booking service for both cinemas and 3rd party online video streaming services.

You can register for FREE by going to www.gmovies.ph or by downloading the app on your phone.

Cinema Bravo Movie

John Arcilla, handpicked as ‘Suarez: The Healing Priest’ for #MMFF2020

Best known for his portrayal as a tough-as-nail patriot in the blockbuster independent movie, ‘Heneral Luna,’ John Arcilla marks his second time to portray the titular role in a biopic through the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival entry ‘Suarez: The Healing Priest.’

Before the untimely death of the 53-year old, crowd-favorite, Father Fernando Suarez was able to handpick award-winning actor John Arcilla. The latter explained in a recent intimate press conference that he researched about the life of the priest, and even watched numerous videos to study his movements and behaviors. Not to mention, he was bold in having regular discussions with the source material as well as the filmmakers.

Produced by Saranggola Media Productions, ‘Suarez: The Healing Priest’ is directed by Joven Tan, who is also the composer behind the film’s theme song, “Yakapin Mo Ako,” sung by John Arcilla himself.

The film will truthfully present the timeline of Fr. Suarez’s gift of healing through the years, starting in his teenage years when he first realized his special ability. Young actor Jin Macapagal, who was the grand winner of It’s Showtime’s BidaMan talent search, takes on the role of the young Suarez.

Jin remarked the importance of faith in making this movie, saying that it is through faith that he brought justice to his character that John Arcilla subsequently puts on. “I play the role of that young boy who decided to keep the gift a secret until I pursue my religious calling.”

Joining the cast is Troy Montero as Father Jeff. The last movie he appeared in was ‘Open,’ an official entry to last year’s Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. Prior to that, he had not been visible in movies. Through the years, he seldomly accepted roles in TV while juggling with his passion for car racing. Troy shared his excitement to be a part of an MMFF movie that will heighten positive through these trying times.

Also included in the cast is Jairus Aquino. Even though he is mostly with actress Rosanna Roces in his scenes, he is proud to be part of a faith-centric movie that does not only showcase the life story of Father Suarez but also brings inspiration to Filipinos here in the country and around the world.

‘Suarez: The Healing Priest’ also stars Dante Rivero, Rita Avila, Rosanna Roces, and Alice Dixson in a very special role, with Richard Quan, Yayo Aguila, Alan Paule, Biboy Ramirez, Patrick Sugui, Jerico Estregan, Maru Delgado, Yñigo Delen.

Let the touch of healing bring posivity and joy this Christmas through the MMFF entry, #SuarezTheHealingPriest. Tickets are now available via upstream.ph. Online streaming starts December 25 worldwide.

Watch the full trailer here: