After a tiring but amazing trek to Mt. Manunggal on a Sunday, I rushed immediately to SM City Cebu to attend a special screening of the movie "I Found My Heart In Santa Fe". Honestly, I was not expecting a lot from this movie. But I was amazed on how the cinematography of the movie was being shown. Are you ready to know why we need to watch this movie?

The complete casts of I Found My Heart in Santa Fe. Photo by Glyth Villamor

I Found my heart in Santa Fe official Poster

Here Are The Four Reasons Why Watch "I FOUND MY HEART IN SANTA FE"

1. The movie features Santa Fe of Bantayan Island - a treasure in the North!

Santa Fe is a municipality that is part of Bantayan Island in Cebu which has a beautiful non-crowded beach that boasts of white sand that sparkles in the sunlight.

The idea to shot the movie in Santa Fe came from Director Bona Fajardo himself who discovered the beach last year.

Blogger Mark Monta in Santa Fe

“As directors or writers, we have certain stories that we keep inside our hearts and mind.  It is just a matter of finding the right inspiration to fuel that story.  When I saw Santa Fe, I wanted to explore it and the story I had in mind came hand in hand with my desire to discover the magic in the place.”

The setting was just perfect.  That was the sign Direk Bona was waiting for to write the beautiful and endearing love story of Jennifer and Viktor.

Supporting casts from Cebu. Photo by Glyth Villamor

The beauty of the island was one of the main factors that move that love story of Jennifer and Viktor, making Santa Fe as an important element that makes the movie more interesting.  The island, pristine and with raw beauty, serves as the perfect romantic backdrop. In addition, most of the supporting casts were hired from Locals.

2. Real life sweethearts star in a chill-type movie.

For the very first time, real-life couple Roxanne Barcelo and Will Devaughn join forces in terms of heart, talent and resources (as co-producers) to make what could be most interesting and heart-warming romantic-comedy of the year.

Real Life sweethearts, Will Devaughn and Roxanne Barcelo with Blogger, Mark Monta (Center) Photo by Glyth Villamor

Titled “I Found My Heart in Santa Fe,” the movie was shot in location in the picturesque island of Santa Fe in Cebu, which is said to be the newest favorite tourist destination of people wanting to bask in the sun and enjoy the cool waters.

Roxanne and Will had been in a relationship for four years now but they have yet to work in a project.  But both have been dreaming of doing a movie together or an interesting TV project where they can show their chemistry as a love team, aside from their acting talent.

That’s why when this project was presented to both of them, Roxanne and Will grabbed the chance.  The indie film, directed by Bona Fajardo, marks the first time for them to collaborate on a film project.  And, it’s a love story, thus making Roxanne and Will all the more excited.

In “I Found My Heart in Santa Fe,” Roxanne plays the role of Jennifer, a smart, hardworking and pretty islander with a unique personality.  She has this spunk in her that is not typical of an island girl, making her more interesting to men.  But because of a recent heartache in her personal life toughened her and made her wiser when it comes to love.  What keeps her busy is managing their family-owned business, a resort called Beach Placid.

Will, on the other hand, plays the handsome German-Filipino named Viktor, who loves adventure and has his own company named “Green Technology” which is focused in developing business ventures in different countries.

Viktor is a prized catch.  He is rich, athletic, a music lover but remains a simple man who just loves to explore the world.  He is also in the process of putting together the missing pieces of his life.

The exciting journey to love of Jennifer and Viktor started when the latter decided to fly to Santa Fe to look for his biological mother which he has yet to meet and to discover his Filipino roots as well.

Victor and Jennifer will bump into each other in a rather odd situation but due to Viktor’s insistence and persistence, he will stop at nothing to win the heart of Jennifer.  He was captivated by Jennifer’s charm.   The movie follows the blossoming of the romance between two individuals whose traits are poles apart.  But as they say, opposite poles attract. Will this hold true for Viktor and Jennifer?

3. This movie is directed by independent digital film maker, Direk Bona Fajardo

Direk Bona Fajardo belongs to a group that started independent-digital filmmaking in 2000.   He directed the first indie film of Judy Ann Santos titled “Miss Pinoy,” an advocacy film on Overseas Filipino Workers.  After that he got assigned to handle the film development technology.  As early as 2000, Direk Bona already sensed that independent-digital filmmaking is already the direction to which local and international filmmaking is headed.

Bloggers woth Direk Bona Fajardo Photo by Glyth Villamor

He also directed the movie "Iliw" about Vigan, Ilocos Sur topbilled by Kaye Abad.

“I, together with other pioneering indie directors, had been joining film festivals that time.  We are part of the production and creative team.  I remember that a Robin Padilla indie film we did then titled “Astigmatism” won an award at the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF).  That was a first for the Philippines.  It won a Silver Award in the digital division of HKIFF,” Direk Bona recalled.

After winning awards, Direk Bona and his group decided to venture into film technology development and was later assigned to film tourism.


4. This movie is part of Cine Lokal!

“I Found My Heart in Santa Fe” is the first brand new film to be screened at Cine Lokal in select SM Cinemas beginning September 15.

Movie Verdict?

Just focus on the amazing scenes of Santa Fe and get attracted to that beautiful panorama and aerial shots of the island. Truly, Cebu is indeed a treasure of Central Visayas.

I was asked how much will I rate for this worldwide most anticipated movie, The Avengers, with 5 as the highest and 1 as the lowest, I answered 6! Why not? Aside from the expected action filled scenes from land, water, air and even outside the earth, a Lough Out Loud moments that Robert Downey Jr. (Ironman) punched in most of his dialogues, a no "OA" drama of Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye)in their acts and the adorable, everybody's wanted Chris Evans (Captain America) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) must watched scenes and talks and lastly, the smashing Hulk (Mark Ruffalo)- these stuff will truly satisfy your movie cravings! Did I mention that the movie does not offer a lousy moments to viewers?



Gaining a "Stark-Tower" high rating from Rotten tomatoes's Tomatometer of 97% (as of this writing), The Avengers 2012 Assembly showcased more of a traditional Super heros behaviour and moves. Joss Whedon, the director, also gave highlights to some members of the Avengers who basically do not have a super power just like Black Widow who astonishingly jumped to one of the villain's flying transpo and fought fist to fist and then landed to the rooftop of "The Big Ugly Building in New York" (as what Captain America said in the movie) which is actually Ironman's Stark Tower. And do you think it's more on explosions from here, there and everywhere? Well, Whedon just did a very great job by balancing all the superheroes' abilities, flashing their fight scenes one by one but with an art. Honestly, after you watch the movie, you will recall every moves that each members did in the film.


So much of the Heroes, how about their Villains? Well, Everybody knew that Loki, Thor's half brother of Asgardian, who is fueled by jealousy and a thirst for power, is one them but yes, no spoilers but you know what? Loki is not the Villains' Head, who? You must watch the movie! lols

Of course, action movie will always contain a lacking ingredient. And for The Avengers, to understand and appreciate more on some scenes, you need to watch those previous Marvel's movies such us Ironman, Hulk, Thor and most especially on Captain America: First Avenger.


To give you a funny twist, here are the best dialogues i jot down while watching the film in SM City Cebu, IMAX Theatre.

(inside the jet aircraft)
Captain America: Stark! We need a plan of attack,
Ironman: I have plan, attack!

(while discussing within the team)
Thor: Loki is beyond reason, but he's of Asgard and he's my brother.
Natasha: He killed 80 people in 2 days.
Thor: He's adopted.

Just a little spoilers maybe but how about you? What could be your rating on this film? Is it worth watching at IMAX theatre? say some comments below and SMASH!

Are you a fan of Regal Entertainment movies such as Shake Rattle and Roll, Pamahiin, Temptation Island and others? If Yes, let us all watched their movies once again at SM City Cebu Cinema 6 in just PHP 25.00 pesos, you read it right, 25 pesos only! It started last month until November.


Here are the schedules and movies available for PHP 25.00 only:

August 17 to 23 SHAKE RATTLE & ROLL XII! (Horror)
Directed by Zoren Legaspi, Topel Lee and Jerrold Tarog.
Featuring Shaina Magdayao, Ricky Davao, Andi Manzano, Rayver Cruz, Carla Abellena and Sid Lucero

August 24 to 30 DESPERADAS 2 (Drama/Comedy)
Directed by Joel Lamangan
Starring Ruffa Gutierrez, Rufa Mae Quinto, Marian Rivera and Iza Calzado

September 1 to 6 MY VALENTINE GIRLS (Romantic Comedy)
Directed by Dominic Zapata, Andoy Ranay, and Chris Martinez.
Featuring Richard Gutierrez together with Rhian Ramos, Lovi Poe, Solenn Heussaff, and Eugene Domingo.

September 7 to 13 BAHAY KUBO (Drama/Comedy)
Directed by Joel Lamangan
Starring Maricel Soriano and Eric Quizon

September 21 to 27 YOU TO ME ARE EVERYTHING (Romantic Comedy)
Directed by Mark Reyes
Starring Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera

September 28 to October 4 PAMAHIIN (Horror)
Directed by Rahyan Carlos
Starring Dennis Trillo, Iya Villania and Marian Rivera

October 5 to 11 MAMMARAZZI (Comedy)
Directed by Joel Lamangan
Featuring Eugene Domingo, Diether Ocampo and Carla Abellana

October 12 to 18 MANO PO 6 (Drama)
Directed by Joel Lamangan
Starring Sharon Cuneta, Kris Aquino and Christopher De Leon.

October 19 to 25 SUPER INDAY AND THE GOLDEN BIBE (Fantasy/Comedy)
Directed by Mike Tuviera
Starring Marian Rivera and John Lapus

October 26 to November 1 TEMPTATION ISLAND (Drama/Comedy)
Directed by Chris Martinez
Starring Marian Rivera, Lovie Poe, Heart Evangelista, Solenn Heusaff and Ruffa Mae Quinto

November 2 to 8 KULAM (Horror)
Directed by Jun Luna
Starring Judy Ann Santos, Dennis Trillo and TJ Trinidad

November 9 to 15 MY MONSTER MOM (Comedy/Drama)
Directed by Jose Javier Reyes
Featuring Ruffa Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama

For inquiries and updates, please call SM Cinema at 231-3876

Are you missing Korean Movies? Now, it's your time to unwind as SM City Cebu brings to you the 2011 Korean Film Festival in cooperation with Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines.


Seven different colors of love are highlighted in this first Korean Movie Festival in the Philippines. Here are the following:



Hwang Jin Yi
Secret Reunion
For Eternal Hearts
Chirstmas in August
Speedy Scandal
Happy Life
My Dear Enemy

For more details, kindly visit phil.korean-culture.org

Check below for the complete screening date, time of showing and Sm cinemas.

Focusing on Cinematography and the general story itself, Deep Gold movie offers more than a traditional indie film can give. FaceCebu.net (FC) was fortunate to be invited to the Red Carpet premiere last August 25, 2011 at Resorts World Mall in Pasay City. Together with other Big Foot delegates, FC landed at NAIA safely and arrived at the venue sleepily excited. Most of the attendees were foreigners, not much of the Media personnel and most were Big Foot contacts and acquaintances.

Film Development Council of the Philippines

CINEMA EVALUATION BOARD

Summation of CEB members’ comments on

“ZOMBADINGS I: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington”

Grade: A

Origin8 Media, Inc.

ZOMBADINGS 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington is a thoroughly entertaining and hilarious film. It is “an offbeat comedy that presents a very different story — one which Philippine cinema needs” in these days when formulaic films dominate the movie fare of today. The young filmmakers are to be congratulated for this “enjoyable and original concept which wasn’t afraid to take it to its humorous extremes.”

The film is awarded an `A’; it is an “incredible achievement with an amusing and rare synergy of horror, comedy, satire and drama.” Director Jade Castro delivers a “well-executed film.” The unpredictability of ZOMBADINGS is commendable although it tried to send “too many messages.” Castro, however, is still successful in “capturing the nuances of the transformation of Remington” with apparent ease.

The screenplay in general is “very good and could have been funnier if it was more focused.” Several reviewers commented that “the zombies were actually not that necessary and could have been edited down; nevertheless, they do serve to accentuate the ridiculous nature of the situation.”

The starting premise is “quite new and interesting, but things fell flat in the middle (due to the many sub-plots) but luckily, the script picked up in the end.” “There were enough funny lines and unusual but well established situations — both helped by excellent performances.”

The editing is “crisp, clear, succinct and effective.” “There is no wasted footage.” The cinematography is “textured” and together with the production design, provides the fitting rustic backdrop of the film. The Quezon setting is perfectly suited to the story and treatment. Both the musical score and the sound are “well done, especially the simple but appropriate sound effects.”

Finally, it is the acting in ZOMBADINGS that was unanimously praised by the CEB reviewers. “Overall, the acting performances are laudable with no pretentiousness at all and are enhanced by the characterization drawn clearly by the scriptwriters.”

Mart Escudero gets the majority of the high marks. “Mart is a revelation!” “Escudero is excellent and thoroughly convincing in both his straight and gay roles without making either role a caricature.” His gradual transformation from a macho suitor to a reluctant gay to a complete bakla is a marvel. He is truly a brave actor for letting it all out for his art. His dance number is a laugh-out-loud performance and so are his suddenly gay-speaking scenes and the “romantic” scene with Jigs at the staircase.

Summation of CEB members’ comments on “Zombadings I: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington

The supporting cast provides great support: Janice de Belen is very much in character, John Regala seems to be really enjoying himself and even Kerbie Zamora is a natural. Some members commented though that Eugene Domingo could have been utilized more aside from her being the sad/merry skating widow. The actors are “all good and they have the ability to laugh at themselves without ridiculing the third sex.”

ZOMBADINGS is a “fun movie with competent direction remarkable comic timing.” “Undeniably, the film is worthy of the favorable critical attention that it will surely reap.”

To paraphrase Kermit the Frog: it’s not easy being gay, but this film shows it surely is a lot of fun!

The first ever Asian and Filipino, Internationally-acclaimed and multi-award director Brillante Mendoza in cooperation with SM Cinemas presents his independent movie films and productiosn in SM City Cebu specifically at Cinema 2 come this coming August 4 and will end in August 5, 2011.

Take note that this Film showing is for Free and no charge is asked.

Here are the movies with their synopsis, some awards and schedules of showing:

August 4, 11 AM – MANORO (The Aeta Teacher, 2006)

Synopsis: It’s presidential election time once again and like the rest of their fellow Filipinos, the native Aetas are required to vote. But how can a community take part in the elections if most of the elders do not know how to read and write? A young Aeta girl has the answer.

AWARDS:
Winner, Best Picture and Best Director awards, Cinemanila Film Festival 2006.
Winner, CinemAvvenir, Torino Film Festival 2006


August 4, 5 PM – LOLA (Grandmother, 2009)

Synopsis: Two elderly women bear the consequences of a crime involving their respective grandsons. One grandson is the victim, the other is the suspect. Both weak and poor, the two grandmothers laboriously solicit money in the midst of a storm, one for her dead grandson’s burial, the other for jailed grandson’s bail bond.

AWARD: Winner, Grand Knight award, 27th Miami International Film Festival.



August 5, 11 AM – KALELDO (Summer Heat, 2007)

Synopsis: Set in Pampanga a decade after the province was ravaged by the lahar from Pinatubo, Kaleldo follows the lives of Rudy Manansala, a woodcarver, his three daughters and their relationships with other people in the span of seven summers.

AWARDS:
Winner, Netpac Award, Jeonju Film Festival 2007
Winner, Best Actress award, Durban Film Festival 2007.


August 5, 2 PM – FOSTER CHILD

Synopsis: A drama centered on the state of foster care in the Philippines, the movie tells the story of a poor family of squatters who takes in a foster child under their wing.

AWARDS:
Winner, Best Actress award, New Delhi Film Festival 2007,
Winner, Special Jury Award in Kazakhstan Film Festival 2007,
Winner, the Signis Award in Las Palmas Film Festival 2008,
Winner, Best Picture and Actress awards in Durban Film Festival 2008.

For inquiries, please call SM Administration Office at 231-3446 to 47.

“Eigasai 2011” a Japanese Contemporary Film Festival, is the much awaited activities in celebration of the Philippines–Japan Friendship Month, the Consular Office in Cebu with the Japanese Association of Cebu and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Cebu proudly presents this Japanese Film Festival at Ayala Center Cebu Cinema 4 this coming August 2 (Tuesday) until August 7 (Sunday)

Yes! It is showing next week at IMAX Theatre SM City Cebu and I bet everybody is excited. Here is a glimpse/information of the movie.


About:

The Green Hornet is a fictional character - an American pulp hero and masked vigilante - created by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker with input by radio director James Jewell in 1936. Since his radio debut in the 1930s, the Green Hornet has appeared in numerous serialized dramas in a wide variety of media. The character appeared in film serials in the 1940s, a network television program in the 1960s, multiple comic book series from the 1940s on, and a feature film in January 2011. Though various incarnations sometimes change details, in most incarnations the Green Hornet is Britt Reid, a newspaper publisher by day who goes out in his masked "Green Hornet" identity at night to fight crime as a vigilante. He is accompanied by his similarly masked sidekick and confidante Kato, who drives their technologically-advanced car: "Black Beauty". [wikipedia]


The Green Hornet (2011 Film History)

A film version of the character has been contemplated since the 1990s, when Universal Pictures first attempted to develop a version with George Clooney and Jason Scott Lee, to be directed by Michel Gondry. Later, Jet Li was set to play the Kato role. In the early 2000s, Miramax obtained the movie rights, and worked with writer-director Kevin Smith to develop a screenplay. In 2008, new rights-holder Sony Pictures announced it was producing a Green Hornet film through its subsidiary Columbia Pictures, initially with Stephen Chow as director, and also playing the role of Kato. Chow departed as director, to be succeeded by Gondry; later, Chow exited the movie altogether, and Jay Chou was cast as Kato. The film, scheduled for release January 14, 2011, stars Seth Rogen, who co-wrote the script with Evan Goldberg. Also starring are Cameron Diaz, Edward James Olmos, and Christoph Waltz. [wikipedia]


What are you waiting for? Log on to www.smcinema.comto reserve and buy your tickets.

You may also call (032) 231-4852 or 231-3876 for reservations.