One More Chance is one of those movies you’ll never get tired of watching. Kahit kabisado mo na ang mga hugot quotes nina Popoy at Basha. This is one of my comfort movies. The kind of movie (like books), na after you’re done with all your series and dvd’s at wala ka ng mapanood na iba—babalikan at babalikan mo. Kasi nga ganon na kayo ka-close nina Popoy at Basha. Tapos feeling mo part ka ng Thursday Group.

When a video circulated online of Popoy and Basha fighting over a Meralco bill, a lot of people got excited. I got excited. Some say it was only a test shot by Star Cinema to see how people will feel about a One More Chance sequel. It went viral. Maraming umasa.

Above is a photo of the happy crowd who gamely cheered on the poets. They applauded and hooted at the right moments. "Walang forever" was heard several times during the show. It was the kind of crowd that is easy to please and were so supportive that you'll want to please them all the more. 

I had so many favorite moments that night but one of the most memorable one was when a guy who goes by the name Rock6, performed. He sang acapella and rapped. Sounds pretty regular right? But I think he has autism or something like that--I'm not sure, but my point is back to the crowd. It was heartwarming how they were so supportive of the guy. There were no weird looks. Everyone cheered him on. He was a little out of tune when he sang, but man oh man, he rapped like a pro! There was a loud applause and appreciative comments everywhere. I love this crowd! 

There were performances from poets from The Artidope, White Wall Poetry and many more. After all the official line-up was done, open mic was next. People sign up prior or during the show and you get to perform after the official line-up. The night was capped off by a performer from Sev's Cafe itself. I forgot his name but the guy deserves to be famous, even only if viral famous. He was one of Sev's staff, dishwasher I think. At first we didn't pay attention but he was also such a good rapper. Hindi mo talaga aakalain. I'm not into rap but that guy has a talent stringing words together. He's very impressive. Unfortunately, like all others I have a tendency to underestimate others and I'm sorry for that. But I love how people surprise me and I find out every so often that talent can come from any one, from people with different kinds of background.

Here are some other photos from the event. 

Above is Karlen Fajardo, she writes music and poetry. It was my second time to watch her. I had to get used to her "style" of performing. But I warmed up to it after. She can get too emotional. She is a living, breathing freakin' feelings. In short, she is feelings personified. In her performance, she threw her ex's mementos (bus/movie tickets etc) on the stage and removed her shirt (yes!) after. Such a brave thing to do in front of so many people. Hehe. I really searched for her Facebook page. Now I'm a fan. I want to be your friend Karlen! Haha. Don't worry about the litter, she picked the stuff off the floor after her performance. Heehee. Her band, The Theobromine is just as awesome. She just played solo when I first watched her on another event that was 90's kids themed. Appreciated her songs more with the band especially with a violinist. One of her original songs were so catchy, the crowd sang with her as well. Hello naman kasi the chorus lyrics were like: "F!^% you, magsama kayo mga walang hiya..". Much like Lily Allen's. Sweet melody but tough lyrics this song was. 

Carrie and I were talking about joining the open mic night. Well, soon for her but someday for me. Heehee. I'm sure I'll get more nights like these. Join me? 

One day, when I was still in college waiting for my next class, I was sitting somewhere while reviewing for a quiz when I heard voices singing. I don't know the song but I can still remember how I felt hearing a legit choir for the first time. They were heavenly, like choir of angels. Even hearing them match pitch gave me goosebumps. That was when I decided that I'm going to join the UST Pharmacy Glee Club. I can't remember my audition song but I remember we had to sing the Lupang Hinirang as well and before we get off stage we were asked to mimick how our choir master clapped his hands, timing and all. I honestly didn't think I'd get in because I have no singing experience and haven't been part of any Glee Club before. Oh the happiness I felt when I saw my name on PGC's bulletin board. I actually got in! I was an Alto. My co-members were so good and I felt it was such a wonderful privilege to be singing with them. Here we are at our concert, ChoralwoRx held at Philam Life Auditorium back in 2007. It was a benefit concert together with UP Manila's Medicine Choir. Happy memories!

Being in Glee was the best part of my college years in UST. And that was when I was introduced to classical music. We were asked not to listen to pop music for a few months, if possible, and just listen to musicals and other choirs. That was when I fell in love with musical theater and how I got to know the UST Singers. Some of PGC's alumni even went on to be part of the UST Singers. It was always a joy to watch them perform. Their conductor Prof. Fidel Calalang always arranges songs for UST's annual choral competition, Himig Tomasino. 

UST Singers is a mix of current students and UST alumni. It was founded in 1992 by Sir Fidel as well. They always compete abroad and even holds the distinction in being the only choir in the world to have won the most coveted "Choir of the World" Grand Prize twice (in 1995 and 2010) at the oldest international choir competition in Wales, United Kingdom. 

I would watch them perform few songs when there are events in UST but I've never been to any of their concerts. They always perform and compete abroad and I always miss their Philippine concerts. But when I found out from their Facebook page that they're having a thanksgiving concert, I knew I had to go. Less than 2 weeks before the concert, I would call Ticketworld and CCP to check for the tickets. Siguro nakukulitan na sila sakin. Haha. I brought my brother Jed with me. He's part of Adamson University's High School Glee Club and a fan of UST Singers as well (because of me, of course!). 

The very excited brother. It's also his first time in CCP. He was all smiles when we entered Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo.

Took a photo of us while waiting for the show to start. Excited spectators!

We don't know majority of the songs in the program. Before we went to CCP, Jed said he wishes to hear Piliin mo ang Pilipinas. We got a bit disappointed when we saw that it wasn't part of the line-up. But God granted his wish when after Tuwing Umuulan.. people shouted for more again and they performed Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas. Ang saya!

It was such a delightful song. And if you have no idea about Glee, you'll find that "dancing" is just as important as well. There are some songs where they have to dance and they looked so adorable doing it, like when they sang La Aporrumbeosis which is a variations on the Latin dance, rumba. If you close your eyes, you'd think everything was recorded. They were THAT good. Some would think choir or classical music is boring but let me tell you, there never was a dull moment. Their soloists were great, too. Ang linis ng mga boses at ang gaganda ng diction. Hindi kinakain ang mga salita. The soloist on their song, Banwar Iti Cordillera was good, I didn't get goosebumps--I got teary eyed! Haha. And she's an alto too. Such a rich voice. Altos represent! 

I loved their version of Gapas. It had a very good arrangement and I love the dynamics. All choirs can sing a song perfectly by the note, malinis but what will make a choir stand out from others is really the dynamics or the execution of the song, the style--the pitch or pace of a bar can matter and a huge part of that (or maybe all of it) depends on how great your conductor is. At sa dynamics talaga magaling si Sir Fidel. 

And their last song, Get Happy was indeed a happy song. The group surprised the crowd because it was actually a mash up between that and Pharell Williams's Happy. It was such a fun moment when their soloists got the crowd clapping to the beat of the song. The whole theater was happily clapping!

The happy crowd. They got a standing ovation after the show.

That was a really good night. It made me miss singing. My brother and I kept talking about it all the way home. I'll really watch their other shows next time. Who's with me? 

The Thirteen Artists Awards is having an exhibit that Saturday. Before going up I kind of said a little prayer for my brother to see and appreciate everything and not be bored by it. 

But a brief background about the 13 Artists Awards from their flyer:

Ciao for now!

We were fortunate enough to be watching at the premiere of the film. Premiere, because of course, it's not yet shown in any cinemas nor any other film festivals. 

Daily pass also means we get Orchestra seats. Yeyyy us!

That's Atty. Lorna Kapunan photobombing my ticket right there.

So sorry for the quality of pictures. Yan lang po ang kaya ng digicam ko. I really, really tried. Chos. :)

L-R: Producer, Anastacio Angelo Santos and Directors Jeffrey Hidalgo and Roy Sevilla Ho

Rhian Ramos' loooong legs (she deserves the extra o's) with Guji Lorenzana on (our) left and Papa Piolo Pascual on the right.

Piolo will not leave you wanting in his portrayal of a seemingly languid doctor, Miguel Cascarro who is recovering from the loss of his wife Caroline, played by the pretty, Angel Jacob. Miguel was content in his solitary life when he crossed paths with Rhian's character, the mysterious and gorgeous Valerie. He rescued the bloodied lady and nursed her back to health, well he did  more than nurse her back to health, if you know what I mean. The question is, who's the real villain? Who is the real victim? This is really not your typical Filipino horror. I repeat, Filipino--with the Filipino formula. The climax will keep you guessing. They directed the scenes beautifully that each one will build up until you reach a very twisted ending that I know only but a few of you will be able to predict. Watching the movie feels like looking for something but you don't know what it is, and then eventually the finding "it" towards the end. There were moments when I was at the edge of my seat or covering my eyes. (Sounds good to you now? Teehee.)

We're all tired of actors' saying "Ibang (insert actors name here) ang makikita niyo dito." Yeah, right. But it is true. The film showcases a different Piolo and Rhian. You'll think Piolo's role is typical of him in the beginning but you will find that his character will slowly unravel throughout the film. I am in love with Rhian's role. Okay, tiny bit of a spoiler: my favorite part was when she rapped. Yes! But I won't tell you why and what she's doing WHILE rapping because that part is more exciting. 

The film has 2 directors. I would have loved it if it was directed by one. Although you can't tell which scene is directed by whom (which can either be good or bad). Good, because the flow of the entire film has one direction. Bad, in a sense that I'm one of those film viewers who loves to observe a director's style. Like you know if a movie is a Brilliante Mendoza or an Antoinette Jadaone or a Marilou Diaz-Abaya. Much like hearing a song for the first time on the radio, without any introductions and you immediately know who the singer is. Just like that. But other than that, I rate the movie a 4 out of 5. It was shown commercially this month but was pitted against another critically-lauded film, Heneral Luna which I will do a review on my next post. I should've posted this review sooner. Silong also deserves a longer time in the cinemas. But in spite of that, I think indie films are getting more and more attention these days and I'm happy about that. Don't you just hate people who complain about "bobong movie goers" and that Filipinos could do better than just mainstream movies BUT at the same time hate it when an indie festival gets crowded? Nag-iisip na ang mga Pilipinong manonood. Sa wakas. 

Anatomiya ng Pag-ibig looks promising, too but it's schedule is at the same time with Silong. :(

Immortan Joe's wives starring Zoe Kravitz as Toast the Knowing, Riley Keough as Capable, Abbey Lee as The Dag, Courtney Eaton as Cheedo the Fragile and the gorgeous Rosie Huntington-Whitely as The Splendid Angharad (Joe's favorite wife)