Category: What’s New

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TBA Studios unveils 2022 movie lineup; Crime movie “Grace” now in the works

TBA Studios unveils 2022 movie lineup; Crime movie “Grace” now in the works

The cast, director, and producers of TBA Studios’ “Grace” during the film’s script reading session held in Quezon City

After the success of the pandemic love story “Dito at Doon” in 2021, TBA Studios is ready to roll out its 2022 lineup with a major movie project leading the way.

On April 20, the award-winning film company announced on their Facebook page that it’s teaming up with Sea’N’Sun Film Productions to produce an action-packed crime thriller called “Grace”.

To be helmed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Ato Bautista (“Expressway”), “Grace” tells the story of a college student who seeks revenge for the brutal death of his girlfriend and takes down an elite powerful fraternity whose members and alumni are seated in every power sect of Philippine society. 

Musician-turned-actor Iken Ramirez takes the lead role in the movie with a screenplay written by Bautista, Kat Marasigan, and E. A. Rocha based on an earlier treatment developed by the late director Uro dela Cruz.

Rocha, the CEO and Co-Executive Producer of TBA Studios and one of the co-writers of the company’s massive box office hit “Heneral Luna”, felt that “Grace” is a very important story to tell because “it is indicative of the entitlement and abuse wielded by people in powerful positions—a reflection of what is wrong with our country.” 

“I can only describe Grace as a relevant, violent and ultimately devastating modern parable that had to be told and cinematically experienced,” he shared.

Alvin Anson of “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” fame will play the main antagonist.

The ensemble cast also includes veteran thespians Angeli Bayani, Art Acuña, E. A. Rocha, Ronnie Lazaro, Cholo Barretto, Kiko Matos, and young actors Mark Neumann, Shaun Salvador, and Vance Larena.

The cast recently held its first script reading in Quezon City ahead of its principal photography in May. More cast announcements for the film are also underway. 

“Grace” is part of TBA Studios’ film offerings for the coming year. This also includes the star-studded comedy “The Comeback Trail” with Hollywood icons Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Tommy Lee Jones as well as the music documentary “Fanny: The Right To Rock” about the untold story of three Filipina American teens in the 1960s whose trailblazing impact in music was written out of history.

TBA Studios Executive Vice President and General Manager Daphne O. Chiu shared that their roster of titles “are distinctly TBA”, referring to the company’s trademark for producing, acquiring, and distributing world-class quality films.

“Film fans will have plenty to get excited about with TBA Studios’ diverse offerings. And this is just our initial lineup! We have more projects to be announced soon,” Chiu said.

Stay tuned to TBA Studios’ pages and tba.ph for more updates on “GRACE” and other films.

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Women Behind the Scenes

Women Behind the Scenes

Filmmaking has no longer been a man’s game. Recent years have shown that the creative process in movies brings a unique perspective and sensibilities when women are at the helm.

In honor of Women’s Month, get to know some of the talented female creatives that worked behind the scenes to help bring to life some of our most beloved films. 

Screengrab from “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” featurette

Marilen Magsaysay

Film colorist

Color grading is an important aspect in maintaining the tone throughout the film. Marilen Magsaysay certainly knew the assignment when she worked as a film colorist for Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, Birdshot, Bliss, and K’na the Dreamweaver.

“Many people don’t even know that color grading exists,” Magsaysay said in the behind-the-scenes featurette of Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. “As the colorist, you have to use your imagination, come up with ways to enhance a situation wherein you wanna take them into a different world,” she added.

Apart from being a well-known name in the color grading industry, Magsaysay has also shown her business acumen. After being the head colorist at Optima Digital, she opened her own production company Media East Production together with husband, sound designer Raffy Magsaysay.

Daphne Chiu

Producer

Film producers should have the foresight in making sure a film gets finished on time and smoothly. Only in her early 30’s, Daphne O. Chui already has a long history of producing films even before she joined TBA Studios and held the position of Executive Vice President and General Manager. 

To date, she is credited as a producer, line-producer, or co-executive producer in over 20 feature projects including iconic films of recent years Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.

As an executive, Chiu also guided TBA Studios’ tumultuous journey during the pandemic which included opening a movie-themed cafe, Cinema ‘76 Cafe and resumption of Cinema ‘76 microcinema operations.

“We’re very happy to be doing something entirely different from producing, but it’s also film-related. We’re still a cinema exhibitor, and we have a café that’s very cinema-slanted and film-themed,” Chiu shared in an interview with BusinessWorld.

https://www.bworldonline.com/how-cinema-76-carries-on-in-a-pandemic/

Isabel Sandoval

Filmmaker/actress

A writer prepares the screenplay. A director calls the shots. An actress brings them to life. Isabel Sandoval showed she could do every part of filmmaking, even taking the video editing role in her award-winning film, Lingua Franca. The movie brings to light the plight of Filipina trans women immigrants in the U.S. and challenges society’s definition of what woman should be. 

She also won the Best Actress award for her lead role at the 18th Pacific Meridian International Film Festival of Asian Pacific Countries in Vladivostok, Russia in 2020.

Photo from Instagram: @teyclamor

Tey Clamor

Director of Photography  If you’ve been left wrecked by the romance film Tayo Sa Huling Buwang Taon, then you’d know that a part of that is attributed to the cinematography by Tey Clamor. As director of photography, she was the crew chief that is responsible for the camera. Those not used to seeing women on the set carry heavy camera equipment and still deliver stylized shots need to watch Babae at Ang Baril (The Woman and The Gun) and Metamorphosis, a couple of her works. She even worked during the pandemic while seven months pregnant.  

Photo from Grace Simbulan’s Facebook page

Grace Simbulan

Documentary filmmaker

Documentarian Grace Simbulan finished her first feature film, A is for Agustin over the course of five years. The documentary follows a man who constantly puts his life in question, between his desire to get educated at 40, and his caring for his family and son. The film was listed under CNN Philippines’ top 10 Filipino films of 2019.

The subject was an offshoot of her project entitled “In defense of land and life. Addressing Human Rights concerns of indigenous peoples in resource conflicting areas”, which was given a grant from the European Union. Simbulan graduated cum laude with a degree in Film and Audio Visual Communications in UP Diliman. She’s currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where her research explores the pressures, counter pressures and negotiations that lead to the adoption of projects for Indigenous women and children in the Philippines.

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Liter of Light Premieres Pioneering Filipino Global Environmental Film at EXPO2020

Liter of Light Premieres Pioneering Filipino Global Environmental Film at EXPO2020

DUBAI, March 27— Liter of Light, a Filipino born global grassroots solar lighting movement, will have a World Premiere for its pioneering environmental film, “Theory of Light”, on March 27 in front of 200 dignitaries and guests at the Opportunity Forum at the EXPO2020 in Dubai.

With the theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” EXPO2020 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the impact of a Philippine innovation in coming together despite the challenges and building resilient communities with a diverse audience committed to Sustainability.

Part historical chronicle, part environmental lesson, “Theory of Light” shows how Liter of Light is reinvigorating efforts to take action on climate change from the safety of home and inspiring new generations of innovators from the Global South to come up with ideas that will change the World.

The Philippines is one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world. As part of the typhoon belt, the country expects 20 storms each year, but with the increase in global warming, 25% of these yearly storms are now classified as destructive. Just last December, a new Category 5 storm, Super Typhoon Rai, tore through the Philippines, killing more than 400 people and destroying hundreds of thousands of homes. It is only the latest in a series of super storms that pose an existential threat to the island nation’s heritage and way of life.

“Most media coverage to date focuses on the receiving effects of the climate crisis; as victims and stops there,” says Filipino-Italian Illac Diaz, Founder and Executive Director of Liter of Light. “Filipinos are admired for our resilience, but rarely do stories focus on the rising up, building back and innovative solutions that communities themselves have developed to take dramatic action. In fact, only 1% of all global expenses for filmmaking are spent on the environment and the growing climate crisis. With this documentary, we want to flip the script, and share stories of common humanity and hope that inspires others to make urgent and right decisions for the people and planet.”

The earlier production stage of the film began during the centennial celebration of Philippine Cinema in 2019. It is produced and distributed by TBA Studios, the two-time Philippine representative to the Academy Awards. Known for their critically-acclaimed and groundbreaking films, TBA Studios cemented their status as one of the top production companies in the Philippines with its big-budget epics and major box office hits such as “General Luna” and “Goyo: The Boy General”.

“TBA Studios has always been committed to bringing to life stories that inspire, educate, and entertain. ‘Theory of Light’ is the first Filipino global environmental film with a local narrative about the harsh realities of climate change. We hope that this project will touch people’s lives—the way it did ours—and continue to influence decision-makers around the world to create more sustainable and tangible solutions for all,” shares TBA Studios CEO E. A. Rocha.

“I believe in the power of collaboration and partnerships to elevate global sustainability. For our children’s children, the present generation must come together and adapt to the challenges of climate change. “Theory of Light” shows us that even the simplest folk can do their part and be an excellent example of resilience and disaster preparedness. We find shining beacons of light amid natural disasters,” says Mr. Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee for SM Prime Holdings.

The development of the film was supported by a grant from SM Prime Holdings, Inc. The project is an official partnership with the office of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Manila Observatory, the key research institution on climate change in the Philippines.

Filmmaker J.P. Gopez, whose works include documentaries for National Geographic and TBA Studios’ legacy docu-series “Habambuhay: Remembering 100 Years of Philippine Cinema”, helmed the project. It is also executive produced by Liter of Light founder Illac Diaz, SM Prime President Hans Sy, TBA Studios CEOs E. A. Rocha and Fernando Ortigas with TBA’s Executive Vice-President and General Manager Daphne Chiu and Film Development Manager Margie Navarro co-producing.

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4 Treats for Singles and Couples at Cinema ‘76 Café Valentine Weekend

4 Treats for Singles and Couples at Cinema ‘76 Café Valentine Weekend

Movies, coffee, romance – and even self-love – make a good mix at Cinema ‘76 Café

Whether you’re single or coupled up, Cinema ‘76 Café in Anonas, Quezon City got you covered this Valentine’s Weekend. The movie-themed al fresco café annexed to a state-of-the-art microcinema is the perfect dining and dating spot this love month.

Singles Happy Hour

Single Awareness Day does not have to be all that gloomy. You and your friends can celebrate with unlimited cocktails on Friday, February 11 starting at 6 pm until midnight. For only Php 499, you can enjoy glasses of Tequila Sunrise, Zombie, Daiquiri, Screw Driver, and Amaretto Sour. Consume responsibly so you won’t end up having an “I’m drunk, I love you.” confession that you would regret.

Valentine’s Package

Keep your love stronger with Cinema ‘76 Café’s Couple’s Valentine’s Packages available on Feb. 12 – 13 from 5 pm until midnight. Both come with a charcuterie board of sumptuous snacks, Package A is partnered with two glasses of red wine while Package B includes two cocktail drinks, either Vodka Cranberry or Tequila Sunrise. Each cost Php 1,299. For continuous enjoyment, add Php 200 to upgrade to bottomless drinks.

Reserve your spot this Valentine Weekend by filling out the form here: https://bit.ly/C76CafeValentine.

Package A: Charcuterie Board + 2 Glasses Red Wine | Php 1299

Package B: Charcuterie Board + 2 Glasses Cocktails (Choose from Vodka Cranberry or Tequila Sunrise) |Php 1299

Enjoy our Valentine Drink - Red Velvet Latte

February might as well be red velvet month.  For some alcohol-free Valentine’s treat, immerse in the romantic vibe with the café’s featured drink of the month, Red Velvet Latte for only Php 130.

Movie Dates at Cinema ‘76

Why stop at just dining when you can also enjoy a movie or two? Nothing beats old-fashioned movie dates during Hearts’ Day at Cinema ‘76 micro-cinema. You can watch Marry Me, a kilig story between a math teacher and a pop star played by Owen Wilson and Jennifer Lopez. Find out how love ties two people from different worlds.

If you’d rather solve a mystery together with your S.O., then take your deductive sweetheart to the screening of Murder on The Nile, which stars Gal Gadot, Kenneth Branagh, and Emma Mackey. Learn what happens when you try to steal your friend’s boyfriend in this thrilling detective story. Book tickets now at Cinema ‘76 via bit.ly/c76tickets.

Indeed, movies, coffee, romance – and even self-love – make a good mix at Cinema ‘76 Café.

Cinema ‘76 Film Society and Cinema ‘76 Cafe are located at Anonas LRT City Center, Aurora Blvd., Quezon City. For more updates, follow Cinema ‘76 Film Society and Cinema ‘76 Café.

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Why watching inside the cinemas is still ‘magical’

Why watching inside the cinemas is still 'magical'

Photo from @kolenchii/Instagram

Nearly three years of being under stay-at-home orders could put everyone in a blue funk especially movie lovers who enjoy watching in the cinemas. Considering all valid arguments for watching films on streaming devices, it does not always capture the magic of movies when played on small screens. Movie nights at home can also be disrupted by stray cats having a tumble over your roof or your neighbors’ in-fighting. Not to mention, not every household could afford a 55-inch smart TV and soundbar to emulate the viewing experience we get in theaters.

Cinemas are immersive, thanks to crystal clear pictures on the big screen and audio settings that provide textured sounds. Cinema ‘76 Film Society located in Anonas, Quezon City, boasts of a DCP cinema equipped with a high quality projector that delivers pristine images and a surround sound system matched with Dolby sound server that promises a more enhanced audio-visual experience. But apart from the state-of-the-art features a theater can provide, nothing beats sharing emotions with like-minded individuals.

Case in point is Instagram user @kolenchii who shared that she and her friends rented a whole microcinema at Cinema ‘76 Anonas to watch “Spider-Man: No Way Home”. They even cosplayed the character Spidey’s love interest Mary Jane Watson.

Photo from @kolenchii/Instagram

“If you haven’t watched it yet, ano pa hinihintay mo? Rent na din kayo ng cinema with family and friends para safe,” she posted. Renting the cinema with people you feel safe with rather than sharing a space with strangers is a smart way to navigate the challenges brought by the pandemic. She also showed that they still followed safety protocols specifically physically distancing from each other while they watched the movie.

For movie blogger Nazamel Tabares of Pelikula Mania, going to the cinema is the closest thing to traveling, which comes with mental health benefits. When running errands outside, he tries to include watching a movie in the theater in his itinerary.  “I think what made cinema still magical is the thought that for more or less two hours, it’s only you and the story you’re about to watch,” he shared. “No disruptions and no option to pause. It’s just you immersed in a story whether to escape or to feel something relatable.”

As a publicist of a boys’ love series “Love At The End of The World”, he also booked the microcinema of Cinema ‘76 in Anonas as the gala night venue for their GagaOOLala show. “The accessibility and the convenience of having a cinema and a café where you can have a screening and interviews made it the best option to have our gala night at Cinema ’76,” he said.

Photos from @chiiloyzagagibbs/Instagram, Temporary Insanity Pictures/Facebook, and Cinema ‘76/Facebook

Cinema ‘76 has an eponymous movie-themed café downstairs that can also serve as a venue for programs prior to the screening. Other groups that have booked Cinema ‘76 are VivaMax’s “Mang Jose” starred by Janno Gibbs and Alex Gonzaga’s fan screening of “Exorcis”.

Because it is located at the Anonas LRT City Center rather than the usual crowded shopping malls, Cinema ‘76 is frequented by movie lovers who are also fine with watching with fewer people inside the microcinema. Deaf customer Nikko Laguador opted to watch “Spider-Man: No Way Home” at Cinema ‘76 because he believes that Marvel movies are best experienced on the big screen. GMA actress Eunice Lagusad also chose to watch the movie at Cinema ‘76 because of its proximity to her neighborhood.

Photo from @eunicelagusad18/Instagram

Like any hero facing back-to-back challenges in the movies, we could hope that we are on the last mile of the pandemic. So if you want to watch a film on the big screen with friends and family, you can now book an entire microcinema at Cinema ‘76 Anonas.

Cinema ’76 can be an exclusive venue for all film-related events, premieres, and film festivals. You can also rent our theaters to host events, seminars, and workshops. For booking inquiries and venue rentals, contact us at cinema76filmsociety@gmail.com and 0977-705-4276.

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TBA Studios Celebrates Philippine Film History with Habambuhay

TBA Studios Celebrates Philippine Film History with Habambuhay

A Two-Part Special Scheduled for Release on Youtube

The Philippine film industry is facing one of their biggest challenges to date with the global pandemic still ongoing, but this isn’t the first time the industry has experienced difficulties.  It has in the past survived wars, political upheavals, and much more.

Habambuhay, produced by TBA Studios (Heneral Luna, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral), aims to highlight the incredible history of filmmaking in the country and celebrate some of the artists who paved the way for the Philippine cinema that we know and love today.

 The first part of this special docuseries opens with the omnibus episode, “Sandaan (100), Sangandaan (Crossroads) / Philippine Cinema at the Crossroads.”  Starting with pioneering filmmaker Jose Nepomuceno, whose zarzuela movie Dalagang Bukid marked the beginning of full-length moviemaking in the country back in 1919, this hour-long presentation evolves as a whirlwind journey through the past 100 years of Philippine Cinema.  From the early films of the 20’s through the 40’s, to the masterworks of the great directors in the 50’s and 60’s (Gerry De Leon, Lamberto Avellana, Manuel Silos, to name a few), to the breakthrough films of Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal and Mike De Leon in the 70’s and 80’s, and through the rise of the independent filmmakers of the new millennium (including such auteurs as Brillante Mendoza and Lav Diaz).

The second part is aptly titled “Showbiz Clan: The Eigenmann Legacy.” This episode highlights the colorful life and illustrious career of Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil, who have contributed a legacy to Philippine Cinema not just through the films they starred in, but also through their renowned family of actors.  Three of their children—Mark Gil, Michael de Mesa, and Cherie Gil—are among the country’s most awarded and highly regarded thespians, having all worked with the industry’s topnotch filmmakers.  In turn, these children begot children of their own, who, like their parents and grandparents before them, are now on the rise and continuing their family’s legacy.  Altogether, the Eigenmann clan has created a major niche for themselves, continuing to leave a mark in the Philippine film industry through their outstanding performances.

 Award-winning screenwriter and director Doy Del Mundo helmed this special two-part series of Habambuhay.  Both episodes will be released for free on TBA Studios’ Youtube Channel on January 28, 2022 at 8:00 PM.

Watch the trailer here . Visit TBA Studios for more updates.

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Be kind, rewind: New ‘old’ movies to watch this year

Be Kind, Rewind: New 'Old' Movies to Watch This Year

Call us old-school, but nothing beats watching movies on the big screen. The clear pictures and immersive audio give us a more satisfying viewing experience. Now that cinemas have been open for a while, film studios are releasing their backlog of movies that got pushed back from their initial 2020-2021 playdates. Here are some of the full-length features you should not miss at your favorite theater.

House of Gucci

The story of House of Gucci is one bad romance, top-billed by Lady Gaga. Directed by Ridley Scott, the movie is based on the shocking true story of the eponymous fashion empire that made betrayal and murder trend long before the Internet was born. House of Gucci also stars Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Salma Hayek and Jack Huston.

The Comeback Trail

Hollywood screen legends and Oscar winners—Robert De Niro, Tommy Lee Jones, and Morgan Freeman lead the star-studded cast for The Comeback Trail, the action-packed comedy about a western production that hopes to literally kill its aging star. George Gallo directs from a script he wrote with Josh Posner in a remake of Harry Hurwitz’s 1982 film of the same name. 

King Richard

Curious how Will Smith nabbed the Golden Globe Best Actor award this year? Then watch his critically acclaimed performance in King Richard, a biographical film about the coach/mentor/father that gave the world tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams. The movie is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green of Monsters and Men fame.

Fanny: The Right to Rock

If you’ve been itching to watch a documentary on the big screen, then Fanny: The Right to Rock got you covered. Written and directed by Canadian filmmaker Bobbi Jo Hart, the docu reveals the untold story of the legendary Filipina American-fronted rock band whose groundbreaking impact in music was written out of history.  Fanny: The Right to Rock had its World Premiere in the Hot Docs International Documentary Film Festival on April 29, 2021, which drew enthusiastic reviews and generated an early buzz for the film.

Licorice Pizza

A critics’ favorite, Licorice Pizza tells the story of Alana Kane and Gary Valentine growing up, running around and falling in love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973. Written and Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film tracks the treacherous navigation of first love. Alana Haim, one-third of the sibling rock band Haim, makes her acting debut in this movie. Licorice Pizza was also named one of the best films of 2021 by the American Film Institute. 

What movies are you most excited to see in our microcinema? Apart from theatrical releases, Cinema ‘76 Anonas also offers private screenings, and venue rentals. For ticket purchases, booking, and rentals inquiries, visit bit.ly/c76tickets. #KitakitsSaCinema76

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6 Movies to Watch this Holiday Season at Cinema ‘76

6 Movies to Watch this Holiday Season at Cinema ‘76

Re-gifting might be something frown upon this season of giving but at Cinema ‘76, offering previous film releases you might have missed would be the best presents you could give to yourself and your loved ones!

Watch with your lola: Encanto

Treat your grandma or your grandpa to a fun family movie from Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Encanto”. The animated feature is not only for kids but for the whole fam! Follow Mirabel’s journey towards finding her self-worth while living with family members with mystical superpowers.

Watch with your tita: Spencer

Divert your tita’s attention away from your weight gain or single blessedness to the one of the most controversial persons of her time. Watch “Spencer”, a drama film inspired by inspired by Princess Diana’s (Kristen Stewart) decision to end her marriage to Prince Charles (Jack Farthing) and leave the British royal family. Bring her to Cinema ‘76 Cafe afterwards for some “banlaw” session.

Watch with your barkada: Dune

“Dune” was released during the first week of the cinemas’ reopening so if you and your gang missed it, it’s the perfect movie to coincide with your reunion. Enjoy stunning visuals in this epic science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve. Or you could just gaze at the cuteness of Timothée Chalamet for more than two hours.

Watch with your ‘tol: Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings

If your brother is into martial arts or Marvel films, then treat him to a viewing of “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings”. Don’t forget to stay for the mid-credits and post-credits scenes!

Watch with your boyfie: Eternals

“Eternals” has something for your superhero-loving boyfie who is obligated to watch all Marvel Studios films. Don’t count yourself out too because you could be enamored by the love triangle between Ikkaris, Sersi, and Dane Whitman, the future Black Knight.

Watch with your gay BFF: Big Night!

Start your MMFF marathon with “Big Night!”, a story about a gay man who was oblivious that he was included in the authorities’ watch list amid the polarizing war on drugs. 

For ticket purchases, booking inquiries, and venue rentals, click this link: bit.ly/c76tickets #KitakitsSaCinema76

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TBA Studios presents “The Flip Side”, a collection of fun viral videos from Filipino influencers from North America

TBA Studios is all set to put the spotlight on content creators of Filipino descent catching the eyes of several viewers across North America. Aptly called “The Flip Side”, this unique project aims to showcase Filipino American influencers and digital creators through different compilation videos that express their lives and experiences as Filipinos living and growing up in America. 

Intended for audiences looking for fresh, fun, and quick bites of entertainment, viewers will be treated to a wide variety of content such as music, dance, fitness, beauty, humor, food, travel, and much more.  

Viewers can get new episodes each week that will highlight an influencer and feature their talents and stories. For its opening salvo, “The Flip Side” will drop an episode featuring one of the many Fil-Am content creators that are making waves right now in America, indie musician Raquel Lily.

Lily is thrilled about being part of “The Flip Side”, “You can expect a lot of baby-making music out of me, as well as funny videos poking fun at myself,” she said. “Whether it’s music or memeing, I just wanna make you smile.”

Take a five-minute trip to “The Flip Side” starting on November 25, Thanksgiving Day in North America and November 26 in the Philippines. Follow TBA Studios’ YouTube channel to see new episodes weekly.

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Sinepanghalina completes another successful season of “Direk to the Point”

Sinepanghalina completes another successful season of “Direk to the Point”

Sinepanghalina, a quality filmmaking, and horror content production has successfully wrapped the second season of their virtual event “Direk to the Point: The Art of Visual Storytelling”  that was held last October 23rd .

Their two-and-a-half-hour live event, which was aired on their Facebook page, was indeed a huge success for the team by pulling together eight different film directors in a virtual roundtable discussion to confer about cinematic storytelling, and gathered nearly 500 live viewers. The event effectively brought again together people from all walks of life, including students, enthusiasts, aspiring filmmakers, and, of course, experts in the film industry. The discussion went well as directors took part answering questions about the topic, which was facilitated by Ron Rayton of the Cine Files podcast. Direk Paolo Villaluna, Direk Pam Miras, Direk Mikhail Red, Direk Ida Anita Del Mundo, Direk Rod Singh, Direk Carlo Catu, Direk Dwein Baltazar, and Direk Victor Villanueva were among the guest directors who shared their stories and insights from the film industry. Some event participants also had the chance to ask questions to them and engage with the  filmmakers regarding the filmmaking process and some advices. Direk Paolo Villaluna had quoted, “Directors should always look at the big picture para at the end of the day tama ba ang desisyon o emotional arc ng character base don sa gusto mong ikwento. Of course, there are change sometimes on the set, sometimes we have a brilliant actor will just suddenly change the whole story and then we’ll also make some adjustments as long as it leads don sa point of your story.” when he asked about how he manage the emotional authenticity throughout the story of the film. When the discussion led to how they address societal and political issue using their crafts, he stated that in filmmaking, filmmaker and storytellers can’t separate the politics no matter what film genre it is and even most of the people don’t make films they are part of advocacies in the community that he thinks that it also good to point it out to aspiring filmmakers that personal advocacy actually really matters. “It’s important for building an audience, for appreciation genre for students and even filmmakers you can always learn something even from a bad film. You can also reflect as a filmmaker…atleast naha-highlight yung strengths and you learn a lot from that and sa next project mo you get to challenge yourself explore something else try something else or parang improve upon things na hindi mo napansin before, pero you have to take that risk.” said Direk Mikhail Red when asked how does criticism is important in the field of filmmaking. When asked about the country’s rampant misogyny, Direk Ida Anita Del Mundo said that many women filmmakers in the Philippines produce more documentaries than narrative films, and they have the strength of character to use the platform to produce documentaries that have something to say and reach a large audience, which she believes is the most important aspect of filmmaking.

In incorporating comedy in film, Direk Rod Singh commented, “Kailangan malinaw at responsible ang filmmakers na comedy is shooting up…You don’t make fun of people who are powerless. You make fun of the system, of culture that make people oppressed.” The team feels very motivated to conduct and continue producing live events as a result of persistent victorious success of Sinepanghalina’s virtual live event, as both fans and followers engage with them to produce more. The second season of “Direk to the Point” would not be possible without the support and help of its partners: Eugenio Lopez Jr. Center for Media Arts Senior High School Student Council, BulSu Cinephilia, Gulaman Entertainment, Loyola Film Circle, UP Cinema, UP Cinema Arts Society, FOCUS BatstateU Camera Club, Silip @ Lente Adamson University, Edge TV Philippines, Cinema ’76 Cafe, Pelikulove, and Active Vista.

They also launched their first merchandise, which is now available for pre-order. Check out their PELIKULABYU SHIRTS, PELIKULISM NOTEPAD, and STICKER PACKS!

PRE-ORDER NOW at https://forms.gle/H9Ks9Bbx86XhcByy8


Stay up to date by following Sinepanghalina on Facebook, Instagram (@sinepanghalina), and YouTube (Sinepanghalina).

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