GoodBailey11

I think most of the reviewers who gave unfair low ratings didn't know that Aziz told beforehand that S03 would feel different since it would just focus on Denise's story. I, too, managed my expectations because I absolutely adored the ingenious previous seasons and I didn't think they'd be able to do that with Denise. Man, I WAS WRONG! I was really blown away by the heart and slowness of this season. I laughed and cried so many times, it was crazy. Please go see this and don't mind the negative reviews of the people who didn't bother digesting the new season because their wish wasn't granted. This is still topnotch TV and I can confidently say it is as brilliant as the first 2 seasons.

Oh my gosh I'm chasing my breath right now. How is this so beautiful? I feel like the first time I saw Wong Kar-Wai as if my heart is going to explode from all the intensity. I had no expectations coming into this film so I'm just really blown away. And you're telling me this is Emmanuelle Riva in her youth?? My gad what an angel.

First scenes were arguably the most intriguing 15 minutes in any film. My mind was brought to Hiroshima during the WW2 and I couldn't seem to get it off my mind until now. Then came the unexpected leads with the best performances of all-time. Everything was perfect. I wanted to devour the screen so much and I never wanted it to finish. I find myself looking for ways to suck it all in because I just can't imagine it ending. Hiroshima, Mon Amour gave me a whole new different love for film. I will never forget the arresting photography, philosophical writing, and the burning passion of Lui and Elle.

Wow. I think I've just seen one of my most favorite films. I'm utterly speechless right now but also trying really hard to write to preserve this moment. Any minute now, I feel like I'd burst into pieces because of how vulnerable it made me. 😶😶😶

This is pure genius mygad! Happy Old Year spoke to me in volumes and saw through my soul. It's like looking through the mirror for the first time in a long while and you see all these fragments of yourself that you never cared to notice before. I didn't even know I was broken until tonight. But it's liberating at the same time just to realize how much I can still be. I don't have anything new to say about all the technical aspects because I'm sure it's all been mentioned but I just want to echo forever that EVERYTHING worked for me. I liked the stillness and depth of each scene. I'm crazy for the Thai vibrancy that I just witnessed. And I'm FOR SURE KEEPING MY EYES ON NAWAPOL!!!

Has all the right ingredients that's for sure! Everything that I wanted it to be, it definitely delivered. Got nothing more to say except that I needed this fresh inspiration to create! 🤘🏼

Well, what can I say except how faultless and graceful it was? Hirokazu always has his way of making me cry in the smallest and quietest of things. I don't even have the same underlying tragedy with my family but his cinema makes it all familiar for you. Maybe it's not even about having a death in your family, I think it's about the general experience of having those special and complicated relationships with the people you live with. The ones that make up your world and dreams. I'm just grateful right now to have been 'therapized' by this because my heart calmed the moment I heard its music. I don't know about the others but I always feel like I'm a much better and appreciative person after journeying with Hirokazu.

Much like the treatment, I feel like this film can be shorter but that's not saying I won't see it anymore if it's any longer haha. Watching it was such a treat that I paused midway to check how much time was left and I was really excited to know there was an hour more. However, that changed when the film was still stuck at the same narrative without intent of bringing anything new. It could have been really great but the story did not improve with exception on Yoon and Je's friendship. Coming into Heart Attack without an idea of the plot, perhaps I expected this to be a cheesy or tear-jerking romance so I feel slightly robbed. (I just wanna be mushy tonight haha) Nevertheless, it was a new experience to get a glimpse of the life of freelancers and agencies. I always wanted to be like them when I was a child but I also knew how taxing their careers are. Glad to see them represented here along with the whole workforce that's basically moving the world. It's sad and enraging how work conditions are still worsening despite our modern times. We're struggling to separate work from our worth so we always compensate by doing more than necessary. Still a painful reality that we need to outgrow because we all have only one life to live and to enjoy. Let's see sunsets as much as we can!

I don't know man, I feel lighter after seeing this. It's a slow-burn beauty worth pondering. The visuals were electric and the silent warmness was a joyful watch. Everybody is sad but we don't have to be always.

Stayed up until 1 AM for this. It was a very enraging and thought-provoking piece. Everything that I want in a film, I got from Better Days but I really need to highlight the outstanding performance and photography it exhibited. Such as masterclass! Will definitely share with more people as a reminder of humanity's worst and best asset.

This is my fourth film of Hirokazu and also the one that touched me the most. I'm rather speechless how a cliche plot device had been turned into an emotional journey of identity, blood, differences, and love. "Oh my god" does not even begin to articulate how astounded I am right now. It was simple in all aspects but was perfect in every sense. After several weeks, I finally managed to have a good cry to release some of the tensions inside me and I have to thank Hirokazu for this. Like Father, Like Son only made apparent his masterful skill of bringing 'what if' to life and showing the beauty of the ordinary. The every day scenes that seems mindless to us are in retrospect what make us whole. Thanks to the outstanding photography for successfully conveying that message. I really need this right now and I'm just so happy to see it! Definitely a new addition to my all-time favorites!

I've never heard of Pinoy Sunday before until I read an article of the upcoming Filipino films on Netflix. When I checked out the plot, I was immediately intrigued and more so when I found out it was directed by a Malaysian director. Wi Ding Ho's take on the saturated OFW experience was truly commendable. If I hadn't known prior it was from a foreign director, it wouldn't cross my mind because of how natural the Filipinos were shown. I guess it's easy to depict foreign workers but to actually capture that Filipino humor and heart is another thing. It really helped that the story was brought to life by the underrated actors, Bayani and Epy. Evident on their past movies, these two are always fun to watch nailing their comedic timings and surprising us with their dramatic range. I was genuinely entertained and satisfied after the credits rolled. It was hilarious, touching, beautifully-shot, and overall thought-provoking. And I can't wait to watch it again in the near future when I need a good escape.

Such a feel-good and charming watch! It's really everything I need in an anxious quarantine night! Autumn's Tale did not only capture the electricity of New York but gave us one of the most memorable characters ever, Sampan! I'm really happy tonight! 😊 See you someday, Jennifer!

Finally gave in and watched it after all these years. What a beautiful and resounding art!

I'm still feeling numb as I gather my thoughts. 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days is a cinematic journey I will never forget. Its atmosphere was very vivid and the palpable intensity kept me at the edge of my seat. The premise was straightforward yet its simplicity was perfection. I've seen abortion on the screen a few times but never have I witnessed a raw and emotional depiction like this. It definitely fired up the 'pro choice' in me because women should never have to go through this emotional torture. It's already been said many times but people still don't like to hear that women can do whatever they want with their bodies. Stick with your beliefs by all means but never impose it on others just because it makes you uncomfortable. My gash, it's not a puzzle. I can't believe there are still many out there who like to act all high and mighty.

Thank you to the team behind this heart-wrenching ride. I just wish that we can appreciate more the Otilia of our lives. Man, they really clean our mess.

Still couldn't find the right words to describe how painful, funny, realistic, and reflective Paki was. I cried so hard several times that the first thing I did when the credits rolled was to drink 3 glasses of water! I've been trying to express my feelings over this for 2 nights now but I figured I should do this short note until I'm able to gather my thoughts well. It just doesn't feel right to write a meaningless review to a film that made me reevaluate my life and my family's but it feels more wrong not to try. I guess I'm just deeply moved that I wanted to write what it deserves from me: My calm and collected insights unbothered by the recent developments, or lack thereof, in this pandemic.

I will try hard to finish my draft for this but I just want to end this by praising the talented ensemble most especially Dexter Doria whom I had always known as the kontrabida nanay, tita, or kapitbahay. Clearly, she's more than that stereotype! Thanks to all the people behind this understated gem for enriching me!

In my quest to see more Philippine classic movies, I came across Eddie Romero's Aguila, considered by many as one the most accomplished Filipino films. I haven't lived long enough to know him and I haven't made an effort yet to read about his life but I'm pretty sure he left the country better than it was before through his art.

Aguila started really slow for me. Maybe it was the old quality of the picture or the crickets in the background that I stopped at the 50-minute mark to sleep. Just like the dreams on my nap, a lot of things happened when I resumed my viewing. I was hesitant to continue but the remaining 160 minutes proved to be the best parts. My eyes were glued on the screen as the film showed little by little the complex and tragic history of the Philippines. The Americans 'rescued' us from the Spanish. They taught us their ways. Then the Japanese conquered our lands. Filipinos killed Filipinos. Of course, we already know these but the rich storytelling and humanistic characters made this one of a kind. I had to pause several times because I was mesmerized with the bold writing. It was brave yet grounded by humor. Most notably, it is relevant today as it was relevant before. The film throws interesting ideas and challenges the audience to think for themselves. I loved that about Aguila because it didn't glorify the plot. The line between good and evil was clear but nothing was right more than the other. Its characters were flawed just like everyone is. Aside from the pain seeing an honest depiction of our society, Aguila gave me comfort reminding that each of us are weak creatures turned stronger by our experiences. Finding meaning isn't a straight line because at the end of the day, we can only control so much. I don't know about others but that thrills me always.

Thank you Aguila team for the detailed, rewarding, and reflective history lesson!

While it gives me great joy to see this after years of longing, I'm also terribly sad that my kababayans have to go through grave loneliness and abuse. Their plight as the 'new heroes' of our country is a story that has been told several times. It's a tragedy we're all familiar with but one that we have to live through because reality bites hard.

In the case of Sunday Beauty Queen, I truly commend its boldness for tackling the pressing issues and for giving voice to our OFWs. We were informed of the lack of support from the government (like that's any news at all). We saw how groups advocate better work conditions and policies. We witnessed individuals selflessly offering themselves in the interest of others. That made me so proud because that's what being Filipino is all about! Our sense of community will always prevail wherever we are in the world. Although I already had an idea about its subject matter since I saw Hello, Love, Goodbye first, Sunday Beauty Queen still managed to make me cry and inspired! These beauty queens are real people with families and a true home where they belong but in the quest of reaching their ultimate dreams, they choose to make the hard decisions for us. If that isn't the best application of 'beauty with a purpose', I don't know what is.

Thank you candidates for your lessons and life!

I'm not in the brightest mood today so I don't know if that's the reason why I didn't like it so much. It was certainly loads better than the crap romcoms released in the past years but not as good as the others said. Still, I loved its charm and innocence! And I miss Baguio more and more!!! Can't wait to be back after this pandemic!!

It's 2:59 AM but I will still write this even if my stomach wants to have breakfast already. No, I don't need sleep tonight until I'm able to express how I love this!

Without a doubt, May Minamahal is now one of my all-time favorite Filipino movies. The range of this work of art is both surprising and remarkable. What initially looked like a cheesy romance story turned out to be a relevant and brave commentary of our society; most especially of the 90s Philippines when it was acceptable to marry at 20 years old haha. How crazy was that? I wouldn't dwell on that since my parents and relatives married also at their young ages. Seeing how the world moves now, it amazes me how far we've actually changed.

For an outsider, this had a shallow plot wherein the mother opposed her son's relationship but for the Filipinos especially the elder ones who had to support their families, it was everything. Some would say it's a toxic Filipino trait. For some, it is an unconditional love. Whatever it was for the others, it was definitely love from my mother (and father) that my elder siblings experienced. But boy was it hard. It had to be earned! Just like how May Minamahal earned my respect and heart for its overflowing charm. I liked Aga in Sana Maulit Muli but I loved him here even more. He portrayed Carlitos with substance. As for young Aiko, Monica, she stole my heart! She is everything that I want in a girl. Her angst and playfulness sent butterflies inside me huhu. Put them together and I had to constantly keep my sanity. They were beautiful and joyful to watch. It's been quite a long time since I watched a proper romance so please excuse my cheesiness haha. I sincerely appreciate how this movie was also like a time capsule. I got to see Tagaytay in its heyday. Jollibee looked like a diner! Everything just seemed so clean and elegant compared to what the country is now. And most importantly, I miss the old telephone in which I had good memories as a child. I'm still lucky to have experienced it all!

To end this note, I may be in a similar situation now with some of Carlitos' dilemma but it gives me comfort that love really explodes in a Filipino home especially in mine. Thank you Direk Jose Reyes for immortalizing that!

A fun and reflective ride as always. I miss high school terribly but this also gives me hope to embrace anything that may come. Will definitely watch again and again and again.

I feel so privileged to have watched this classic masterpiece! As a history junkie, I cannot even put into words how happy I am right now to see a glimpse of the life our ancestors lived. I could spend all day admiring the beautiful sights before my eyes! The location, photography, and costumes make this a worthwhile ride but none more so than the magnetic Kulas. He represents the best of us. His innocent approach to life reminds us of the more important things: trust, friendship, and hope. I cannot even imagine anyone portraying him than Christopher because he was perfect. On the other hand, it was refreshing to watch a young and raw Gloria Diaz that brought spice to the whole film. She was exceedingly gorgeous! Aside from the heritage nostalgia, this film made me long for Eddie Garcia. As always, he was a pleasure to watch. Any film or TV that had him was twice better because of the amount of passion he poured. And we, the audience always felt it. I miss you Eddie!

Honestly, I expected some intense drama or violence because I had no idea about its plot, I just knew it was set in the colonial period. Nevertheless, I was more than satisfied to witness a simple yet moving period piece. It was a breath of fresh air from the recent heavy art I consumed. Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? was hilarious and genius! And to answer the question, we are doomed unless we fight for ourselves.

What a trip to my childhood! Although I was born a year after this was released, I grew up seeing this on our television along with the other 90s flicks. I knew it was a cult classic but I never really remembered what it was about. In celebration of Peque Gallaga's life, I jumped at the chance to watch it again on iWant. I'm telling you, I was captivated at the first minutes. In an instant, I got transported back to the days where my cousins and I would watch movies at the Cinema One early in the morning. But more than the nostalgia, I was amazed how well-made it was. The music was so moving! Cinematography was therapeutic. And the writing was truly comforting. I just think that some action sequences were too dragging and that it lost its momentum several times in an effort to expand the world. Nevertheless, it's a landmark film through and through! I'm just utterly sad because they don't make it now like they used to!

Today, the Philippine mainstream cinema is flooded by stories of teenage romance, adult crisis, and mindless comedy disguised as family movies. A futile attempt in one size fits all approach that continues to kill the audience and paralyze the art of filmmaking. What happened to the stories of the children? We are fond of saying that the children are the future of our country but what can they hope for when their sense of heritage and nationalism are replaced by quick and irrelevant entertainment. How will their creativity get honed when they are dispassionately exposed to technology without a solid root of their homes? I firmly believe that it's high time to revisit what the new generation of young Filipinos are consuming.

In Magic Temple, we were reminded how we led our lives with strong regard for the Filipino values. We defy anyone who harms our friends or families. Our culture of respect recognizes the differences and acknowledges our shortcomings. Learning is a vital tool in our survival that provides us the experience to champion our struggles. Now, everything is turning blurry. We openly welcome the tyrants in our homes. The sense of unity is nowhere to be found as every Filipino fights for themselves and terrorizes others. Respect is nothing but a strange concept now for many. Clearly, more than building life for the present and future Filipino children, all Filipino adults must look themselves in the mirror and reflect on their own upbringing. Have we lived up to the values of our Magic Temple days? Will Jubal, Sambag, and Omar be proud of how we all turned out? We all once dreamed of an adventure like them and now that we have our own missions to accomplish, we must keep in our hearts all the lessons of wonder and bravery they left us.

RIP Peque Gallaga.

In honor of Peque Gallaga's life, I finally grabbed the chance to watch his masterpiece. Man, I am deeply ashamed that it took me this long to see it. This is in all ways the most complete Filipino film I ever had the privilege to witness. From the breathtaking photography, haunting music, and humanistic characters to impressive writing and radical directing, Oro, Plata, Mata has it all. Now, it all makes sense why this is widely celebrated and regarded as one of the greatest Filipino films ever. Let me add further that this is one of the best in the world! I was moved. No, knocked out of my seat how it had shown boldly the colorful heritage we have. Time and time again, we are reminded that the crucial enemies Filipinos face are ourselves. It's sad and enraging how it still rings true up to this time, more than 75 years after. All the collective trauma this nation faced are seem to be forgotten and pushed back inside us to give an illusion of victory. But have we learned? Did we move forward? Until we acknowledge our roots, study the past, demand accountability, and take control of our own history, Filipinos will just keep killing Filipinos. We will never rise truly.

Thank you Peque Gallaga for gifting us this Filipino treasure that I will now hold close to my heart. Safe to say, I already found what I have always been looking for in that little corner of our history. May you rest in peace.

I read before the sexuality of Sonny but I totally forgot when I saw it earlier so you could just imagine my bewilderment. That and Al Pacino make the Dog Day Afternoon a complete package that you just want to deliver to every doorstep. It's a funny and compassionate take of what it's like to be different and troubled. The writing is impeccably smart with Al Pacino and John Cazale tying up everything. This right here is when you say, "cinema at its best".

Oh gad I expected it to happen but I am still devastated after the credits rolled! John Denver Trending should be a required viewing for all Filipinos especially in these cruel times where truth has become a stranger concept. Fake news roam the country with our very own president as the proud bearer. AAAAAAAGGGGHHHH I am deeply enraged by this like a fire is burning up inside me. I want to cry and shout at the same time as I think about the poor John Denvers of the Philippines and the world. I want to throw the chair in front of me and make the school, administration, police, or anyone accountable for the INJUSTICE that I just watched. AAAAHGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!! John Denver Trending may seem like an isolated view of a small town but the harsh reality is that it accurately represents what have the Philippine society become. You'd think that more access to information will empower the people to be more critical and empathetic but we are firsthand witnesses how it became a weapon to cultivate hate and violence. The Philippines as one of the largest predominantly Catholic nation in the world? What a joke! We love hearing and even preaching God's word but everything is just a futile and fake act to save our asses from hell. Let's be honest that the majority of Filipinos is only a Catholic when it's convenient. We jump at the first chance we get to wreak chaos just because it's misaligned with our cult-like beliefs. We advocate inhumane and bad leaders and that's enough to prove how hypocritical our morality is. Catholicism was amazingly depicted in one of the most shattering scenes where we see the Mother leaving the school while a song for Mama Mary is played. That was painful and beautiful imagery of how mob mentality killed Jesus and how much he was loved by his mother. We just love repeating 'history'.

My gad this went out of hand haha. I know that I'm supposed to review this remarkable film but I ended up ranting. I'll be ending this note with high praises to Direk Arden, Jansen, and Meryll coz' that was one of simple best films I've watched. And I'm still uncontrollably raging.

"What the hell is it about? Are you a special agent sent here to ruin my evening and possibly my entire life?"

What a trip. Phantom Thread was a film that I had voluntarily disliked. I hated the title. Its poster was a sore for my eye because I was certain I knew how the story would unfold. Frankly, I'm glad I didn't know any better because I wouldn't be as blown away as I am now if I had seen a glimpse of this gem. I gave it another chance coming from a recent read that it was a near perfect art. That one I have to disagree because it was faultless. Like the dresses and gowns Reynolds make. As exquisite as Alma on a Woodcock dress.

The thing I love most about this is its palpability. My gad I can feel the fabrics touching my face. The gaze of Daniel and Vicky melted me. Anytime, it's as if I'm gonna explode from the quiet intensity I'm trying to hold between my hands. It must be about the thoughtful shots. Perhaps the music. Or just because of the extremely natural actors. Whatever it was, Paul Thomas Anderson sure created a masterpiece that celebrates purpose, time, and life. I like to remember it as a rom-com acknowledging the many goods laughs I had but it won't be proper to label it as one thing. It's a multi-genre achievement that has some twisted moments I totally understand- and dig 😀.