Syota Ng Bayan Movie

The word syota is commonly understood as girlfriend/boyfriend but may also mean someone with whom one has a short time relationship—a one-night-stand. "Syota ng bayan" connotes a loose woman (pakawala) whom anyone may bed, but in "Syota ng Bayan" it takes on a positive meaning as "Darling of the People." Syota ng Bayan is Tanya Marquez (Priscilla Almeda), a bold star who quits showbiz and goes back to her hometown. Finding out that a cement factory is causing a lot of havoc in the environment and in the lives of her town mates, she challenges the incumbent of Mayor Golano (Eddie Garcia) to have it closed. When denied, Tanya rallies the people in protest but is silenced. The mayor's opponents prevail upon Tnays to run for mayor in the coming elections against Golano's son, Peter Lee (Tonton Gutierrez). During the campaign period Tanya and Peter Lee meet and fall in love. Will this mark the end of Golano's political dynasty?

The bold star turned environmentalist theme sounds like Erin Brokovich but Lualhati Bautista's story and screenplay makes it Filipino all the way through. Pseudo spiritual leaders, government officials and showbiz personalities entice the gullible public to support and thrust them to power with all its trappings. Very Filipino and very recent, don't you think? Priscilla Almeda dubbed as the Princess of Desire (Prinsesa ng Pagnanasa) does not only disrobe but also tries to sing (she goes off key at times) and act (she surprisingly succeeds at some points). At least she shows some promise. Eddie Garcia's role does not require much from the award-winning actor and Tonton Gutierrez looks stagy in some scenes. Cinematography is average but editing is below average, making some dialogue incoherent.

Huwag Kang Kikibo Movie

Isang walang kabuluhang buhay ang nararanasan ni Carol (Priscilla Almeda) matapos magsawa sa mga kaligayahan ng mundo…sex, nightlife, worldly things. Dahil dito nagtangka siyang magpakamatay subalit iniligtas siya ni Alma (Via Veloso). Hinikayat siyang sumali sa kanilang grupo, ang Bagong Pagkabuhay, isang kulto na naghahanda para sa katapusan ng mundo. Si Dimas (Raymond Bagatsing), ang lider ng kulto, ay tinatawag nilang Mahal na Sugo. Sa ilang araw na pamamalagi ni Carol sa kampo nila, kamangha-mangha ang kanyang mga natuklasan na taliwas sa normal na pamumuhay ng isang tao. Subalit pinili pa rin niyang sumali dahil sa kanyang paghanga at pagnanasa kay Dimas. Sa kanyang pagsapi, malaking pagbabago ang magaganap sa buhay niya.

Maipagmamalaki ang sinematograpiya ng pelikula. Kahanga-hanga ang lighting effects pagkat ang lugar na mala-Eden ang anyo ay nagagawang balutan ng misteryo sa pamamagitan ng tamang paggamit ng dilim at liwanag. Masasabing artistic ang mga sexual acts, subalit napakarami naman ang eksenang ganito. Tama na sana ang isa o dalawang shots para hindi malaswa ang dating. Maraming mahabang eksena na dapat pinutol ng editing. Muli ay pinatunayan ni Bagatsing na napakahusay niyang artista, versatile, ika nga. Pinatunayan din ni Almeda na ang kanyang hubad na katawan ay kikita pa rin sa takilya. Bakit hinahayaan ng mga artistang tulad niya na bastusin ang kanilang katawan ng dahil sa pera? Kailan kaya nila igagalang at bibigyan ng dignidad ang kanilang sarili?