Review

Review
Cinemalaya 2021: Shorts B Tackles Loss, Privilege, and Challenging Existing Social Order
Karen Briones | August 18, 2021

Exploring social issues using new modes and technologies in storytelling, the curated films in the Shorts B category chart the human condition dealing with grief and loss and a commentary on existing social structures emblematic of the Cinemalaya stamp on filmmaking.

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Review
Cinemalaya 2021: Shorts A Explores Questions of Life, Identity, and What it Means to Be a Disposable Face Mask
Pauline Nacar | August 16, 2021

With all the films and entries available for your viewing pleasure at this year’s Cinemalaya run, does the “Shorts A” lineup measure up? Spoiler alert: Of course it does.

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Review
Heart and Conviction Elevate ‘Gameboys: The Movie’ to Transcendent Genius
Leo Balante | August 3, 2021

For a game-changing and culture-shaping series as Gameboys, expectations run high on continuing its careful and meticulous handling of a subject matter that has not been given “proper” representation, particularly in mainstream media. With the record-breaking success of Gameboys: The Movie, we look at how the cast of talented young actors, the series and film writer Ash Malanum, director Ivan Payawal, and The IdeaFirst Company step up to the challenge.

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Review
Why ‘Rak of Aegis’ Remains a Timeless Filipino Theater Triumph
Leo Balante | May 24, 2021

In every sense, “Rak of Aegis”, beyond its high-octane numbers, its hilarious skits, and blaring vocal performances, is a story of human triumph. Beneath the surface—the razzle-dazzle and the knee-slapping comedy—is a poignant story of persistence and resilience, of clinging on to hope in a time of restlessness and desperation—making it an important achievement in Filipino theater.

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Review
Tech Review: How 2020 May Have Just Left Us with the Year’s Most Stylish and Functional Smartphone
Christina Zabat | January 15, 2021

The name of the game with smartphones is to ramp up their features while looking stylish at the same time. When it comes to this feat, the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro knows how to pull up the cards and win you over. Read on to find out why the Mi 10T Pro is arguably this year’s revelation as the most stylish smartphone.

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Review
Tech Review: How the Reno4 Proves to be a Creative Companion that Brings Out #ClearlytheBestYou
Christina Zabat | January 10, 2021

Just a few months apart from the OPPO Reno 3’s release, OPPO surprises us with a launch of the OPPO Reno4, taking pride with its fun, revolutionary ways to be in with the latest trends and fully express your creativity through innovative imaging technology.

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Review
Stream Consciousness: Nature and Existentialism in Five Short Films of Cinemalaya 16
Cholo Katipunan | August 11, 2020

Featuring an extensive library for its Main Competition that was cut into the usual A and B sets, we review the films and understand the concept that ties it all into the festival’s theme altogether. For this part, we look into five films that explore the themes of nature and existentialism all exceptionally portrayed in stunning cinematography and profound narratives.

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Review
‘Gameboys’: How the Lockdown Unleashed a Modern Love Story
E. Avena | July 4, 2020

‘Gameboys’ is proof that creativity can’t be restrained in quarantine. Beyond adapting a global phenomenon to the Philippine setting, the BL series is an innovative and relevant narrative for the times.

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Featured
Film Review: Uncovering the Antihero in Cathy Yan’s ‘Birds of Prey’
Matthew Escosia | February 14, 2020

Birds of Prey vies for something fresh. It wasn’t. And it’s nowhere near perfect. However, it’s always fascinating to see a film be transparent with its genre politics and yet be playful with it without resorting to being too serious.

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