MALOLOS MANSION
The town of Guiguinto in Bulacan is known for its simplicity. Though relatively close to Manila, the town still was able to maintain its rural way of living. But amidst this quaint town is an abode like no other.

The Bonnga's house looks intriguing even on the outside. It is not the typical residence you would have seen in a town like this. Its gate, made of wood, looks more at home in a house from the Spanish Era. A large bell and water pump, worn with age, decorate the front lawn. read more...

TANGING INA
I had reservations in watching Tanging Ina. Even if I know for a fact that it' s the top Filipino film, grossing Php155 million in its first four-week of theatrical run, it is still not on my movie list. Afterall, I grew up with a notion that Filipino films are either corny or baduy, thanks to bad (and almost always bold) Filipino movies shown and produced while I was growing up. But Tanging Ina is an intriguing movie right from the start. With a title that sounds like a Tagalog swear word, it has piqued the interest of the people enough to lead them to the movie houses to watch it. read more...

 

TANGING INA
by Arvee Salazar

I had reservations in watching Tanging Ina. Even if I know for a fact that it' s the top Filipino film, grossing Php155 million in its first four-week of theatrical run, it is still not on my movie list. Afterall, I grew up with a notion that Filipino films are either corny or baduy, thanks to bad (and almost always bold) Filipino movies shown and produced while I was growing up. But Tanging Ina is an intriguing movie right from the start. With a title that sounds like a Tagalog swear word, it has piqued the interest of the people enough to lead them to the movie houses to watch it.

Ai-Ai delas Alas, together with Star Cinema's young contract stars, stars this Comedy Movie which was directed by TV director Wenn Deramas. This is Ai Ai's first solo movie after 13 years in the Business. The movie is about a single mother, Ina Monticillo, who will do anything just to be able to give the needs of her children. Risking her safety and even dignity to achieve this task, she worked all sorts of job from a promo girl to a construction worker and eventually ending up as an impersonator/singer in a club. But things are never easy as her relationship with her children suffers because of her job. She tried to give the very best of practically everything for her children, but it seems that her very best is never good enough. In the end, everything turned out well when her children eventually understood that everything she does, even how embarrassing it may seem, is all for them. Giving the movie a twist is the fact that Ina have a dozen kids from 3 different husbands.

The plot is nothing ordinary and have in fact been portrayed in many other films before. What made it into something new and fresh is the fact that Filipino Comedy has been portrayed in a different formula. The approach has really deviated from the traditional fashion, which rely on slapstick and toilet humor, and almost always ending with a ridiculous chase sequence Filipino Comedies have been known for. Most of Tanging Ina's lines were smart and hilarious and would appeal not only to the Masa but to all sorts of people. Also, one factor that has attributed to its success is the Filipinos's penchant for underdogs. We want our heroes and heroines as api as they can be but still at the end be able to achieve what they want and Tanging Ina has that as well.

But what made the movie so popular and watch worthy is the fact that every Pinoy can relate to it. The movie is as realistic as it can be. There are no exaggerations in the script and also in the acting. It has portrayed the realistic situation of how hard it is to raise a family in the country especially if you are a single parent. It has also touched the hearts of the viewers as the movie points all through out the film that a parent's love for her kids is so great that all hardships are worth enduring just to be able to give her children a bright future. The lines are witty, the acting good and the plot spiced with morals and lessons. A total brew for a blockbuster hit.

Tanging Ina deserves the top movie slot of all times. It has started a trend in the Filipino movie industry; a trend for witty and not-OA Comedy Films. As for me, it has me really entertained for the two hours of watching it.