New cinematic hopes

ADOLF Alix’s The Vigil and Joel Lamangan’s Apo Hapon are coming attractions for cinematic release that bring hope to the challenging times that the Philippine entertainment industry face.

Written by Lawrence Nicomedus with Alix as its director, the young filmmaking Jedi says: “It has been a concept of mine from way back and finally we were able to do it. The concept of horror has been quite an interest as it is another way of dealing with the human condition and a good platform to place the audience in for a ride”

In a nutshell, the film is about a group of young boys who are undergoing an initiation to be members of a secret organization whom their parents are part of - a sort of rites of passage tradition. When they committed an unforgivable sin during the initiation, their punishment must be served with tragic consequences.

Making up the cast are some of the brightest Sparkle stars namely Will Ashley, Bruce Roeland, Joaquin Manansala, Kimson Tan, Carlo San Juan, Anjay Anson, Prince Carlos, Abed Green, and Faye

Lorenzo

Director Alix chose young, promising actors to challenge their roles and capitalize on their strengths as newcomers. Their enthusiasm for learning and adapting to their characters adds excitement.

Director Adolf found the use of revenge as a horror trigger to be fresh and relatable, gripping the audience with an engaging story. The Vigil is produced by Alix for OBRA Cinema Productions.

Meanwhile, finding and discovering one’s roots, the blossoming of unexpected love, the beauty of two cultures, and how one’s foreign resolve benefitted an entire cultural community, is what Apo Hapon is all about, written by Eric Ramos, under the direction of Lamangan.

The biggest attraction why the seasoned film master directs the film is the new film company, GK Production. Director Lamangan is ecstatic about the fact that new bloods are infusing capital, and a fresh narrative, and is bullish that hope springs eternal for Philippine cinema.

With the story pitched alongside his collaborator Eric Ramos, they’re poised to present Apo Hapon’s life story, drawing real-world inspiration despite its fictional nature.

Director Lamangan adds: The plot follows a young Japanese woman searching for her World War II soldier grandfather’s truth. Teaming up with a Filipino writer, they gradually piece together clues, unveiling an unexpected romance between them.

The film is top-billed by JC De Vera and Japanese newcomer Sakura Akiyoshi. Also in the cast are Fumiya Sankai, Nella Dizon, and Lianne Valentin, with Jim Pebanco, Marcus Madrigal, Rico Barrera, Yoshiko Hara, Prince Clemente, and Perla Bautista

Director Lamangan personally selected the cast, including Japanese actors recommended by partners GK Production. The film centers on Apo Hapon, who transitions from a Japanese soldier to a local hero in a Northern cultural community. His agricultural knowledge and affinity for the community’s way of life shine as key points.

Lamangan highlights the unique perspective: “A Japanese man’s transformation into a local hero offers a fresh angle. This isn’t historical revisionism, but a story of innate goodness prevailing despite wartime roles. Apo Hapon’s change of heart spurred the community’s prosperity.”

Apo Hapon and The Vigil promise to enthrall cinematic experiences, celebrating Philippine film.

Top acts helm marathon birthday party for hip-hop

THOUSANDS of people partied deep into the night Friday as part of an allstar Bronx bash celebrating 50 years of hip-hop, featuring trailblazers including Run-DMC, Nas, Lauryn Hill, and Snoop Dogg

The pops were on lock and the joy absolute at a packed Yankee Stadium, where New Yorkers and tourists alike commemorated five decades of the music whose vast influence irrevocably shook the culture. None other than Run-DMC –none of hip-hop’s most influential acts –headlined the evening, playing hits including the beloved “It’s Tricky,” which had the arena crowd screaming along despite the post-1:00 a.m. start time.

Before that performance, Nas, the mammoth concert’s ringleader, played a string of songs off his seminal album “Illmatic,” including “The World Is Yours” and “N.Y. State of Mind.”

The crowd roared when the New York icon closed his set by inviting fellow legend Lauryn Hill onstage to sing the track they collaborated on “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” as well as her own smash single “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and her rendition of

“Killing Me Softly,” that she originally performed as part of The Fugees That was preceded by none other than Snoop Dogg, who also played fan favorites including “The Next Episode,” “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang” and “Gin And Juice.”

The 51-year-old G-funk pioneer wore heart-shaped glasses and lit up onstage, as is his custom, vibing to his legend as remarkably agile pole dancers harmonized alongside.

Lil Wayne was also among the performers smoking weed, whose scent hung heavy in the summer air.

The trap artist from Louisiana was a showstopper as he bounded across the stage, giving hit after hit including “A Milli” and “Lollipop” before thanking his adoring fans and walking off to Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.”

The marathon concert was the crown jewel of celebrations that have reverberated throughout the city to commemorate the 50th anniversary.

Clocking in at more than eight hours long, it also included performances from The Sugarhill Gang, members of the Wu-Tang Clan and Ice Cube AFP