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Entertainment => Film & TV Talk => Pinoy Entertainment => Topic started by: blitzkrieg on May 04, 2008 at 11:32 PM
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;D Have you guys seen this already?
Saw this tonight and I must say I really liked the film and the story. Cinematography, editing, scoring and performances especially from Juday and Gina Pareno are near flawless. Me thinks this is the best and classiest Juday film.
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Haven't seen this movie yet but I have high regards for this movie for the main actor's passion in doing this kind of film. It is indeed a labor of love. I would rather watch and pay for this than watch WHEN LOVE BEGINS which is of course fares better at the tills but nonetheless gives you nothing new to savor about. I told my sister who went to see the other movie (and was really disappointed for a very thin storyline) that she should have chose PLONING. But of course she won't, knowing she would rather watch those local romantic dramas like the latter. I'd probably catch this on video.
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It got A rating from the Cinema Evaluation Board. I hope its still showing this weekend.
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I've been waiting to see this for a while but I couldn't find anyone to go with me. Hopefully it'll last until Friday at least. :)
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as far as i know, exclusively siya sa sm cinemas from apr 30-may 6. starting today, palabas na rin siya sa ibang sinehan.
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Ploning (Dante Nico Garcia, 2008) (http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2008/05/ploning-2008.html)
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PLONING (Dante Garcia, 2008)
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m132/keating_01/ploning1.jpg)
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m132/keating_01/ploning2.jpg)
Its still showing in Sm Megamall, and it reached 2nd week thru word-of-mouth! Beautiful, moving, poetic. One of the best films that will stand the test of time. Its like you're watching AMELIE, IL POSTINO and CINEMA PARADISO in one and it deals with hope, love, forgiveness and redemption. We seldom see movies like this and it explores again the beauty of our countryside. Not only you will gush on the technical aspects but the entire cast were all good. Judy Ann Santos as PLONING is simply pure magic! Her eyes convey all the mystery, love and longing of a woman searching and hoping for love. She simply captivates all the people around her with her quiet, restraint performance. Special commendation should also be given to Cedric Amit as the kid, he's also terrific and amazing! The lines that strucked me most......."you should face the past will all smiles in your heart because there's a reason for everything. When you love you will always get hurt and when you don't get hurt its more painful". The narrative was skillfully done and Tessie Tomas narration glued me more on my seat. Once the first scene came out on the screen you know already whether you gonna walkout from a film or not, and this film is worth seating from beginning to end.
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saw this on its first week. it's far from perfect but still worth viewing. may problema sa pag-reveal ng twist pero naiyak ako sa may ending.
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Only people who are stone will not be moved by the movie, and there are so many heart-breaking moments! The two dance sequence by Judy Ann, especially with Tony Mabesa, the death scene of Eugene Domingo and Tessie Tomas chatting with Judy Ann before the finale.
The film will have its theatrical run in Gateway Mall, Metropolis and Festival Mall this coming Wednesday.
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Holy cow, it was submitted for Cannes but was not chosen! This is a film that can make you proud as a Filipino.
More rave reviews......
Pinoy movie showdown
MOVIE REVIEW
When Love Begins
Directed by Jose Javier Reyes
Ploning
Directed by Dante Nico Garcia
WELCOME, FANS, to the most talked about showdown in recent Pinoy movie history! In the blue corner, wearing board shorts and a bikini top, we have When Love Begins, a Jose Javier Reyes romance starring Aga Muhlach and Anne Curtis. And in the red corner, sporting a yellow-blouse-red-skirt combo, is Ploning, Dante Nico Garcia’s movie based on a Cuyonon folk song. Both clock in at 1 hour and 45 minutes; however, only one will survive this head-to-head contest consisting of several arbitrary categories. Let the fight begin!
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m132/keating_01/ploning1-1.jpg)
Judy Ann Santos (L) and Mylene Dizon (R) star in Ploning Title: Let’s say you had no prior knowledge of these two films and were asked to choose which one to watch based solely on their titles. Ploning sounds like a typhoon, fit to be included among the likes of Reming and Rosing. It doesn’t give anything away and you’re left to wonder what it’s about. When Love Begins, on the other hand, has more cheese than France (no offense to the French, who are among the biggest exporters and consumers of the dairy product) and you automatically know what to expect. Ploning wins for being as enigmatic as a Zen koan.
Love Team: Mr. Muhlach goes through much of When Love Begins with a hangdog expression on his face and his boyish charm erases the big age difference between him and Ms. Curtis. They have onscreen chemistry, but the cuteness can get cloying. While we never get to see Tomas, Ploning’s lost love, we do see Judy Ann Santos (who plays the title character) and her affectionate relationship with Digo, a little boy, and almost everyone in the small town of Cuyo. Ploning wins for pulling off a love story without shoving it down our throats.
Story: When Love Begins is a predictable flirt fest between Mr. Muhlach, a lawyer-turned-environmental-activist, and Ms. Curtis, the daughter of a real estate developer. Based on that alone, it doesn’t take a genius to guess what comes next. Figuring out Ploning is harder because it takes its time before revealing its hand. At first you think it’s about Tomas coming back, and then you think it’s about Mylene Dizon’s character stealing Ploning’s queen-bee status, and then you think it’s about female relationships and sisterhood in a Steel Magnolias kind of way. Ploning’s tapestry beats the one-note performance of When Love Begins.
Anne Curtis and Aga Mulach in When Love Begins Soundtrack: What would you rather listen to, prom slow dance songs or Filipino folk music? I found the harmony of voices and guitars on Ploning soothing. As a matter of fact, I’m listening to a version of it right now via YouTube. Adding to the lyrical nature of Ploning is the melody of the Cuyonon dialect. I would never search for any of the songs on When Love Begins; I hear enough of their type in buses and cabs.
Cinematography: Ploning does a great job of showing off Cuyo, Palawan. Shots of beautiful sunsets and rough beaches will entice audiences to head to the island and experience the quiet rural life themselves. The colors on Ploning are also more vibrant; they pop off the screen and make you lean forward. The only thing outstanding about the When Love Begins version of Boracay is how uncrowded it is.
Audience Impact: Overheard while watching When Love Begins, "Ba’t tayo nandito? Wala namang kwento. Sana Ironman na lang pinanuod natin (Why are we here? There’s no story. We should’ve watched Ironman instead)." Overheard in Ploning, scattered chuckles and sniffles at the appropriate moments. Ploning wins for engaging all five of its viewers. When Love Begins also wins for attracting enough people to fill up the theater despite its lack of a story.
Final Decision: The beskirted Ploning knocks out When Love Begins with a sitout three-quarter facelock jawbreaker (better known as a Stone Cold Stunner to wrestling fans).
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PLONING (Dante Garcia, 2008)
... Its like you're watching AMELIE, IL POSTINO and CINEMA PARADISO in one and it deals with hope, love, forgiveness and redemption...
are you serious?
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Very serious......i wish it was our entry for the competition at Cannes.
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Heads up!
PLONING will be screened at Paris Cinema Festival back-to-back with Chito Rono's DEKADA 70 on July 5, 2008.
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Heads up!
PLONING will be screened at Paris Cinema Festival back-to-back with Chito Rono's DEKADA 70 on July 5, 2008.
Effort's all worth it. Good for Judy Ann.
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Heads up!
PLONING will be screened at Paris Cinema Festival back-to-back with Chito Rono's DEKADA 70 on July 5, 2008.
Caregiver will open its gala premiere.
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The film looks like an art film and has positive values lacking in most Filipino films at present. And Judy Ann finally got a respect in my book, that quiet performance, she can now take a backseat for making this film.
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Finally. PLONING goes to CANADA!
Here's the full schedule :
Aug 22-28 Scarborough
Scarborough Town Centre
300 Borough Dr.
Scarborough ON, M1P 4P5
416-290-5217
Aug 22-28 Downtown Toronto
Cineplex Odeon Carlton
20 Carlton Street
Toronto ON, M5B 2H5
(416) 598-2197
Mississauga Aug 29- Sept 4
Empire Theatre at Square one
100 City Centre Dr.
Mississauga, ON L5B 2C9
905-275-2640
Sept 5-11 Winnipeg
Globe cinema
393 Portage Ave. 3rd Floor
Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6
(204) 694-5623
Sept 12-18 Vancouver
Empire Theatre Granville 7 cinema
855 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K7
604-684-4051
Calgary Sept 19 – 25th
Cineplex Sunridge Spectrum
2555 32nd Street
Calgary AB, T1Y 7J6
(403) 717-1200
Fresh from its PARIS CINEMA FESTIVAL and CINEMALAYA tour, may this beautiful story of faith, hope, and love, showcasing the beauty of the Filipino and the Philippines, inspire every Filipino, of every generation, in all corners of the world.
Starring Judy Ann Santos, Gina Pareno, Mylene Dizon, Eugene Domingo, Meryll Soriano, Tessie Tomas, Beth Tamayo, Tony Mabesa, Ketchup Eusebio, Ronnie Lazaro, Joel Torre, Jojit Lorenzo and Cuyonon actors Bodjong
Fernandez, Ogoy, Lukas and Cedric Amit. Directed by Dante Nico Garcia.
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‘Ploning’ is RP’s official entry to 2009 Oscars
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:55:00 09/01/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) has chosen the Judy Ann Santos-starrer “Ploning” as the country’s official entry for Best Foreign Language Film in the 2009 Oscars.
A special FAP committee, headed by National Artist for Film Eddie Romero, voted “Ploning” over the Sharon Cuneta-bannered “Caregiver,” three votes to two in a recent meeting.
The two movies were part of a six-film shortlist that included the Cinemalaya festival winner “Tribu” and “Endo.”
Committee members include Jose Carreon, secretary of the Directors Guild of the Philippines, Inc.; William Mayo, president of the Philippine Motion Picture Directors Association; Johnny Delgado, chairman of the Actors' Workshop Foundation; Pablo S. Gomez, president of the Screenwriters' Guild of the Philippines; and Manny Morfe, president of the Productions Designers Guild of the Philippines.
source (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20080901-158023/Ploning-is-RPs-official-entry-to-2009-Oscars)
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does anyone know what company distributed this here? have been waiting for this to be released on dvd.. ???
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The Board of Governors of the Film Academy of the Philippines approved the selection of Ploning as the country’s entry to the 2009 Oscar Awards’ best foreign language film category during a meeting Friday, August 29.
Five members of a special committee tasked to select the country’s entry which is headed by National Artist for Film Eddie Romero as chairman narrowed down the possible nominee to two films, Ploning and Caregiver. In a meeting last August 20, three members voted for Ploning and two members chose Caregiver.
The special committee members were Director Jose Carreon, secretary of the Directors Guild of the Philippines, Inc.; Director William Mayo, president of the Philippine Motion Picture Directors Association; Johnny Delgado, chairman of the Actors’ Workshop Foundation; Pablo S. Gomez, president of the Screenwriters’ Guild of the Philippines; and Manny Morfe, president of the
Productions Designers Guild of the Philippines.
The two films were initially included in a six-film short list which were all reviewed by the committee on August 12 and 14 at the FAP office at OctoArts Bldg. on Panay Avenue, Q.C.
Also reviewed were Tribu, a Cinemalaya festival winner and Endo. The producers of two other films—Pisay and Serbis (the Filipino entry in the last Cannes Film festival)—failed to submit DVD or VCD copy of their films and were not reviewed by the committee.
The result of the voting was announced during the Board of Governors monthly meeting on Friday, August 29.
Bruce Davis, executive director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), reminded the Academy of the various deadlines which are listed hereunder:
–October 1, 2008 (Wednesday)
a) three official entry forms completed and signed by
1) the chairperson of the selection committee;
2) the selection committee; and
3) the selected film’s producer.
b) Synopsis in English of the selected entry.
c) Cast and production credits of entry.
d) Advertisement of the film’s commercial run.
e) Director’s biography and photograph.
f) Film print of entry.
The special rules for the best foreign language film award category require accurate English subtitles of the entry. The rules further stipulate that only one picture will be accepted from each country.
Entries which will be nominated on January 22, 2009 will be required to provide a second-English-language subtitled print of the film to facilitate voting screenings. This second print must be submitted to the AMPAS on January 23, 2009 (Friday).
All entries will be screened by the Academy’s Foreign Language Film Award Committee(s) whose members will vote by secret ballot to nominate five foreign language motion pictures for this award.
Academy records showed that 17 local films were shown in theaters from October to December last year. During the period from January to July 2, 2008, another 17 local films were also exhibited. Eight of these 34 films were rated A by the Cinema Evaluation Board of the Film Development Council of the Philippines and 11 were rated B.
PLONING MADE IT!
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I haven't seen Ploning but don't you think that Tribu is much more Oscar baity?
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does anyone know what company distributed this here? have been waiting for this to be released on dvd.. ???
The dvd will be released 3rd quarter of this year.
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I haven't seen Ploning but don't you think that Tribu is much more Oscar baity?
Oscars requires 35mm print release requirement and submission. I don't think Tribu, Pisay has 35mm copy. Endo has been printed on 35mm, i think. Ploning should do a redo of color grade of many of the scenes in digital intermediate. lots of chromatic problems.
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The color grading can be improved, we need to drumbeat this film and infiltrate the international forum to get all the buzz so that it can paved the way to Oscars next year.
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;D Ploning is NOT a digital film so all the producers have to do is re-master the PQ and SQ...correct ba ako?
Anyways, I'd love to see this film represent our country. Good thing it won over the melodramatic Caregiver (what a well-thought title >:()
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;D Ploning is NOT a digital film so all the producers have to do is re-master the PQ and SQ...correct ba ako?
ploning was shot on 35mm but they went through digital intermediate for color grading at optima using the spirit. they scanned the 35mm neg, then color graded and recorded it back to negative. they have to go back to the original data or rescan the negs again to regrade. remastering would make it worse.
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;D DO YOU WANT TO CATCH THIS FILM?
Had my second serving of this film just tonight at MOGWAI BAR in Cubao X (formerly Marikina Shoe Expo). Screening is done at the 2nd floor of the bar. Sound is not that bad tho its not fully sound proof coz you can hear the goings-on downstairs. But its more cozy and intimate coz you get to lie down on the floor thanks to some beanbags scattered everywhere tho there are 6 cinema type chairs for those who have back problems.
Entrance is P120 with FREE Nestea Iced Tea in bottles and either popcorn or nachos! (go for the nachos with cheese and meat toppings coz of the hefty serving!) Dun pa lang bawi ka na plus you get to enjoy the movie up close..
Screenings will be at the following dates:
September 5, 10, 18 and 27, 2008 at 8pm. ;D
Tonight's screening has a rather respectable attendance and Ronnie Lazaro and the Director, Dante Nico Garcia were there. After the movie, you may want to get drunk downstairs hehe..
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Once again, Judy Ann has been vindicated. Hear that, ABS?
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Amblig!
Cuyonon ng ‘ingat’…
‘Yan ang favorite word ko ngayon.
John Lloyd / Biogesic Cuyunon edition!
Wahahaha!
Para kasing naging malikot masyado ang imagination ko nung bata ako…
At naging matabil ang prayers ko…
Kasi ang dami Niyang binibigay ngayon sa akin na ni hindi ko maalalang hiniling ko…
Ang iba nga ni hindi ko inimadyin.
Pero sabi nga ni Spanky Manikan as Tsuy sa Ploning:
“Puso ang ipanghanap mo…
Kasi ibibigay ng Diyos ang gusto mo pag handa na ang puso mo…”
Siguro handa na ang puso ko kaya si Nay Ploning ngayon ang pupunta kay Uncle Oscar…
Bilang Official Philippine Entry sa Best Foreign Language Film Category.
Siguro noong bata ako…
Mahilig akong humiling kay God ng imposible.
Ngayon kasi ‘shy-type’ na ako…
Pero todo pa rin Siyang magbigay.
Kaya sa mga malilikot ang utak at gustong magka-Ploning…
At sa mga nag-i-imagine kay Oscar…
Amblig!
Baka ibigay ‘yan ni God pag handa na ang puso mo…
Ikaw din…
from Direk Dante Garcia.
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;D Ploning is NOT a digital film so all the producers have to do is re-master the PQ and SQ...correct ba ako?
Anyways, I'd love to see this film represent our country. Good thing it won over the melodramatic Caregiver (what a well-thought title >:()
If it will make on the Top 18 that's good enough already. Judy Ann can now take a backseat because she already made a film that will forever be stamped in her entire filmography. Just make one good film, she'll be remember 10 years from now just like Nora in HIMALA, Vilma in RELASYON.
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As part of our Oscar bid for Best Foreign Language Film... Please visit our IMDB account / site at :
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1200074/
Your user votes will help increase awareness and ratings on the film as IMDB (the Internet Movie Database) is a commonly used tool in the US and the world over for information and feedback regarding films.
As little Digo would always say, "Amblig"! (That's "Take care" in Cuyonon!)
All the best,
PANORAMANILA PICTURES CO.
Manila, Philippines
www.ploningthemovie.com
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Ploning’ aims for Oscar nod
By Ruben V. Nepales
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:16:00 10/18/2008
LOS ANGELES—In the wake of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ announcement that “Ploning” is indeed one of the official entries vying for the Best Foreign Language Film prize, we have noticed that the folk behind the Philippines’ entry are actively pushing for the film to make it as one of the nine finalists and then, hopefully, as one of the five nominees.
Director Dante Nico Garcia and producer Guia Gonzales are in LA, holding screenings of the film that stars Judy Ann Santos, doing media interviews and seeking advice from some Fil-Ams in Hollywood on how to plot a good Oscar nomination campaign. As in years past, the Foreign Language Film category competition is very tough. The list of entries includes films that have earned rave reviews and won awards in film festivals. France’s bet, for example, is “The Class,” recipient of a Palme d’Or from Cannes.
To our recollection, this is the first time that the talents behind a Philippine entry to the Oscars are making an aggressive effort to snag a spot in the short list.
Amusing misadventures
Young, bright and savvy, Guia and her generation just might help revive the moribund Philippine movie industry. Over Starbucks coffee, she shared her amusing misadventures so far to get an Oscar nod for “Ploning,” which she produced along with Judai herself, Jourdan Sebastian and Raymund George Fernandez.
When we met Guia for the second time, she brought Dante with her. Not every first-time director gets to see his work chosen as his country’s Oscar contender. That’s Dante’s achievement in his cinematic ode to his hometown—Cuyo, Palawan—stunningly captured by cinematographer Charlie Peralta. With his work here, Charlie makes a very valid argument for 35mm film instead of digital media. While we ate lunch, Dante shared stories and anecdotes about his beloved island in the Sulu Sea which were as hypnotic as his Cuyonon-accented Tagalog. Deep in “Ploning’s” story of a man’s search for a woman in his past is Dante’s yearning to capture the remote island of his youth on film.
The UP alumnus admitted crying as he told the good news on the phone to Judai, his close friend, that their labor of love prevailed over Sharon Cuneta’s “Caregiver” in a close 3-2 vote by a special committee of the Film Academy of the Philippines. “Naiiyak ako hanggang ngayon,” Dante said. “Parang na-validate ako.” Trying to avoid being misty-eyed, Dante chuckled when he revealed that some of his town mates mistook his movie’s flashbacks and slightly non-linear telling of the story as the result of a budget problem. “Akala nila naubusan kami ng budget kaya nagka-problema sa editing,” he shared with a smile. “Laktaw-laktaw kasi.”
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Ploning gets government support for the Oscars
Philstar.com - Tuesday, November 18
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) are giving Ploning, the Philippines' entry to the Oscars, the much-needed support in its bid to make it as a nominee in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
The President and FDCP are shelling out P2.5-M to boost the critically-acclaimed film's chances of making it to the highly-competitive, highly-politicized world of the Oscars.
The amount will go a long way in seeing to it that Ploning gets the attention it needs and deserves in the international film community.
The filmmakers are hiring a highly-recommended public relations company, Murray Weissman and Associates to make the film highly-visible. Its producer, Panoramanila Pictures Co., is also organizing red-carpet premieres and tapping Filipino communities in the US.
Ploning director Dante Nico Garcia, who came back from Los Angeles, reports that the Philippine consulate in Los Angeles, headed by Mary Jo Aragon, has been very supportive. Aragon herself has been sending electronic invites for the exclusive screening of Ploning for prominent Filipinos in California.
Filipino businessman Mike Cucueco is financing a premiere showing in California next month. Another prominent Filipino Ted Benito, on the other hand, is organizing another premiere also showing next month.
Meanwhile, Ploning has been getting good reviews among film experts in the US. Garcia reports that the Kodak theater, where the film was screened, was filled to capacity when Ploning was shown. He was told that it's the first time in the theater's history that this has happened.
"One comment that struck me came from a member of the audience who said that Ploning marks the first time a film from a third world country doesn't tackle poverty or difficulties in life. That's our edge. Ploning has a feel-good topic. It tells a story of love minus the anger," reports Garcia.
He adds that the Filipino businessmen in the US are going all out in supporting the film, knowing that its victory will be a big triumph for the country. It will also boost their business as well.
In the Philippines, Ploning star Judy Ann Santos is also working double time. She is organizing two events: A celebrity auction at Plaza Ibarra, Quezon City on Nov. 28 and a red-carpet ball at Rockwell Tent on Dec. 3 to raise funds for Ploning.
The auction will see stars like Judy Ann, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Boy Abunda, Kris Aquino and others donating clothes, accessories and others to be auctioned off.
The ball, on the other hand, taps renowned artists like Ramon Orlina, who will auction off their works. Price per plate is P10,000. There will also be a raffle draw.
Judy Ann will bring in her expertise as restaurateur to draw up the evening's menu.
"I wake up early to talk to Makati businessmen and ask for their support, too," she adds.
Meanwhile, Judy Ann has just launched her Scents and Blends signature collection. The new product line is an offhsoot of a joint venture between Scents and Blends and Rev'lation International, Inc., the direct selling company which launched Judy Ann's Baby Line in 2006.
Judy Ann is looking at the new business as a way of keeping herself busy and productive when she gets married to Ryan Agoncillo and starts her own family.
"It's easy to combine scenes and come up with a new one," she explains. Judy Ann adds that her collection is eco-friendly and water-based. She goes for a light cologne scent to feel fresh the whole day.
Business is doing well so far. Fanny Serrano reports that Judy Ann's collection has gone out of stock in the US weeks after it first hit the market.
If and when Ploning makes it to the Oscars, Judy Ann promises she will give Angelina Jolie a bottle of cologne from her (Judy Ann's) collection.
"We can also give them out as souvenirs in the Oscars," Judy Ann declares. - Maridol Rañoa-Bismark (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)
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OUT now on DVD at 425p. via GMA films..
not much special features except for a behind the scenes documentary. :D
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(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y275/cin3maniax/ploning-1.jpg)(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y275/cin3maniax/ploning2-1.jpg)
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^ Saw this one as well. Is it a good thing that it was released by GMA Video and not by PARAGON? Notice the label DVD 5 at the front and back cover. Mukhang sealed pa a jekoy. :)
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onga. i haven't watched it yet 'cause i have seen it in theaters. i really just bought it to support the film in its endeavor to make it to the oscars. :D
actually, that dvd-5 logo in front was annoying. i don't think that there's a need to put it there. akala siguro ng gma films home video na sobrang mahalaga ang detail na 'yun. knowing it's dvd-9, yes. pero dvd-5? pwede namang ilagay sa back cover art.
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onga. i haven't watched it yet 'cause i have seen it in theaters. i really just bought it to support the film in its endeavor to make it to the oscars. :D
actually, that dvd-5 logo in front was annoying. i don't think that there's a need to put it there. akala siguro ng gma films home video na sobrang mahalaga ang detail na 'yun. knowing it's dvd-9, yes. pero dvd-5? pwede namang ilagay sa back cover art.
Nice. :) Glad a bit that it was released by GMA Video at least. PARAGON has the habit of having a DVD cover with the movie's title 'inverted' in the dvd spine.
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Nice. :) Glad a bit that it was released by GMA Video at least. PARAGON has the habit of having a DVD cover with the movie's title 'inverted' in the dvd spine.
not only that, kubrador cover is larger than the actual dvd case. i had to cut off the cover so that it'd look better in its case than having it folded the way they did.
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not only that, kubrador cover is larger than the actual dvd case. i had to cut off the cover so that it'd look better in its case than having it folded the way they did.
Some other DVDs I've seen are also guilty of having oversize DVD cover that crimpled the paper. What if buyers' (too) meticulous like me? ;D
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ploning is in widescreen on dvd. dvd case is not the sturdy amaray ones. ang lambot ng case na para bang pang-piratang case.
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Juday learns from her Oscar nod search
By Ruben V. Nepales
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:03:00 12/21/2008
Judy Ann Santos was tired and jet lagged when she and her entourage arrived for our interview with her.
But as soon as she sat down in a conference room with a sweeping view of west Los Angeles and beyond, the actress perked up, no doubt energized by her determination to campaign hard for her film, “Ploning,” the Philippines’ entry in the Academy’s Best Foreign Language Film race, to make it to the nine-film shortlist and then to the five-film nominees list.
We congratulated Dante Nico Garcia (looking just as sleepy), who just won Best Director for “Ploning” at the Asian Festival of First Films in Singapore, from where he flew to LA the night before so he can attend “Ploning’s” key screenings with Judy Ann.
When we asked Judy Ann to comment about Dante’s Singapore win, she welled up with pride: “Iyak ako nang iyak kasi proud na proud ako sa kanya. Some think that he’s not a serious director but he won this award. Up pa ang energy namin. I told him, ‘Hey, director na director ka na.’”
Concerted effort
We’ve never seen such a concerted effort to push a Philippine entry in the Oscars. Judy Ann and Dante’s enthusiasm, matched by co-producer Guia Gonzales’ impressive organizational skills, is remarkable.
“Masyado ang pagtitiwala ko sa pelikula,” Juday answered when we asked why she was so passionate about pushing “Ploning” in the Academy race. She has the title role in the movie beautifully shot in Dante’s hometown, Cuyo, in Palawan. “I am really proud na may talent ang kaibigan ko na hindi niya inexplore.” She added, “Kung bitbit mo naman ang pangalan ng Pilipinas, bakit hindi?”
The Oscar race is an extremely hard one to crack, of course. Landing a nomination, to begin with, is a hurdle. And, unfortunately, more and more contenders are launching expensive Oscar campaigns, which include ads in the major US newspapers and in the film trade publications like Variety and the Hollywood Reporter, cocktail receptions and other marketing tools. It also takes a lot of money to hold as many screenings as possible to reach a lot of Academy voters.
Not to mention the competition — “Ploning’s” rivals include prestigious film festival winners, critically acclaimed movies and films directed by name filmmakers.
Novel fundraising
“Mahirap pala, pero nai-enjoy ko ang experience,” she said with a smile. The actress has resorted to novel fundraising events like “Damit Para Kay Ploning” and “Plato Para Kay Ploning” to help raise money for “Ploning’s” Oscar campaign.
Judy Ann has even approached corporations. “Kaya ko palang makiusap sa mga kompanya,” she said. “Hard work—talagang big time. Hindi naman kasama sa resume ko na humingi ng tulong but I want them to feel na seryoso ako tungkol dito.” She exulted in gaining “so many friends” as a result of her fundraising efforts, and how rival networks ABS-CBN and GMA 7 supported her drive in unity.
“Hindi ko akalain na susuportahan kami ng maraming artists,” the former child actress admitted.
“Pumasok man o hindi (sa Oscar nominations), ang important may ginawa kami,” Judy Ann declared. While she may be campaigning hard, her expectations have been kept to a realistic level by her fianceé, actor-TV host Ryan Agoncillo. She related, “Si Ryan sinabihan din ako. Sabi niya, ‘Don’t expect too much.’ ” Win or lose, Judy Ann, Guia and Dante are learning some valuable lessons that they can pass on to folks behind future Philippine Oscar entries.
Ryan also psyched her for the rejection and backlash, especially with regard to her fundraising efforts. She said, “He also told me, ‘Some people will say no to you. Just remember that you are doing this as a producer, not as an actress.’ So I prepared myself for the fact that some people will say no to me. I will face my detractors who ask, ‘Bakit ako tinulungan ng government e there are many people going hungry in the Philippines?”
The 30-year-old decried the “crab mentality” of some Filipinos. “I didn’t get mad anymore,” she said. “I felt sorry for them. I thought, ‘Grow up.’”
For sure, not many folks behind movies in the running for the Best Foreign Language Film collected clothes and cooked gourmet dinners to raise money for their Academy campaigns. “Damit Para Kay Ploning” started from an idea to “approach my friends para maka-start to ask for their things. Kasi kami, ginagamit namin yung mga special na damit minsan lang, o dahil out of style or out of fashion na. Nagpulong-pulong ako with my friends, invited and explained to them why I am doing a fundraising. We waited for Guia to come back from the US to tell them what was needed. Next day, nag-networking na sila—masayang dinner, we had a reason to get together, update sa mga nangyayari sa aming buhay—and then the clothes started coming in.”
For “Plato Para Kay Ploning,” she happily donned her chef uniform and gave vent to her other passion—cooking while raising money at the same time. “Nagluto ako nang dalawang gabi,” she reported. There was also an auction of 56 works by Filipino artists. “I met with the artists,” she recounted. “I explained to them—kasi gusto ko artists din ang partner namin sa ‘Plato.’ Since ‘Ploning’ is gawa ng Pilipino, gusto ko gawa din ng Pilipino ang i-auction. With God’s will, nagawa ang lahat ng ito para kay ‘Ploning.’ Buong industriya nagsama-sama.”
Judy Ann stressed that she is making sure that the money raised is being spent properly. “We sought the advice of people.” She quipped, in reference to her tax evasion case, “Ayaw ko na ng kaso—dalawang kaso lang ang kaya ko.”
They hired Murray Weissman, who is considered “one of the deans of Oscar campaigning,” to run “Ploning’s” campaign. Murray helped engineer the upset victory of “Crash” over “Brokeback Mountain” as Oscar’s Best Picture in 2006. We’ve seen several half-page “For Your Consideration” ads of the film in Variety.
Passionate cook
We told Judy Ann it was refreshing to see photos of a star like her in a chef uniform, toque and pants, and obviously relishing cooking. “Pareho ang magulang ko na magaling magluto,” explained Judy Ann, who has an adopted daughter. “Bata pa ako tumutulong na ako. Nakikisabay ako sa service ng catering.” She said the sight of “chicken curry at tinola,” which were the family’s catering staples, triggers fond memories.
How passionate is she about cooking? “Binili ko ang buong klase para maka-adjust sila sa akin—two months every single day, I went to school. I woke up at 7 a.m., tapos 9 to 9 ’yung classes.”
“Ganito pala ang graduation,” she said about her exhilaration upon finishing the course where she graduated with distinction.
Whatever the outcome of Judy Ann’s Oscar campaign is, one sure thing is that filmgoers are suddenly very curious about the film’s lovely setting, Cuyo. From talking to a Cuyonon like Dante and from Judy Ann’s rave about the inhabitants of the island, we got the impression that the folks there are also its asset.
Judy Ann, who learned to deliver her lines in Cuyonon in the film, said, “Nakakatuwa sila—magalang, hindi ka kukulitin. Sa shooting, they said good morning. They do not harass. Malambing sila. Nung natapos ang pelikula, marami akong naging anak-anakan. The Cuyonons are pure of heart, with a rich culture. I went back there during their fiesta. I realized, buti pa ang Cuyo na-maintain nila ang culture nila. Noong inadopt nila ako, I was overwhelmed because I don’t have a province. Nakakatuwang isipin that after having fun shooting in Cuyo, siya na ngayon ang probinsya ko. I want to learn the dialect all over again para may alam ako aside from Tagalog na gusto kong matutunan din ng anak ko.”
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Ploning
Bought the DVD from Manila. Although far from being perfect (the narrative is a bit confusing and lacks cohesion), it's one of the great Filipino movies I've seen recently. Excellently acted by all the cast especially by Judy Ann (think of Nora in Himala but without the climactic scene) and the kid in the movie. It's also nice that they were talking in the local dialect (I'm just imagining that Oro, Plata, Mata would have been even more effective if they've used the local dialect). It's also very well photographed. I think that this will be a future Filipino classic. Too bad the DVD didn't include English subtitles.
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Looks like Ploning's bid for an Oscar nomination has ended. The nine shortlisted films are:
"The Class"
"Waltz With Bashir"
"Revanche"
"The Necessities of Life"
"The Baader Meinhof Complex"
"Departures"
"Tear This Heart Out"
"Everlasting Moments"
"3 Monkeys"
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I'm not surprised. There wasn't much buzz about it, I'm afraid. Maximo Oliveros couldn't get in and that was our biggest international hit (competed in Sundance, earned an Indie Spirit award nom).
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Looks like Ploning's bid for an Oscar nomination has ended. The nine shortlisted films are:
"The Class"
"Waltz With Bashir"
"Revanche"
"The Necessities of Life"
"The Baader Meinhof Complex"
"Departures"
"Tear This Heart Out"
"Everlasting Moments"
"3 Monkeys"
She did what she could and that's commendable enough.
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kudos to Juday though! i hope the film industry takes up the challenge and tries again next year.