Ang Larawan Gets a Unanimous “A” from the Cinema Evaluation Board

Photo caption: The team of Ang Larawan. First row (seated), L-R: cast members Aicelle Santos, Rachel Alejandro, Paulo Avelino and Cris Villonco. Second row (seated), L-R: executive producer Girlie Rodis, executive producer Celeste Legaspi, and cast members Nanette Inventor, Dulce, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Cara Manglapus. Third row (standing): producer Alemberg Ang, composer Ryan Cayabyab, actor Bernardo Bernardo, director Loy Arcenas and actor Rayver Cruz.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“Ang Larawan,” the lone musical entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, has gotten a grade of “A” from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB).

The musical written by National Artist for Theater Rolando Tinio and composed by Ryan Cayabyab is the only film this year wherein all CEB eleven members who previewed gave the highest grade. The CEB summation stated, “It is seldom and rare that the members of the Board give a unanimous A to a film.“

Based on the play A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino by National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin, “Ang Larawan” tells of how financially troubled Marasigan sisters Candida and Paula hold on to their father’s masterpiece in spite of great interest and attractive offers from potential buyers.

West End star Joanna Ampil plays Candida while multi-awarded pop singer/host and entrepreneur Rachel Alejandro portrays Paula. Urian Best Actor Paulo Avelino takes the role of Tony Javier, the boarder who is persuading the sisters to sell the painting to an American buyer.

The rest of the cast features a stellar ensemble composed of OPM stalwarts Celeste Legaspi, Dulce, and Nanette Inventor; stage and film luminaries Robert Arevalo, Nonie Buencamino, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Noel Trinidad, Jaime Fabregas, Leo Rialp and Bernardo Bernardo; and young stars Aicelle Santos, Cris Villonco, Cara Manglapus, Jojit Lorenzo and Rayver Cruz. OPM icons Ogie Alcasid and Zsa Zsa Padilla have very special roles.

Culturtain Musicat Productions is the production outfit behind this film directed by Loy Arcenas.

The CEB praised the various aspects of production with one member citing that the movie is “enthralling, captivating and beautifully helmed!” The board described the performances by the leads and supports as “excellent.” Another member reiterated that, “’Larawan’ is a brilliant, fabulous production with great acting and excellent technical elements.”

As soon as CEB grade was released, the filmmakers took to social media to express their gratitude and joy. “Wow! What a blessing!” said Rachel Alejandro; while Celeste Legaspi declared, “Very proud!” Joanna, who is touring as part of the international production of “Cats,” wrote on Facebook, “All the hard work is paying off.”

“Ang Larawan” is Joanna’s first starring role in a film and she began preparing for it way back in 2014.

The CEB recognition is the latest of a string of accolades that “Ang Larawan” has been receiving ever since its world premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival last October. Variety’s Richard Kuipers said, “This musical adaptation of a beloved Filipino play is a class act.” Local press and writers who have watched the film at an advanced preview are predicting “Ang Larawan” will be embraced by music-loving moviegoers and will be a strong contender for MMFF awards.

The film has also gotten endorsements from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Senator Bam Aquino, Congresswoman Pia Cayetano, and Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas.

Noting that “Ang Larawan” is a period movie, not a formula film, and that the musical genre remains untested, the CEB commended Culturtain Musicat Productions for taking a risk. “So, kudos, congrats, and thanks to the brave, intrepid band of producers and their fearless funders for this film. May their tribe increase and may this movie reach as wide an audience as possible.” Furthermore, the CEB made a clear call to the moviegoers “to see this film and spread the good word: go out and see Filipino films!”


For updates and information, check out anglarawan.com and facebook.com/AngLarawanTheMovie/

5 services to consider when venturing into ecommerce

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Are you thinking about setting up an ecommerce business? It’s difficult to know where to start when it comes to taking steps which will ensure you’re successful. Luckily, there are a number of different tools out there which will give you an advantage in the set-up process. Let’s explore five of the best.

1. AdWords

Google AdWords is a terrific service which makes targeting your audience much simpler. When trying to rank as highly in search engine results as possible, targeting certain keywords is crucial for success. This strategy plays a huge part in most digital marketing campaigns. Understanding what to write in your listings, and what to include as your title is crucial to success.

2. Shoppify

If you’re looking for a perfect platform to build your website on, Shoppify is a solid tool to turn to. This service effectively acts as the spine of your website, providing you with a template on which to build and customise a fully-functioning website.

3. SearchSpring

Arguably one of the most important tools for shoppers, SearchSpring allows users to see what products are most likely going to appeal to them. This works by collecting data from their previous search results and filtering for products on your site. If the buyer journey is made easier than you’re likely to achieve more success.

4. Crazy Egg

Crazy egg shows a heat-map of where your visitors are clicking on your website. As Applied Innovations point out, they can have a huge impact on where you’re putting your most valuable content. Placing this where people are regularly reading itwill theoretically result in better conversion rates and exposure.

5. DPM

Slow page load time is one of the most surprising factors when it comes to turning customers off your site. Implementing the use of a digital performance management tool will highlight where speed is lacking, and how you can improve this. Most of these tools offer conversion rate improvements as standard, or your money back.

Have these services for ecommerce websites made things clearer? If you’re looking to create a strong new website, make sure to take advantage of at least a few of them.

Universal Records Signs New Promising Band Better Days

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Better Days formally signed a recording contract with Universal Records on Monday. The band is composed of Daniel Paringit on vocals and guitars, Jaro delos Reyes on guitar, Gelo Cabigon on bass and Rosner Mabuti on keyboards. Better Days is managed by Soupstar Entertainment, home to 6cyclemind, Imago, Sandwich, Hilera, Pedicab, and Moonstar88. They now join Gary Valenciano, Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, Parokya ni Edgar, Gloc-9, Sponge Cola, Aiza Seguerra, Claudia Barretto, Donny Pangilinan, Julie Anne San Jose and Elmo Magalona, in the elite roster of Universal Records’ prime artists.

The contract signing was held at the Universal Records office in Quezon City. Present with the band members were Universal Records General Manager Kathleen Dy Go and Soupstar Entertainment head Darwin Hernandez.

The band is currently preparing to record their original songs and looking forward to more live performances so they can reach an audience they hope to be their supporters in the future. They are optimistic that there are indeed better days ahead for them. Better Days is set to release their debut single in January 2018.

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