Loy Arcenas' debut film, Niño, is a tightly scripted work, and an astonishing output for a debut. The Lopez-Arandas were once a solid part of the upper class establishment; a family built from Old Money. Their splendor is now lost, the money is mostly gone, and most of the remaining family members live in a dilapidated house.
While some of the family members, such as faded opera star Celia (Fides Cuyugan Asensio), try to bask in their own nostalgia in a futile effort to reclaim their former lives, others like her sleazy son Momvic (Art Acuna) want nothing more than to sell the house and leave it all. In the middle of it all is Momvic's son, Anthony, who becomes our eyes and ears into the family's many intricate relationships. Soon, however, Gaspar, Celia's older brother and owner of the house, falls ill, irreparably shifting the dynamics in the family.
I've seen Arcenas' subsequent film Requieme! first, and there is no doubt in my mind that Niño is the superior film. Much of the credit can be traced to Rody Vera's script and amazing performances, with special mention to Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, who uses her talents both in singing and acting to create a tragic, human character.
Inevitably, conflicts arise , which culminate in the fantastic final act, a party that seems to symbolize a celebration of things past, but evolves into a ritual of acceptance and change by the final frame. A tehcnically adept work, precisely told, Niño really is worth the accolades.
After a production history beset by numerous roadblocks, Da Dog Show finally premiered at the World Premieres Film Festival earlier this year. This week, the film makes its Cinemalaya debut.
Based on a true story, Da Dog Show is the story of Sergio (Lou Veloso,) a former fisherman who has taken up doing dog shows in the streets of Manila to make money for his children.
His life is not a walk in the park, either, his eldest (Mercedes Cabral) is mentally disabled, they live inside a mausoleum at the North Cemetery, and his estranged wife has their son.
Da Dog Show is a tale of how one man can be dedicated in his craft, and how his love for his family drives him forward. His struggles for his family are palpable, whether you are rich or poor. Lou Veloso is a good fit for the role of Sergio (the actual Sergio was slated to play the role but was unable to do so because of health concerns). Behind Sergio's words is anguish and a lifetime of regrets.
The movie leaves a number of plot points hanging, and the dogs' role in the film are pushed to the side to focus more on the family drama. The ending, where a metaphorical exchange is made between one 'child' and another, seems a bit rushed.
It may not be to everyone's taste and it has its share of flaws, but Da Dog Show is an interesting film with a touch of social realism.
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