Showbiz Round-Up

By Boy Romero You ever hear about a film and immediately think, wait… what exactly is this about? That’s the reaction many people are having right now about Ang Bangkay, the latest project from playwright and filmmaker Vince Tañada.  And honestly, the story behind how the film made it to the screen is almost as interesting as the movie itself. First, the basics. The film stars Mercedes Cabral, alongside Johnrey Rivas, Lily Montelibano, Vean Olmedo, Juan Calma, Sarah Javier, JP Lopes, and OJ Arci. And Vince Tañada himself is part of the cast.  What surprised many people in the local film community is that “Ang Bangkay” was chosen as one of only six finalists at the Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2026, which received around 400 submissions this year. The festival is organized by award-winning director Brillante Mendoza together with film producer Wilson Tieng.  And the way the film entered the festival was almost accidental. Tañada was in Mindanao when the announcement came ou...

By Boy Romero  MANILA, Philippines – [January 13, 2026] – Some struggles don’t show up as chaos. They show up as silence, routine, and people convincing themselves that things will eventually pass. In many Filipino homes, that’s how mental health issues are dealt with, quietly, awkwardly, and often too late. Breaking the Silence focuses on those situations, particularly how mental health issues among today’s youth are often handled. Or not handled at all. While awareness has improved over the years, many families still treat anxiety, emotional distress, and behavioral changes as phases rather than warning signs. Let’s face it. Mental health among today’s youth is still treated as a sensitive topic. We like to say awareness is better now, and in some ways it is. But when it comes to actual conversations at home, many are still avoided. Anxiety gets labeled as drama. Emotional withdrawal as attitude. Asking for help becomes something to postpone. Written and directed by E...

By Boy Romero  MANILA, Philippines – [November 28, 2025] – As filming for the Down syndrome movie and Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 entry "I'mPerfect" wrapped, something truly beautiful unfolded.  While the final day of any film shoot is typically a joyful 'cast wrap' party, the cast, crew and families found themselves instead in an emotional farewell.   Executive Producer Sylvia Sanchez, when asked for a message, started with a long, tearful, wordless bow. Not long after, the cast with Down syndrome ran to her, overcome by love. They embraced her tightly, still no words spoken—their silence speaking volumes of the deep bond they shared with her and everyone during the course of the filming. From an instant connection that began as soon as production started, each day of filming became a family-like ritual, a warm get-together with food and conversations in between takes, and punctuated by dance performances by the gifted cast. While unusual for a...