CONTRA MUNDUM(Defy the World): ANG LARAWAN, The Musical (Parental Guidance)

From Google images

For non-Filipino speakers, there are English Subtitles

#contramundum #defytheworld #showlarawansomelove

The 1965 movie was in full English with some Spanish and it left a deep mark in my heart.  Even if I was never deprived of love lives through the years, right now, I am over the hill and considered a spinster by a lot of condescending and "caring" people alike, so I really found Tony Javier's character deplorable. 

In the musical movie that almost was not shown during the Metro Manila Film Festival 2017 even if it was critically acclaimed elsewhere, Tony Javier is still an a-hole, and that same a-hole was personified by Paulo Avelino.

The Late National Artist Rolando S. Tinio's Screenplay makes the audience feel that every scene is real, so what if a character breaks into song once in a while?  There were funny and witty lines too.  Even if it was faithful to the National Artist, Nick Joaquin's original story, Mr. Tinio gave it its own style, making it fresh that no matter how far in the future this would be shown, the audience would be able to relate.

Joanna Ampil's portrayal of Candida is breathtaking.  Her inner turmoils were shown in her eyes and her voice made us feel her other emotions.

Rachel Alejandro made Paula stronger and inspiring. Her voice is also as beautiful as she and Paula are.

Cris Villonco and Aicelle Santos were so good, that people wanted to pull their hairs.

Sandino Martin gave life to the 25-year-old family friend, Biboy Camacho.  

Mr. Nonie Buencamino and Ms. Menchu Lauchengo-Yulo make a good brother and sister team that you would love to hate.  They were very believable and their voices are beautiful as well.  

The other veterans did not disappoint.  Ms. Celeste Legaspi's voice resonated to the high heavens and she acted quite well.  Ms. Dulce's role is short and sweet...she too, delivered.  Ms. Nanette Inventor, Mr. Noel Trinidad, Mr. Jaime Fabregas, Bernardo Bernardo gave stupendous performances. Ms. Zsa-Zsa Padilla gives her best in anything that she does, performance "here" included.  Mr. Robert Arevalo portrayed Don Perico like he was born to do it.  

Cara Manglapus and Rayver Cruz are naturals.

The cameos:  What I can say about them is that they proved that there's no such thing as a small role.  No matter how short their roles were, each role was vital to the story, especially Mr. Leo Rialp(his role is not exactly a cameo because his character is mentioned from start to finish).

Please forgive me if I missed a character.  All I know is that this movie is worth your time and money.  It's a masterpiece in itself and worth watching again and again and again.

Kudos to the cast, crew and everyone else involved in this grand production.

CONTRA MUNDUM!  Defy the world.  This movie musical deserves to be seen and appreciated.  

The three of us are still very much under the weather, but it was worth going out of the house for.

Thank goodness the movie was well applauded at The Commercenter.  I hope that the cinemas that kicked them out would bring them back soon.

Dad gathers that it could be the next Heneral Luna(the cinemas were snubbing the movie until the public clamoured for it).  I hope so too.

Director: Loy Arcenas

Screenplay: National Artist Rolando S. Tinio

Based on A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino by National Artist Nick Joaquin

Produced by: Celeste Legaspi

Music composed by: Ryan Cayabyab (haunting and beautiful music)

CAST

Joanna Ampil as Candida Marasigan

Rachel Alejandro as Paula Marasigan

Paulo Avelino as Tony Javier

Sandino Martin as Bitoy Camacho

Cris Villonco as Susan

Aicelle Santos as Violet

Nonie Buencamino as Manolo

Menchu Lauchengco -Yulo as Pepang

Robert Arevalo as Don Perico

Celeste Legaspi as Doña Loleng

Ogie Alcasid- Police Officer 1

Jojit Lorezo- Police Officer 2

Zsa Zsa Padilla as Elsa Montes 

Dulce as Doña  Upeng

Nanette Inventor as Doña Irene

Bernardo Bernardo as Don Alvaro

Jaime Fabregas as Don Aristeo

Rayver Cruz as Charlie Dacanay

Noel Trinidad as Don Miguel

Cara Manglapus as Patsy

Leo Rialp as Don Lorenzo Marasigan

Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski

Ricky Davao

Maestro Ryan and Emmy Cayabyab