“The Houseband’s Wife”
Plot: Isa works abroad while her hubby Tonyo is forced to be a houseband and hands-on dad to their three daughters. Thanks to Skype, they get to keep in touch, argue, and even get clues that point to cheating.
The good: Star Paolo O’Hara (who is also writer, producer and director) is a natural in front of the camera.
The bad: He’s not exactly Aga Muhlach or even Paolo Contis, so you might need a few minutes to adjust before you can finally start to focus on the story and the acting. Props for real-looking people, though.
“Sa Wakas”
Plot: Kat-Kat just got an abortion and she lost a lot of blood so now her father needs to help her get some medical help, which turns out to be pretty challenging.
The good: Lots! Flaw-free acting, easy-to-love characters, engaging dialogue, good number of wince-inducing moments.
The bad: That it had to end.
“Katapusang Labok”
Plot: Business is bad for Cebuano fisherman Randy so he goes to the city to have their Sto. Nino blessed, and resorts to cockfighting, even though his fellow fishermen want him to join them fight against coral harvesting.
The good: Scenes from the Sto. Nino procession are really good. Plus scoring is pretty great.
The bad: Not really a bad thing, but it might be a little too activist-y for some.
“Onang”
Plot: Onang wants to join the school choir and go to Manila for a competition but her father disapproves. Despite this, she finds a way to follow her dreams of going to the city.
The good: Jaw-dropping cinematography, perfect casting.
The bad: Kinda sucks how everyone talks in another dialect so viewers need to read the subtitles and miss out on some o the great frames.
“Pukpok”
Plot: Mac-mac is about to get circumsized and he must face bullying from his kuya, superstitious beliefs, and the rumor that the one who’s supposed to “perform the operation” has failing eyesight.
The good: There are several funny moments, thanks to superb acting from the young cast. The lolo in front of me was laughing the whole time.
The bad: Bad acting from the grown-ups. And how the whole short film ended up looking like a school project. In fairness, a great school project!
Check the schedules HERE
