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Philippine Showbiz Today Cover Story : Movie Feature
October 22 - November 7 , 2017 Jan . 22-Feb . 7 , 2015
Seven Sundays : family drama strikes close to home
Before joining Binibining Pilipinas , and finally earning the right to wear the Philippine sash on her third try to become the third Filipina Miss Universe in 2015 , Pia Wutzbach was a very hopeful ABS-CBN talent as Pia Romero .
It appears a strong showing in the box office pushed ticket sales for “ Seven Sundays ” past the P100-million mark .
The film opens with a beautiful montage that poignantly shows the Bonifacio family growing over the years . There are no faces except for those in old photographs , and yet one understands the story behind it . We soon meet the patriarch , Manuel , a widower and former barangay official , full of energy and charismatic at 69 years old .
He is celebrated by the members of his closely-knit provincial community and every person he runs into offers a gesture of kindness . Everyone showers him with attention ; everyone except his children , that is . Manuel , played by Ronaldo Valdez , soon learns that he is sick with barely two months to live , and only seven Sundays to spend with his children and grandchildren .
How could a man look like he ’ s in the brightest pink of health if he ’ s seven weeks away from dying ? Where ’ s the doctor explaining Manuel ’ s condition in full detail , flowing with medical terms ?
The plot centers on the family and the stories of each family member . With that alone , there ’ s already a lot of ground to cover . Manuel ’ s four children lead busy lives of their own , but are forced to spend their weekends with their ailing father . Each sibling has a problem he or she is hiding from the rest of the family .
Their problems are common to many adults of this generation , and it ’ s easy to find yourself in one , two , or even all of them — if your memory serves you right . Allan , Bryan , Cha and Dexter represent the challenges many of us go through as adults , mirroring who we are or who we were at some point in our life .
Effective portrayal is a key element in this film . At first , we think Enrique Gil is merely reflecting his public persona — that of popular and idolized millennial — but he drops that self-assured stance and showing a more sensitive side to his character .
It isn ’ t the first time Cristine Reyes has played someone ’ s wife in a movie , but it ’ s probably the first we ’ ve seen her utterly deglamorized and where redemption isn ’ t achieved through a makeover . As Cha , Cristine shows that she has graduated from being a sexy star , and can now segue into more seriously dramatic roles moving forward .
Bryan , the second born , is an overachiever with a lot to prove , but with a painful secret that he tries to mask with calculated indifference . He ’ s arrogant and insensitive , and Dingdong Dantes ’ convincing portrayal makes it easier for us to dislike him , at first . Later on , he becomes more than just some cocky businessman and delivers a compelling performance as a man of strong character despite repressed emotional struggles , and does so with incredible depth .
Aga Muhlach ’ s Allan is far from the dreamboat we ’ ve grown accustomed to seeing him portray . As a middle-aged father with a failing business , Aga , like Cristine , doesn ’ t have that special , superficial packaging that would save him from a sloppy performance , if need be . He doesn ’ t need saving , however , and proves that he also doesn ’ t need to be in top physi-
Pia Wurtzbach back as exclusive ‘ Kapamilya ’
Famed as the “ confidently beautiful ” Miss Universe , Wurtzbach has conquered the world since her big win — in modelling , commercials , endorsements , magazine covers and TV shows , winning hearts of hundreds of
Pia Wurtzbach signed a new contract with ABS-CBN chief finance officer Aldrin Cerrado , ABS- CBN head of Finance for Broadcast and news & current affairs Cat Lopez , Pia Wurtzbach ’ s manager Jonas Gaffud , ABS-CBN chief operating officer of broadcast Cory Vidanes , ABS- CBN president and chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak , Star Creatives ’ head of creatives and director Olive Lamasan , at ABS-CBN TV production head Laurenti Dyogi . ( ABS-CBN )
cal form to gather our sympathy and melt our hearts . It ’ s a sign that he can embrace his age and graduate from heartthrob roles if he chooses , deliver an endearing performance , and still be the man of our dreams .
Aga is nowhere past his prime and seems to be getting better with age , if this comeback vehicle is any indication . There appears to be quite a few sidebar stories within the plot , but it ’ s fascinating how they all gel together without leaving anyone out .
There are quite a few comedic moments propelled by Ronaldo Valdez and Ketchup Eusebio ’ s presence , but it ’ s also the veteran actor ’ s scenes that stir the most emotions in the film . He is a representation of our fears and our regrets , of what we could and should have done .
The comedic elements are familiar and the formula is present in most Pinoy comedies , adding to the film ’ s entertainment
millions around the globe .
Now that her reign is over , and allowed by her Hollywood management to continue her home career , Wurztbach has officially signed on with ABS-CBN anew , and returns as a “ Kapamilya ” to her adoring television fans .
Pia will soon be part of shows and movies including Sunday noontime show “ ASAP .” “ I really trust ABS-CBN because I know that they ’ re going to put me in the
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value , and giving viewers room to recover from their tears . “ Seven Sundays ” successfully balances comedy with the dramatic elements throughout most of the film , but falters at keeping this balance towards the end .
The final scene lends truth to the saying less is more and impinges on the film ’ s artistic value . Too much of this tacky brand of comedy for the sake of entertainment is an eyesore on the film ’ s otherwise beautiful terrain . Sometimes heartbreaking , sometimes heartwarming ; sincere and often too close to home . Overall , “ Seven Sundays ” is an exceptionally beautiful film that captivates the audience with a well-written script , entertaining sequences , memorable performances , and an evocative message that plunges deep into our consciousness .
The movie will be shown in Canadian theatres starting October 27 , 2017 . ● - J . T Radovan , Interaksyon
right track ,” she said .
Present during the contract signing were ABS-CBN officials led by president and CEO Carlo Katigbak , CFO Aldrin Cerrado , broadcast and news and current affairs Cat Lopez , COO of broadcast Cory Vidanes , Star Creatives ’ head of creatives and director Olive Lamasan , TV production head Laurenti Dyogi and her manager Jonas Gaffud . ●
- TMT