October 4: Last night's episode was comparably muted to the high drama of Monday's initial telecast. Most of the scenes are low key, fast-paced and a tad underwhelming from a visceral standpoint.
This could pose a problem to casual viewers exposed to and unwittingly dumbed down by current soap opera conventions. For instance, the brisk shift in mood and emotion might alienate them a bit. Nasanay na kasi sila sa overly drawn-out exposition and plotting. For years, the duopoly has steadily dieted them with heavy emoting, high-strung moments, overly-staged scenes to better tug at their heart strings and tear ducts.
Acting in general remains uniformly/consistently fine. Para sa akin walang lumutang o lumamang ngayong gabi. Special mention, though, goes to Nora (napakasuabe), Eugene (who's such a joy to watch given her inherent comedic timing) and Ian (strong screen presence). I'm also loving Boyet's histrionic-free tackling of his role. It’s when he opts for restraint that his remarkable acting chops are most evident. Bilang director, mahusay talagang rumenda at kumumpas ni Mario O’Hara.
There seems to be a hint of irony in Boyet’s miting-de-avance in terms of time frame. I’m used to seeing/hearing such pivotal campaigns scheduled and mounted in the evening or even at midnight especially in Metro Manila (but I could be wrong). The governor, whose incumbency has supposed to have plunged the province in abject darkness, delivers a rousing speech of reconciliation and forward-moving in ample day light.
The quiet yet intense gazebo scene between the Superstar and theatre stalwart Leo Rialp, for me, was a highlight. To think that it wasn’t even a close-up! Napakahusay ng ipinamalas nilang body language. Ramdam mo ang reservations and fears ni Nora sa pagpasok sa pulitika as the predatory kingpin Leo smooth-talks her into it.
Acting in general remains uniformly/consistently fine. Para sa akin walang lumutang o lumamang ngayong gabi. Special mention, though, goes to Nora (napakasuabe), Eugene (who's such a joy to watch given her inherent comedic timing) and Ian (strong screen presence). I'm also loving Boyet's histrionic-free tackling of his role. It’s when he opts for restraint that his remarkable acting chops are most evident. Bilang director, mahusay talagang rumenda at kumumpas ni Mario O’Hara.
There seems to be a hint of irony in Boyet’s miting-de-avance in terms of time frame. I’m used to seeing/hearing such pivotal campaigns scheduled and mounted in the evening or even at midnight especially in Metro Manila (but I could be wrong). The governor, whose incumbency has supposed to have plunged the province in abject darkness, delivers a rousing speech of reconciliation and forward-moving in ample day light.
The quiet yet intense gazebo scene between the Superstar and theatre stalwart Leo Rialp, for me, was a highlight. To think that it wasn’t even a close-up! Napakahusay ng ipinamalas nilang body language. Ramdam mo ang reservations and fears ni Nora sa pagpasok sa pulitika as the predatory kingpin Leo smooth-talks her into it.
October 5: For that understated yet riveting Boyet-Guy church face-off alone, SNNI is truly worth anyone’s viewing time. Tenderly staged and photographed, it was beautifully acted by the drama queen and king. Of course, their being an erstwhile couple informed and inspired how they played out this scene.
It begins with the initial eye contact. Mga matang nangungusap... na nakikipag-usap sa mga matang nakikiusap.
The conversation flip-flops in tone and content. From painfully polite to curt and biting. Their actions, heartbreakingly-tentative. The quiet tension is akin to a dam about to overflow. ‘Di man nila sabihin, halatang may pagmamahal, pananabik, hinanakit o pag-aalinlangan pa rin sila sa isa't isa. May nakakubling kilig. Mayroong kibot na iniinda. One false slip and, lo, the floodgates of loving emotion would be upon them. But Governor Ilustre and Dona Negra know better.
I’m sure all the lovers on the planet can relate to this scene. Viva La Aunor! Kudos to Christopher! And thank you, Direk!
Meanwhile, the interplay between the characters of Eugene and Nora is so good! Their chemistry is reminiscent of the Nora-Louella Albornoz tandem in the early '80s. This one is even better because Uge is a big dramedy star in her own right.
It begins with the initial eye contact. Mga matang nangungusap... na nakikipag-usap sa mga matang nakikiusap. The conversation flip-flops in tone and content. From painfully polite to curt and biting. Their actions, heartbreakingly-tentative. The quiet tension is akin to a dam about to overflow. ‘Di man nila sabihin, halatang may pagmamahal, pananabik, hinanakit o pag-aalinlangan pa rin sila sa isa't isa. May nakakubling kilig. Mayroong kibot na iniinda. One false slip and, lo, the floodgates of loving emotion would be upon them. But Governor Ilustre and Dona Negra know better.
I’m sure all the lovers on the planet can relate to this scene. Viva La Aunor! Kudos to Christopher! And thank you, Direk!
Meanwhile, the interplay between the characters of Eugene and Nora is so good! Their chemistry is reminiscent of the Nora-Louella Albornoz tandem in the early '80s. This one is even better because Uge is a big dramedy star in her own right.
Bukod kina Pepe at Elena, napakasarap ding panoorin ang batuhan ng linya at emosyon nina Patricia Toribio at Elena Toribio vda. Deogracias. She holds her own in her scenes with her Ate. Patricia provides the much-needed comic relief especially when she flirts incorrigibly with Ian’s character. So, it's nice to see the dolorous Elena smiling for a change.
I’m also glad that we see a more playful and less-guarded side in Alwyn’s character. The same cannot be said of Osang’s character, which still one-dimensional for now. I’m positive that she’ll be able to showcase a different shade of Mrs. Ilustre's persona in the coming days. On the other hand, I still can’t emphatize fully with the Romeo-and-Juliet love team. I can’t fathom how their respective families, political rivals at that, could’ve allowed such a relationship to prosper. Further, the hands shown playing the piano don’t seem to match those of Christopher’s. (O marunong ba talaga s’yang tumugtog?)
The reference to Himala's famous sermon on the mount is cute. Natawa ako sa eksenang ito. The escalating feud between Andrea and the Vice Governor is something to watch out for. Magaling si Raquel.
Nora’s enunciation is clear and crisp-- she proves her excellence in voice acting once more! Mapatagalog man o mapa-ingles, matatas n'yang naipahahayag at naitutulay ang tamang mensahe at emosyong hinihingi ng eksena.
Nora's miting de avance scene is quite believable. She sounds like a politico: the mien, the gestures, the look, and the voice.
I’m also glad that we see a more playful and less-guarded side in Alwyn’s character. The same cannot be said of Osang’s character, which still one-dimensional for now. I’m positive that she’ll be able to showcase a different shade of Mrs. Ilustre's persona in the coming days. On the other hand, I still can’t emphatize fully with the Romeo-and-Juliet love team. I can’t fathom how their respective families, political rivals at that, could’ve allowed such a relationship to prosper. Further, the hands shown playing the piano don’t seem to match those of Christopher’s. (O marunong ba talaga s’yang tumugtog?)
The reference to Himala's famous sermon on the mount is cute. Natawa ako sa eksenang ito. The escalating feud between Andrea and the Vice Governor is something to watch out for. Magaling si Raquel.
Nora’s enunciation is clear and crisp-- she proves her excellence in voice acting once more! Mapatagalog man o mapa-ingles, matatas n'yang naipahahayag at naitutulay ang tamang mensahe at emosyong hinihingi ng eksena.
Nora's miting de avance scene is quite believable. She sounds like a politico: the mien, the gestures, the look, and the voice.
October 6: Another compelling episode...
--As the narrative unravels, we are further led into the town’s and province’s dark, menacing and malignant political landscape. Where dynasties, warlords and mobsters rule. Where politics are personalistic, parochial, even petty in nature. Isn’t it a telling reflection of our dysfunctional national politics? Ano kaya ang kahihinatnan ng Pollyanna-esque character ni La Aunor?
--For me, one scene and one performer stand out. Brimming with dramatic fireworks is the grand political debate between Nora (Dona Elena Toribio vda. Deogracias) and Christopher (Governor Jose Pepe Ilustre). It’s a classic mind versus heart confrontation. The main protagonists are equally in fine form. Nothing over-the-top or caricaturish. No stealing of thunder or lightning. Only give and take.
Guy and Boyet invest the scene with an authenticity that could only come from their real-life forays into Philippine politics either as campaigners or candidates. Both deliver fiery oratories laced with humor and sly digs; punctuated by fierce stares or patronizing looks. The dichotomy between a traditional politician and a new breed is fairly established here.
Boyet continuous to impress with his tone-perfect rendering of a politician facing a career sunset. He looks and sounds comfortable in his role. (No surprise there since he’s a current provincial board member.) Napalutang n’ya ang isang self-confident person na confined in a wheel chair. He’s effective in cleverly masking his “I’m-going-to-chew-you-up-and-spit-you-out” stance with his affable yet calculated demeanor on stage.
The Superstar seems to have channelled her ‘kingmaker’ rep/status in real life (she has helped elect three Philippine presidents into office). And the result is spell-binding. Tagos sa puso ang bawat linyang binitawan n’ya. Napakarubdob! Here’s a public speaking template that politicos should take note of.
--Kaya lang medyo nabitin ako. How, I wish the creative team prolonged this scene. Mas mahabang balitaktakan, mas maigi. (One more nitpick: kaunti ang crowd ng supposedly pinakamalaki at pinakaaabangang political gathering in the province.)
--Sa eksenang ito pa rin, parang namangha o nabatubalani yata ang mga co-star nila sa husay nina Nora at Boyet, kaya may mga sandaling bumitaw sila sa kanilang characterization.
--In my opinion, it is Eugene Domingo who shines most brightly tonight. The woman is so effortless in lighting up her every scene. Ang karakter n’yang si Patricia Toribio ang nagsisilbing ningas sa madilim at malungkot na mansion ng mga Deogracias. She neatly lacerates people with her ironic humor. She also knows when to be serious and tell people off. Talagang kahanga-hanga ang pagiging naturalesa n’ya sa pagpapatawa, pang-ookray o pakikipaglandian.
--Again, the scenes of JM and Karel are dragging and uninteresting. I’m sorry but at this point parang filler lang ang kanilang mga eksena. Talagang kulang sa chemistry ang dalawa, which is unfortunate because you can see Karel giving her all and JM trying his best.
--As the narrative unravels, we are further led into the town’s and province’s dark, menacing and malignant political landscape. Where dynasties, warlords and mobsters rule. Where politics are personalistic, parochial, even petty in nature. Isn’t it a telling reflection of our dysfunctional national politics? Ano kaya ang kahihinatnan ng Pollyanna-esque character ni La Aunor?
--For me, one scene and one performer stand out. Brimming with dramatic fireworks is the grand political debate between Nora (Dona Elena Toribio vda. Deogracias) and Christopher (Governor Jose Pepe Ilustre). It’s a classic mind versus heart confrontation. The main protagonists are equally in fine form. Nothing over-the-top or caricaturish. No stealing of thunder or lightning. Only give and take.
Guy and Boyet invest the scene with an authenticity that could only come from their real-life forays into Philippine politics either as campaigners or candidates. Both deliver fiery oratories laced with humor and sly digs; punctuated by fierce stares or patronizing looks. The dichotomy between a traditional politician and a new breed is fairly established here.
Boyet continuous to impress with his tone-perfect rendering of a politician facing a career sunset. He looks and sounds comfortable in his role. (No surprise there since he’s a current provincial board member.) Napalutang n’ya ang isang self-confident person na confined in a wheel chair. He’s effective in cleverly masking his “I’m-going-to-chew-you-up-and-
The Superstar seems to have channelled her ‘kingmaker’ rep/status in real life (she has helped elect three Philippine presidents into office). And the result is spell-binding. Tagos sa puso ang bawat linyang binitawan n’ya. Napakarubdob! Here’s a public speaking template that politicos should take note of.
--Kaya lang medyo nabitin ako. How, I wish the creative team prolonged this scene. Mas mahabang balitaktakan, mas maigi. (One more nitpick: kaunti ang crowd ng supposedly pinakamalaki at pinakaaabangang political gathering in the province.)
--Sa eksenang ito pa rin, parang namangha o nabatubalani yata ang mga co-star nila sa husay nina Nora at Boyet, kaya may mga sandaling bumitaw sila sa kanilang characterization.
--In my opinion, it is Eugene Domingo who shines most brightly tonight. The woman is so effortless in lighting up her every scene. Ang karakter n’yang si Patricia Toribio ang nagsisilbing ningas sa madilim at malungkot na mansion ng mga Deogracias. She neatly lacerates people with her ironic humor. She also knows when to be serious and tell people off. Talagang kahanga-hanga ang pagiging naturalesa n’ya sa pagpapatawa, pang-ookray o pakikipaglandian.
--Again, the scenes of JM and Karel are dragging and uninteresting. I’m sorry but at this point parang filler lang ang kanilang mga eksena. Talagang kulang sa chemistry ang dalawa, which is unfortunate because you can see Karel giving her all and JM trying his best.
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