Pamasahe

Pamasahe – Vivamax Movie

Pamasahe

Lineth’s (Azi Acosta) life took a tragic turn when Typhoon Odette wreaked havoc on Roxas City in Capiz province, leaving her homeless. Determined to seek refuge and regain her bearings, she embarked on a daring journey with her newborn daughter, stowing away on a RORO ferry bound for Manila. Her destination was Segovia in Pampanga province, where her brother Toto (Felix Roco) and his wife Shiony (Shiena Yu) resided, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

During her bus journey, Lineth encountered a kind-hearted seaman named Rod (Mark Anthony Fernandez). Rod came to her aid when she faced harassment from unruly individuals who objected to her breastfeeding. Showing compassion and empathy, he not only paid for her bus fare but also lent a patient ear to Lineth’s harrowing tale of the suffering she endured at the hands of the ship’s captain, Ramos (Julio Diaz), and his cohorts (Rash Flores, Chad Solano, and Alvaro Oteyza). Lineth also shared her encounter with a compassionate elderly woman (Erlinda Villalobos) who showed her kindness during her ordeal.

The film’s title, “Pamasahe,” holds a dual meaning. It initially refers to the “ticket fare” that Lineth lacked while stowing away, leading the captain to request massages from her in exchange for letting her stay aboard. However, as a Vivamax production, it becomes evident that Lineth had to offer much more to the men in exchange for her fare or after the massages.

Unfortunately, the film tends to linger excessively on scenes of rape and other perverse acts like incest and adultery. While these elements may have been included to underscore the severity of Lineth’s suffering, they overshadow the storytelling and dampen the overall momentum.

Despite being a newcomer, Azi Acosta aptly portrays the chronically-victimized character of Lineth, effectively conveying the misery and drama in her life. Mark Anthony Fernandez skillfully plays against type as Rod, the helpful co-passenger, although an air of suspicion surrounds his character. Meanwhile, Diaz, Flores, Solano, and Oteyza convincingly portray their lecherous and lascivious roles, well-practiced in such characters.

Considering this, “Pamasahe” attempts to depict a poignant story of survival and resilience in the face of adversity. However, the excessive focus on disturbing content detracts from the film’s potential impact, leaving viewers with a mixed impression of this emotionally charged narrative.

aj raval

Aj Raval – Vivamax Actress

aj raval

AJ Raval, a Filipino actress, was born on September 3, 2000, in Manila, Philippines. She has gained recognition for her roles in various films and television series, including “Death of a Girlfriend” (2021), “Ang Probinsyano” (2015), and “Hugas” (2022).

AJ Raval has garnered a significant following on social media platforms like YouTube, where she engages with her fans and shares her experiences. Born under the zodiac sign of Libra, she possesses qualities that many people find highly appealing.

She is Jeric Raval‘s (a seasoned Filipino actor) daughter. The parents gave birth to AJ Raval in Manila, the Philippine capital.

Ayanna Misola – Vivamax Actress

Ayanna

Ayanna Misola, born on January 20, 2002, is a notable Filipino actress, model, and social media personality. She has showcased her talent in various films, including “Kinsenas, Katapusan” (2022) and “Siklo” (2022). Ayanna’s journey in the acting industry commenced with her role in Vivamax’s “P-star 2: Pangalwang Putok,” released on December 3, 2021, marking the beginning of her career. In her debut film, she portrayed the character of Trina, playing a supporting role. Despite the film’s comedic genre, Ayanna courageously embraced sensual scenes, initially finding them challenging to express.

Squid Game Season 2 – Korean Drama

Get ready for another thrilling installment of the deadly games! Netflix recently unveiled the highly anticipated second season of the worldwide sensation, Squid Game, set to premiere in 2024.

Reprising their roles from the first season, we have the talented cast members returning. Lee Jung-jae, renowned for his portrayal of Player 456, will once again captivate audiences. Lee Byung-hun, who flawlessly embodied the enigmatic Front Man, will continue to intrigue. Gong Yoo, the persuasive salesman responsible for recruiting players, will bring his charisma to the screen once more. Additionally, Wi Ha-jun, the determined police officer, will resume his pursuit of justice.

Joining the cast for Squid Game 2 (2024) are new players who are set to add even more excitement to the series.

Yim Si-wan

Yim Si-wan, a multi-talented artist known for his singing and acting, was born on December 1, 1988. His journey in the entertainment industry began in 2010 when he started taking on cameo roles in various TV series. However, it was his remarkable performance in “Moon Embracing The Sun” in 2012 that truly brought him recognition. Since then, Yim Si-wan has continuously showcased his versatility by portraying diverse characters in both films and TV series.

Some of his notable roles include a passionate young student activist in “The Attorney” (2013), a talented baduk player grappling with the challenges of corporate life in “Misaeng: Incomplete Life” (2014), and an athlete in the captivating series “Run On” (2020). In addition, he displayed his acting prowess as an accountant in “Tracer” (2022), a menacing villain in “Emergency Declaration” (2022), a humble countryside librarian in “Summer Strike” (2022), and even a chilling psychopath in “Unlocked” (2023).

Yim Si-wan’s remarkable talent has garnered him numerous accolades throughout his acting career. With 20 awards to his name out of 46 nominations, he has consistently proven his dedication and skill as an actor. His impact on the industry was further acknowledged when he secured the 35th position on the prestigious “Forbes Korea Power Celebrity” list in 2015. Yim Si-wan continues to captivate audiences with his exceptional performances and remains an influential figure in the Korean entertainment scene.

Kang Ha-neul

Kang Ha-neul, born on February 21, 1990, is a highly accomplished actor known for his versatile performances in musical theater, television, and film. He began his journey in the world of acting in 2006, primarily focusing on musical theater. In 2007, he expanded his career to television, marking his small-screen debut, and in 2011, he made his first appearance on the big screen.

Throughout his career, Kang Ha-neul has portrayed a diverse range of characters, showcasing his talent and dedication. In the popular drama series “The Heirs” (2013), he delivered a memorable performance as an introverted student. He portrayed an employee in the critically acclaimed series “Misaeng: Incomplete Life” (2014) and took on the role of a prince in “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” (2016). His portrayal of a countryside police officer in “When The Camellia Blooms” (2019) further solidified his reputation as a skilled actor. In recent years, he has expanded his repertoire by playing notable roles such as a bandit leader in “The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure” (2022), a judicial trainee in “Insider” (2022), and a theater actor in “Curtain Call” (2022).

Kang Ha-neul’s exceptional talent and hard work have garnered recognition in the form of numerous awards and nominations. Throughout his acting career, he has achieved an impressive total of 21 awards out of 40 nominations. In addition to his accolades, he ranked 2nd in “Gallup Korea’s Actor of The Year” in 2019 and secured the 23rd position in “Forbes Korea Power Celebrity” in 2020, further solidifying his status as a respected figure in the industry.

Park Sung-hoon

Park Sung-hoon, born on February 18, 1985, embarked on his acting career in 2011. He gained notable recognition for his portrayal of a bully in the immensely popular series, The Glory (2022-23), which led to a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the esteemed 59th Baeksang Arts Awards. His diverse range as an actor was evident in his performances in various other notable productions, including the historical-political drama Six Flying Dragons (2015), the action-packed Mad Dog (2017), where he showcased his versatility, and his chilling portrayal of a serial killer in Psychopath Diary (2019). In addition, he took on the role of a prince in Joseon Exorcist (2021). Throughout his acting journey, Park Sung-hoon has received numerous accolades, winning five awards out of the nine nominations he has garnered so far.

Yang Dong-geun

Trailer

Angeli Khang – Vivamax Actress

Angeli Khang is a renowned actress, model, and influential figure on social media. She has made a name for herself through notable roles in films such as “Mahjong Nights” (2021), “Silip Sa Apoy” (2022), and “Eva” (2021).

As a talent of Viva Artists Agency, Angeli has been able to showcase her skills and talent in the entertainment industry. Prior to her acting career, she worked as a model at Philmoda Entertainment Production, honing her craft and building her experience.

Hugas – Vivamax Drama Movie

Just two weeks into the new year, VivaMax has once again resorted to their usual formula. The film titled “Hugas” (which means “Wash” in English) lacks any meaningful context and instead relies on cheap wordplay to evoke a sensual tone. This is a clear indication that VivaMax is once again prioritizing sex appeal over substance, resulting in a mindless film that exaggerates its sexual content.

The story revolves around Al (Sean de Guzman) and Liezl (AJ Raval), a couple who are former gang members and recently married. Fed up with their criminal lifestyle, they decide to escape from their vengeful former boss, Dencio (Jay Manalo), without his consent. However, Dencio is determined to track them down, leading to a tense chase. Can the two lovers find a way to break free from their abusive circumstances?

This film reaches new levels of absurdity. One particular scene stands out, where the gang embarks on a bank heist, only to pause for an explicit sexual encounter between Sean de Guzman and Stephanie Raz, who portrays a bank teller. VivaMax’s obsession with explicit content is evident, as the film offers no substantial story or character development. It relies solely on occasional sex scenes to grab attention. The excessive use of such scenes has gone beyond being seductive; it’s simply repulsive.

Moreover, apart from Jay Manalo, the cast fails to deliver compelling performances. AJ Raval and Sean de Guzman appear awkward and wooden in their roles as criminals, and Raval, in particular, exposes the limitations of her acting skills. The only redeeming aspect of the film is Roman Perez Jr.’s vibrant and visually appealing cinematography. The director managed to make the visuals captivating and even incorporated unexpected creative shots. However, it is important to note that a film cannot be solely judged based on its visuals or explicit content. “Hugas” solely relies on surface-level aesthetics. The film attempts to criticize corrupt politicians while ironically engaging in a blatant robbery of the local film industry and the hard-earned money of viewers today.

SAPUL – Vivamax Movie

One morning, Police Officer Leandro Acuba (Jeric Raval) hurriedly took his young son Francis (Apollo Arag) to the hospital due to a high fever. He immediately called his wife Melissa (Ina Alegre), who was working in a corporate job in the city. Melissa left the ongoing board election she was conducting and rushed back to see her son.

During the same morning, suspended Police Officer Isidro Ticson (Kiko Estrada) lingered near the house of his estranged wife Shiela (Christine Bermas). He desperately wanted to discuss the possibility of reconciling with her. However, Shiela had already been deeply hurt by Isidro’s alcoholism and other serious flaws. She had no intention of seeing him again.

Also on that morning, Police Officer Ryan Villa (Richard Solano) had just had a romantic encounter with his fiancée Ava (Ada Hermosa). The couple was eagerly preparing for their upcoming wedding scheduled in a week. At the age of 35, Ryan shared a close bond with his mother Lyn (Suzette Ranillo), who owned the pharmacy where Shiela worked as a salesgirl.

The lives of these three police officers, who coincidentally served in the same precinct in a small town in Oriental Mindoro, under Chief of Police Philip Mijares (Simon Ibarra), had only minimal connections to one another. The narration of these mundane events dragged on unnecessarily, leaving the audience with a sense of an empty script. Moreover, true to Vivamax’s style, the film included random sex scenes, both in the present day and as flashbacks, seemingly to prolong the running time.

Director Reynold Giba, a protégé of Brillante Mendoza, had now written and directed his second film after “Bata Pa si Sabel” (2022). “Sapul” marked Giba’s first film without his mentor’s name in the credits. It is unclear what story the director was attempting to convey here; even the so-called twist appeared out of nowhere and failed to make an impact. The violence towards the end was predictably cliché, following the typical Vivamax formula.

Christine Bermas had already demonstrated her acting prowess, so she should be given more challenging roles instead of wasting her time on this project. Kiko Estrada had previously portrayed an alcoholic character, so this role offered nothing new for him. Jeric Raval’s character, despite having a sex scene with an actress half his age, felt underdeveloped. Richard Solano, on the other hand, played a good-natured character for a change, but his character’s fate was apparent from the beginning.

Hilom – Vivamax Movie

How do you cope and heal when you’re in pain? Do you allow yourself to be consumed by sorrow until the pain subsides? (HILOM) Do you turn to temporary distractions or indulge in vices for momentary happiness? Perhaps you seek solace in travel, using it as an opportunity to escape and discover more about yourself. Alternatively, you may find comfort in the support of your family and friends, seeking reassurance that you are not alone in your struggles.

This June, witness the inspiring journey of a young man as he embarks on a path to mend his broken heart, guided by a stranger he encounters by fate.

Meet Sam (Arron Villaflor), a determined individual who meticulously plans every aspect of his life. In the prime of his years, he enjoys a fulfilling long-term relationship that seems almost perfect. Sam is content with his life and can hardly ask for more.

However, everything changes in an instant when his girlfriend of 10 years rejects his marriage proposal and ends their relationship. Devastated and overwhelmed, Sam finds himself in a state of despair, contemplating an end to his suffering.

No amount of sleep or medication can alleviate Sam’s profound sadness.

In an attempt to ease his troubled mind, Sam’s friends take him to a beach resort, offering him an escape from the relentless cycle of negative thoughts. It is here that he crosses paths with Sammy (Christine Bermas), a carefree and aspiring food vlogger.

Initially, Sam and Sammy struggle to find common ground due to their contrasting personalities. However, their shared experiences of heartbreak enable them to realize that they have more in common than they initially thought.

Sammy presents Sam with her Lucky-9 list, a set of guidelines she used to move on from her own past relationship. As Sammy helps Sam move forward, a deep connection begins to develop between them, and they both find themselves falling for one another.

Will Sammy be the one to help Sam finally let go of his pain and find healing? Or is she merely a life lesson that Sam must learn from and move on? Brace yourself for the unpredictable twists and turns in this narrative. While it may appear to be a familiar boy-meets-girl story, this film is so much more.

Directed by the versatile filmmaker GB Sampedro, allow yourself to embark on a transformative journey that will help you heal from your own painful past. Experience the premiere of “Hilom” on Vivamax this June 9, 2023.

Adik Sa’yo – Vivamax Movie

Two siblings are together. One is addicted to drugs, and the other is addicted to love.

Are they each other’s remedy?

JM de Guzman still has it. In his comeback to the cinema after four years, his talent is still evident. Cindy Miranda gave her all in comedy, but she shines even more in dramatic scenes. Meg Imperial’s performance is sincere, and you quickly become invested in her character.

At some point in the movie, you’ll root for JM and Meg’s love team because they have a proper story. There’s a journey that you can follow.

On the other hand, the backstory of Cindy’s character is not enough for you to sympathize with her actions. Her being “crazy in love” feels empty.

The addiction to recovery phase is barely noticeable and unsatisfyingly brief. Yet this aspect should be given the most importance because it could’ve added more weight and depth to the story.

The therapy sessions are more focused on how to sound like a movie quote rather than simply explaining things and having genuine conversations, no matter how harsh and plain the words can be. In the end, the discussions weren’t fruitful enough to make an impact on the characters or the audience.

The transition from comedy to drama to romance wasn’t smooth. The typical romantic comedy lines uttered towards the end contradicted and compromised the movie’s message.

The message about drugs and love is addicting. It has inherent beauty, but its delivery is not complete. The two types of characters were not effectively integrated into one story.

The lines have a rhythm. However, they don’t fit well in the scenes, causing the essence to gradually fade away.

The comparison between love and drugs is precise and heart-wrenching, but how the movie conveyed that message is not captivating.

The message is addicting, but not the film itself.

LAWA – Vivamax Movie

Lawa is a Vivamax original thriller film directed by Phil Giordano and produced by Viva Films.

It stars Sean De Guzman, Cara Gonzales, Jela Cuenca, Josef Elizalde, Julia Victoria, Sheila Snow, Millen Gal, Thor Gomez, Ardy Raymundo, Massimo Scofield, Yuki Sakamoto, and Ivan Padilla. Lawa premiered on March 2, 2023, on Vivamax.

Peter (Sean de Guzman) worked as a videographer for weddings and events. However, he had a lot of free time and often visited a secluded and picturesque lakeside camping area where couples enjoyed their time together in the open air. In a disturbing turn of events, Peter started secretly filming their intimate moments and profiting by sharing the videos on an online adult website.

During one of his voyeuristic escapades, Peter targeted a young woman named Mia (Cara Gonzales) while she was taking a shower. Surprisingly, instead of reacting angrily, Mia approached him with friendliness. Unfortunately, Mia had a rough and menacing boyfriend named RJ (Josef Elizalde), who did not appreciate Peter’s presence around his girlfriend. As Peter continued to surreptitiously film Mia and RJ engaging in sexual acts, he witnessed Mia unexpectedly attacking RJ, slashing his neck.

One of the standout aspects of this film is the exceptional cinematography by Richmond Cadsawan, who beautifully captured the chosen location in San Marcelino, Zambales. The serene and calm surface of the lake, reminiscent of the enigmatic Lake Mapanuepe formed by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, combined with the majestic agoho trees dominating the shoreline, create a visually stunning backdrop.

Cinephiles familiar with the Cannes Film Festival may recognize that a significant part of the plot draws inspiration from the 2013 Un Certain Regard entry, “Stranger on the Lake,” directed by Alain Guiraudie, which won the Best Director award. While that film focused on a serial killer who targeted gay men at a nude beach, writer-director Phil Giordano takes this premise and adds his own twists to enhance the story, resulting in a provocative and gripping LGBT-themed erotic thriller.

Sean de Guzman delivers a noteworthy performance as Peter, skillfully portraying the disturbing and nuanced character of a perverted voyeur. However, Cara Gonzales’s portrayal of the seductive and knife-wielding Mia lacks consistency. Ivan Padilla’s casting as detective Jonell feels miscast and awkward. “Lake of Secrets” marks Giordano’s third film for Vivamax, following “Pusoy” and “Pabuya.” Despite its short runtime of 73 minutes, this film boasts the most coherent plot among the three.