Syobis Philippine Showbiz Entertainment News, TV, Movies, Music, Videos, & Pinoy Celebrities

In the Philippines, you could not pick a more context and culture-laden term than sabong. This, in its literal meaning, is the act of cockfighting. Moving along the fairways of context it could also mean the pastime of a pre-dominantly male subculture, going to the cockpits and spending the whole day watching bred fighting roosters go at it. The term has some sexual connotations to it as well – that in itself is inevitable in this country. The sabungan (cockpit – literally, the pit where they hold cockfights) is where the sabungeros congregate. If you grew up in the Philippines you would know that this subculture has a language of its own, and a magnetism that draws in over 10% of this country’s population (that’s the number of total registered cockfighters in the Philippines – 8 to 10 million) towards the cockpits during weekends.

It is within such a context that this new indie film offering – Sabungero: Dangal at Tibay – takes place.  Joel Torre stars plays Paco, a working-class man who has a working-class family, and pretty much leads a middle-class life. The movie plays out his initial ventures into sabong that eventually gets him hooked. Torre gives perfect rendition to the ups and downs of the life of a sabungero – his solid performance on screen give the viewers first-hand view of the drug-like rush of victory and the bitter desperation of defeat.

Also giving standout performances are a solid ensemble of actors – boasting experience and pure talent. Ricky Davao gamely plays the best friend, and Robert Arevalo plays “Tatang” – the dignified and respected, if not mysterious, cockpit owner. Maritoni Fernandez plays the role of the modern Filipina wife, wise in the affairs of her family and feeling the immediate effect of her husband’s new addiction.

On the dark side, Nonie Buencamino plays the role of shady gambler to the hilt. Paco’s nemesis in this movie is the character of  “the Congressman” played the multi-talented Leo Martinez – really, who else would you imagine in this role? Edwin Nombre plays the cockpit’s “Kristo”, the bet handler, while Sid Lucero and Lesley Martinez play Paco’s children caught in the crossfire.

Leo Martinez plays the bad guy in Sabungero

With a niche culture of this size, the movie is bound to connect with a lot of people out there. But with a treatment that is more honest than anything said about the sabungero culture than ever before, the movie is bound to ruffle some feathers in the high places as well. Harping on truth and reality may not earn the filmmakers more friends, but it serves no purpose making a film about the sabungero community that the viewers (hopefully sabungeros themselves, or people initiated to the culture already) can’t even relate too, or that which they will find contrived and faked. If you are not acquainted with cockfighting in the Philippines, this will probably give you the best chance of a ringside seat to what goes on – the film has that distinct insider’s feel to it.

Miguel Kaimo and Rozie Laurel Delgado directed the film. The original story was written by Troy Bernardo and the screenplay further developed by Luz Inocian. Most of these people are admitted newcomers to the movie industry – maybe that’s why no major film studio took a chance on the film. It feels right though, that this be an indie release, it would be totally awkward to expect this kind of honesty from the mainstream. Film music, score and sound was handled by Sound Weavers Recording Studio.

Visit the Sabungero Movie official website here.

Catch the premiere showing on September 27, 2009, 4:00pm at SM Megamall Cinemas. Tickets will be available at the Megamall Box Office starting September 20. Provincial premiers are also scheduled on September 29^th – expect the film in SM Lipa, SM Iloilo, SM Quezon, SM Cebu, SM Bacolod, SM Cagayan de Oro, SM Pampanga, and SM Davao.

Young actress Rhian Ramos continues to stake her claim to the bigtime as she stars in the remake of a Koreanovela well-loved and remembered by the Filipino TV audience. The original Koreanovela Stairway to Heaven hit the airwaves not 3 years ago and was an instant hit with the afternoon TV-viewing public. Rhian now teams up with Dingdong Dantes, one of today’s most sought-after leading men, as they bring the story of Cholo and Jodi back to life.

The plotline for the series is in itself Cinderella-esque, a story filled with elements of childhood love, cruel stepmothers and stepsisters, mistaken identities, and love triangles — sure to strike a note with us Pinoys. And with the beautiful Rhian Ramos playing one of the lead roles, what more could you ask for?

Rhian Ramos, or Rhian Denise Ramos Howell, has become a screen favorite and is starting to make her mark as one of the most beautiful faces her network can put in front of the camera. In fact, many would argue that she may have one of the prettiest faces in all of Philippine showbiz. Already a top endorser for numerous products, hers is a face that takes very easily to billboards and front covers of magazines. She came into the industry at age 15 and now she has worked her way into the hearts of many Filipinos.

A very grounded individual

It is refreshing to see, from her numerous interviews and guestings, that there is a very grounded individual behind the pretty face. She is quick to deny any rift and tension between her and Marian Rivera, herself a top leading lady in the industry and girlfriend of Dantes. Many have been trying make an issue of the possibility that Dantes may fall for her as they work together. She has quickly put the issue to rest, and with her most disarming of smiles, allowed us to concentrate on this new project — which many are saying could make or break her career as a top actress.

(As an aside, I don’t really know why men like Dingdong Dantes are given license to “fall for” just about anyone. But hey, that’s just me.)

The story and the role could be very taxing for this young actress, as the plotline is filled with heavily emotional scenes and wet-your-hankie sessions. Ramos seems to agree with the effect this project might have on her career, but is enthusiastic about the challenge. After all, she probably wants to prove once and for all, to herself and to her critics, that she is a serious actress and that she has the talent to back up that claim.

More Rhian Ramos photos at this link.

Whatever the outcome, this “trial-by-fire” of sorts is not going to faze Rhian Ramos, that’s for sure. Judging from what is shown, jury may still be out on whether she’s leading lady material. But from all initial evidence — her TV castings to date — and all the issues linked with her, like that sex scandal thing, which she came through just fine — she probably will turn out just fine indeed. If she goes through this and handles herself well, her network will start counting themselves very lucky to have her on board.

Stariway to Heaven is set to premiere on September 14, 2009, primetime on GMA Network.