MARIQUINA’S Strong Women

Che Ramos-Cosio is Leonor Guevara. ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo from Official MARIQUINA fb page https://www.facebook.com/mariquinathemovie/timeline

Written

By Jude Bautista

Leonor (Che Ramos): Aalis nako dito. Romeo (Ricky Davao): Ano ba namang ka baliwan yan? Leonor: Seryoso ako Romeo. Sorry talaga pero hanggang dito na lang talaga kaya ko. Nandiyan naman si Tess para alagaan kayo. Romeo: Wag mo naman ako insultohin. Alam mong tapat ako sayo. Leonor: Wala kang ginawa Romeo. Hindi lang kita mahal. Lagi ko na lang kayo iniisip. Ngayon ako naman.

5th from left: Indian Amb. Lalduhthlana Ralte, from left: Asia Society Program Coordinator Jenny Rocket, Asia Society Phil Exec Dir. Suyin Liu Lee, Belgian Consul Jan Verbeeck, Shang Rila Plaza GM & EVP Lala Fojas, MARIQUINA cast: Mylene Dizon, Ricky Davao, Bing Pimentel, Barbie Forteza, Milo Sogueco and FDCP Proj Dev Officer Joaquin Cu-Unjieng. ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

The storyline of MARIQUINA is supposed to be about the great shoemaker Romeo Geuvara played by actor/director Ricky Davao. But it’s the women who surround him who exhibit true grit and strength of character. Even the cameo appearance was from Iron Butterfly herself, Imelda Marcos. Her reputation as a real life advocate of the Marikina shoe industry was utilized well in the story.

Cong. Imelda Marcos has a cameo appearance in MARIQUINA. ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015.

The movie MARIQUINA starring Mylene Dizon, Ricky Davao and Cinemalaya Best Supporting actress Barbie Forteza is the opening film for the ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest. Quality films from around Asia will be screened at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. The fest is presented by Asia Society Philippines, Security Bank in partnership with the FDCP (Film Development Council of the Philippines) and Shangri-La Plaza.

Mylene Dizon (Imelda Guevara). ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015.

13 films from across Asia are set to delight film enthusiasts this year with works from Australia, Indonesia, India, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, China and the Philippines. The other Filipino title in the fest is NIÑO directed by Loy Arcenas and has won Cinemalaya Best Supporting Actress (Shamaine Buencamino), Best Supporting Actor (Art Acuña) and Special Jury Prize.

from left: Bing Pimentel and Mylene Dizon at the East Atrium of Shang Plaza Mall. ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

The cast of MARIQUINA is replete with strong female characters. Che Ramos-Cosio plays the outwardly quiet and submissive young wife Leonor. Che has appeared in a great number of Cinemalaya and Cinema One productions. If her performance were any less sympathetic it would be difficult to understand why Leonor needed to find her own way in life. But because of her subtlety and skill viewers instead felt for her.

from right: Indian Amb. Lalduhthlana Ralte and Shang Rila Plaza GM & EVP Lala Fojas. ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

MARIQUINA cast from left: Director Milo Sogueco, Mylene Dizon (Imelda), Bing Pimentel (Tess) & Ricky Davao (Romeo). ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Director Milo Sogueco explained, “She needed to be honest to herself. In my movie there are no bad people and good people. Everyone is flawed just like in real life. It just takes a bit of understanding on the predicament of the person her situation. You mentioned Che (Leonor), her character she was very strong to do that. She was being strong for herself. If I’m going to stay here I’m going to die. So I choose to survive. I wana grow so that’s what she did.”

Mylene Dizon (Imelda Guevara). ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015.

Mylene Dizon as the grown up version of Imelda Guevara displayed the jaded sometimes-distant figure trying to piece the whys in her life. The more introspective scenes are difficult to portray, especially since there’s not much dialogue. It’s Mylene’s maturity as an actress that allowed her to express sadness or the lack of it without words.

Mylene Dizon (Imelda Guevara). ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo from Official MARIQUINA fb page https://www.facebook.com/mariquinathemovie/timeline

Dizon as revealed by Sogueco, originally wanted the part of Tess that went to Bing Pimentel. Tess is the shrewd business partner of Romeo Guevara that literally massages his ego. There’s so much more to her than the slutty, seductive and materialistic woman she seems to be. In spite of all that she becomes a positive influence in the teen Imelda Guevara’s life played by Barbie Forteza.

from left: NIÑO director Loy Arceñas with MARIQUINA actresses Bing Pimentel and Barbie Forteza. ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Cinemalaya awardees from left: Nora Aunor (Best Actress-HUSTISYA, Director’s Showcase), Barbie Forteza (Best Supporting Actress-MARIQUINA, New Breed), Cris Villonco (Best Supporting Actress-HARI NG TONDO, Director’s Showcase) and Nicco Manalo (Best Supporting Actor-THE JANITOR, Director’s Showcase) The Cinemalaya X Awards was held last August 10, 2014 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Barbie Forteza was herself a revelation. Director Milo had to overcome his prejudice of soaps during her auditions; she’s a popular star of GMA Network. “She had an audition in CCP and swept me off my feet. That time I met her I said this is the right choice. I ate all my words, swallowed my pride and said she’s the one. And it worked out so well because she’s a fantastic actress.”

Ricky Davao plays master shoemaker Romeo Guevara. ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo from Official MARIQUINA fb page https://www.facebook.com/mariquinathemovie/timeline

Ricky Davao, was able to tap into his vast experience in theater and film both as actor and director. There had to be one male lead such as Davao where all these strong female characters could revolve around. Ricky was so effective it made the production go so smoothly, Sogueco said, “Ricky Davao is my one take, two take guy. Just like Mylene Dizon hey guys this is going to be a one take two take thing. You better give it your all. I won’t make you waste your tears or your anger or pain. I’m not gonna make you crazy. Let’s do this fast. You know what? They were able to deliver. If I have a perfect ensemble its not because of me its because they’re perfect for my movie.”

MARIQUINA director Milo Sogueco; ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

The story is credited to long time producer and writer Gay Ace Domingo, multi awarded screenwriter Henry Burgos (who often works with Brillante Mendoza and Bing Lao) and Milo Sogueco. The screenplay however is credited to Jerrold Tarrog who also happens to be in charge of Music/Soundtrack in this film. They successfully synthesized the history of the difficulties of the local shoe industry as told through the plight of one family.

from left Ricky Davao (Romeo), Barbie Forteza (Imelda) & Che Ramos-Cosio (Leonor). ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015.

Both Philippine films MARIQUINA & NIÑO shown at the ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest are from Cinemalaya. ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015.

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , https://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ , http://judebautista.wordpress.com/

Cong. Imelda Marcos with Film Auteur Max Tessier. Photo was taken during MARIQUINA Cinemalaya gala night last August 2014 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Dennis Padilla (Domeng) and Sofia Pablo (Grade school Imelda). ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015.

fb fan page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Text-and-Photos-by-Jude-Bautista/146371575384135

From left: Asia Society Philippines Executive Dir. Suyin Liu Lee and Emb. of Indonesia Social And Cultural Affairs Minister Counselor R. Toto Waspodo. ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ricky Davao (Romeo) & Sofia Pablo (Grade school Imelda). ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo from Official MARIQUINA fb page https://www.facebook.com/mariquinathemovie/timeline

Official MARIQUINA fb page https://www.facebook.com/mariquinathemovie/timeline

tumblr:

http://judebautista.tumblr.com/

from left: Mylene Dizon & CNN Phil Reporter Patricia Fernandez. ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ricky Davao (Romeo) & Bing Pimentel (Tess). ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo from Official MARIQUINA fb page https://www.facebook.com/mariquinathemovie/timeline

flickr:

Official MARIQUINA fb page https://www.facebook.com/mariquinathemovie/timeline

Barbie Forteza won a Cinemalaya Best Supporting Actress nod for her performance as teen Imelda Guevara. ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

http://judebautista.tumblr.com/

Official MARIQUINA fb page https://www.facebook.com/mariquinathemovie/timeline

from left: Ricky Davao, Shang Rila Plaza GM & EVP Lala Fojas, Shang Rila Plaza Mktg. Div. Head Marline Dualan. ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Bing Pimentel plays the seductive Tess in MARIQUINA. ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo from Official MARIQUINA fb page https://www.facebook.com/mariquinathemovie/timeline

Wordpress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , https://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ , http://judebautista.wordpress.com/

from left: Mel Kimura (Tita Erlie) and Mylene Dizon (Imelda). ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015. Photo from Official MARIQUINA fb page https://www.facebook.com/mariquinathemovie/timeline

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Text-and-Photos-by-Jude-Bautista/146371575384135

Official MARIQUINA fb page https://www.facebook.com/mariquinathemovie/timeline

Ricky Davao plays master shoemaker Romeo Guevara. ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015.

Sofia Pablo (Grade school Imelda); ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015.

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , https://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ , http://judebautista.wordpress.com/

from left: Che Ramos-Cosio (Leonor) & Bing Pimentel (Tess). ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015.

fb fan page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Text-and-Photos-by-Jude-Bautista/146371575384135

from left: Ricky Davao (Romeo), Dennis Padilla (Domeng), Che Ramos-Cosio (Leonor) & Barbie Forteza (Imelda). ASIA ON SCREEN 2015 film fest will run at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall from May 8-12, 2015.

Official MARIQUINA fb page https://www.facebook.com/mariquinathemovie/timeline

tumblr:

http://judebautista.tumblr.com/