Starting Over Again : My Thoughts

                 Why do couples, after separating, has to meet again? Could there be another chance for them to get back together? What if wala? But what if meron?  Why? All these questions were answered after I watched Star Cinema’s Valentine movie offering, Starting Over Again.

                Starring Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga, directed by Olivia Lamasan. Piolo Pascual delivered very well the character of Marco, a History professor turned Chef. Syempre, Piolo Pascual is Piolo Pascual. He exactly showed how a man who fell so deeply in love then got hurt and became devasted after being left alone by the one he loves so much. Even if there were heavy confrontation scenes, I like seeing Piolo in this kind of light romantic-comedy film. And I also like how looking at him during the movie can make one glued to him, because he is really “gwapo”. Toni Gonzaga on the other hand, played the character of Ginny, a student who was head over heels to her History professor, who eventually became an Architect. Just like in her previous films, Toni G., never fails to showcase her humor with the characters she plays. Here, I appreciate her maturity and bravery to do those kissing scenes and love scene, something I don’t usually see in most of her films. I am also impressed with her fashion in the movie. Overall, I love how good they were in making people relate to the characters they played.

                In the movie, the girl fell for the boy then the boy catches the girl. They eventually bacame a couple, then got separated. The girl left the boy. Years after, they met and saw each other again. The girl, Ginny, was hoping they could have another chance but the boy, Marco, was already with somebody else, Patty (Iza Calzado). The ex couple could have had a part 2 of their relationship but it was now complicated having a new person in the scene. If there’s already someone new, why do they have to meet again??

                The movie’s ending wasn’t the ending that I have (or maybe “we”) expected. I’ve watched several Star Cinema romantic-comedy films with that happily-ever-after ending, but this time, it didn’t end the same way. And I think it was the best thing about the movie. I love how perfectly the story was made... because in reality, some relationships doesn’t always last and have a happy ending. It ended just right.

                So again, why do ex couples have to meet again? Second chance? To rekindle the old flame? Maybe. But what if the other has already moved on with another life? What if it is already complicated and impossible to have a part 2? Why still meet? The movie answered it with “closure”. Maybe two people with an unresolved past has to meet again not because they have a one more chance, but because they simply have to put an end to what they used to have... to have a closure to all the why’s, what if’s, to all the questions and issues that are haunting ex lovers.

                Starting Over Again is not your usual romantic-comedy film. I might not have expected the ending of Marco and Ginny’s love story but I felt glad on how the movie ended with that feel-good feeling. I love how the movie has its effect on me. I mean, I felt the sadness but it definitely placed a smile on my face later on. Above all, I love how it taught me (or maybe, “us”) that not all relationships has its happy ending;  that one, after all the heartbreak, has to move on and get back up on track again... that eventually one has to start all over again... to start making his/herself whole again... :)

UNOFFICIALLY YOURS

            Since I was single and working during the Valentine’s Day, my family and I celebrated this occasion only last Saturday, February 18. So what did we do? Being an Angel Locsin fan and pretty excited about her latest movie, where else would I invite my family? In cinema and watch UnOfficially Yours definitely!

            The movie is about a guy, Mackie, who came from failed relationships but considers falling in love again and a modern-day woman, Ces, who doesn’t believe in commitments. Then they met in a very strange event. What happens if the other wants to take it into the next, serious level and the other still finds it for fun?

            I think, John Lloyd who played the role of Mackie Galvez, has mastered the art of making pa-“kilig” in his movies. He may not have the sexiest body, but he has captured every girl’s heart. There was this particular scene where he said to Angel (Ces), “Naghihintay lang ng inspirasyon… Uy, nandyan ka na pala…”, then started to type really fast on his keyboard/PC. It was funny but really felt that “kilig”. I’ve seen JL’s movies since One More Chance and this must be his most daring film – well, in terms of baring too much skin.:p

            As an Angel Locsin fan and having been able to watch almost all her movies, I can say she truly has grown as an artist. Playing the role of Ces, she was able to sustain that level of maturity of an actress she has already showed in In The Name of Love. For me, Angel was very effective with her character that I nearly forgot it was her and dama ko siya talaga! Feminism in the film is quite evident in Angel’s character as she portrays a very strong and independent woman. Since The Promise, I think Angel just keeps on becoming bolder in her movies. And here in her latest, without a doubt, she really is Philippines’ Sexiest Woman/Celebrity – deserve na deserve!

            At lot of people have perceived this movie as a rip-off of Hollywood’s Friends With Benefits and No Strings Attached, but director Cathy Garcia-Molina did it great by making a not-so-old-not-so-new concept appear fresh. These movies may have similarly tackled casual sex relationship, but UnOfficially Yours differed by having a story with a very pinoy approach; like how families affect with the two main characters and how involved friends are in this situation. It is also nice that an old Filipino custom like Harana has still become a part of this very modern love story done in a modern way.

            As I’ve said, I was with my conservative family including my mom and lola, when I watched this. Although it was very sexy, they never find it bastos or anything like that. The director perfectly made those love making hidden in a very hilarious scene. I was laughing so hard specifically in that wild, “kalabugan” scene where Mackie’s friends were just waiting for them outside his room.

Overall, I completely enjoyed the movie. I find it amazing how a light romantic-comedy film took me into their world and captured my attention all throughout. I also love how they all seem to be so fab with their outfits especially Angel. It shows that no matter how toxic the workplace is, anyone should still look fashionable. 

UnOfficially Yours is not your typical love story where boy meets girl then someone comes along that gives conflict to the story. Here, it teaches us that there are relationships that start in an unconventional way; that it is the couple themselves that complicates everything; that sometimes, relationship doesn’t really need an official status but understanding; and, that we should never easily give up and surrender in love. At the end, it made me think why I still stay single. Am I like Ces who is just afraid of commitments and getting hurt? Or, am I just waiting for someone like Mackie who would do such effort and make me believe in love again? Choss!

           UnOfficially Yours is definitely a Must-See movie for people who are in love, got hurt and wants to try and fall in love again!