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... :)

Four Sisters and A Wedding

                 As a kick-off to their 20th year anniversary, Star Cinema started their celebration by releasing a Drama-Comedy Family-Oriented film ... the Four Sisters and A Wedding ... And just last Friday, on its 3rd day of showing, I was able to finally catch the movie on cinema. Well ... I guess I truly enjoyed the movie because for the second time, I watched it again and dragged my family to check out Four Sisters and A Wedding in cinema last Sunday ... Starring Toni Gonzaga, Bea Alonzo, Angel Locsin, Shaina Magadayao and Enchong Dee, directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, the film was about the four sisters who all gathered and went back home trying to come up with a plan in order to protect their youngest sibling, their baby brother from getting married. . .

The eldest among the siblings was Teddie Salazar. She was their mother's favorite, the leader among the sisters, and was working hard in Spain. Teddie was effectively played by Toni Gonzaga. Almost all of her jokes and funny lines and scenes were executed very well. Pasok sa banga! And after being able to watch her previous movies, I can say that she performed best in this film. I was finally moved by her acting during the confrontation scene with Coney Reyes, the mother Salazar. Toni seemed to have given her co-stars the kind of acting that would level to the other's capability.

Teddie was followed by Bobbie Salazar. Bobbie was the achiever, the smartest, most proper, working in New York, USA and was in a relationship. Bea Alonzo portrayed the role of Bobbie. I guess, Bea was a perfect fit for the role. She spoke fluently with the English language and with good diction. This is also the first time she made me affected again by her portrayal since her being "Basha" in One More Chance. She executed the right amount of acting in their confrontation scene. In this movie, Bea Alonzo gives that kind of impression that she really is a dramatic actress, that she is already Bea Alonzo ...  


The third sibling is Alex Salazar. The least to have school recognition, black sheep of the family, the rebel and most pasaway. Angel Locsin took the role of Alex Salazar. Being known for her tough attitude, Angel seemed to be the right choice for the role. Watching her as Alex made me forget she is being played by Angel. Her role was totally different from her movies before like, One More Try and In The Name of Love. She too moved me during her conversation with Bea. Although I like her character and Angel was good, I was somehow disappointed because her part was kinda bitin. I think it is in the script or on how her part was written. Alex has a strong character, and being the black sheep of the family, she must have given a better highlight in the story. Her role could have been stretched so that Angel could have given more, after all, she is a 4-time Best Actress awardee for this year ...

The youngest sister was Gabbie Salazar. The one in charge of taking care of their mother, the neutral among the siblings, the teacher. Gabbie was played by Shaina Magdayao. Maybe because Shaina is not as big star as her three elder sisters, she doesn't seem to have much highlight in the story. I must admit that I was not able to watch most of Shaina's movies or maybe I just wasn't paying much attention on her, but acting as Gabbie, I appreciate Shaina in this film ..


CJ, the youngest sibling, was the most charming, the baby brother, and the one who was about to get married. Enchong Dee as CJ was a good choice. He performed well as the "bunso" in the family. He was able to carry out well in that scene where he was yelling at his sisters. Enchong on this movie was just so cute! 


All in all, I love the movie and really enjoyed sitting for almost 2 hours twice watching the movie. It has the perfect mix of drama and comedy for a family-oriented film. Coney Reyes played that typical mother but showed the flaws of being a mother of five children. Carmi Martin was able to show that her humor doesn't fade even in her "serious" face or moment. For me, this movie is far much better compared to previous comedy family film, Ang Tanging Pamilya and the likes. I highly suggest and recommend to watch this movie especially for people who wanted to have a good laugh and at the same time learn a lesson. Four Sisters and A Wedding is truly worth to watch ... :)