Movie review: Millennial brats had it coming in 'Pwera Usog' | ABS-CBN

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Movie review: Millennial brats had it coming in 'Pwera Usog'

Movie review: Millennial brats had it coming in 'Pwera Usog'

Fred Hawson

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Among Filipino superstitions, a most curious one is "usog." This is supposed to be a curse imparted by a stranger who gives someone (usually a kid) a bad stare or an evil eye. This results in the victim experiencing unexplained body malaise and fever, or stomach ache and vomiting. To counter this, the visitor is supposed to wet his fingertip with his saliva and touch it on the child's forehead in a cross pattern, saying "pwera usog" (or "to avoid usog").

Noted indie writer and director Jason Paul Laxamana tackles this interesting folk belief in his latest project -- his first foray into the horror genre. Like his previous films like "Babagwa" (2013) and "Ang Magkakabaung" (2014), a good part of this film was also shot in his home province of Pampanga.

Jean Cordero (Sofia Andres) is a bratty rich girl who enjoys making naughty prank videos with her close, similarly bratty friends Val (Cherise Castro) and Bobby (Albie Casino). One day, she convinces her level-headed ex-boyfriend Sherwin (Joseph Marco) to drive them out of town for a road trip. During a pitstop at an old abandoned building, the pals decide to play a cruel prank on a beggar woman Luna (Devon Seron) that went horribly wrong. From then on, Jean and her friends begin to experience the wrath of a malevolent spirit causing a potent deadly "usog."

The millennial lead characters in this movie Jean, Val and Bobby -- with their obsession with being viral on social media, their wanton disrespect for their parents, their overwhelmingly selfish egos, their arrogant, whiny American accents -- were all so annoying and maddening to watch! I cannot believe anyone sane and educated would ever even think of or actually doing that excessively sadistic prank they did. They really had the curse coming to them, and they certainly deserved their punishment.

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The three generations of arbularyo (or folk healers) in the film were Magda (Erlinda Villalobos), Minda (Aiko Melendrez) and Quintin (Kiko Estrada). They are not related by blood, but by circumstance. I wonder how accurate to reality those arbularyo rites (the egg in the bottle, the circle of salt, the preventive amulets) were because I thought they were interesting. I got a great laugh about the gallon of liquid that the arbularyo poured on a severe usog victim, and that liquid was revealed to have been Magda and Minda's stored collection of their saliva!!! I'm sure that simply can't be true. LOL!

Aside from that gallon of spit gag, there were a lot more humorous moments throughout the film. The scene where Jean, Sherwin, Minda and Quintin were prepping for battle was hilarious. Joseph Marco was so funny when macho Sherwin was acting like a scaredy-cat during his ghost encounters. Because of her "burgis" ways, Sofia Andres was visually funny when she sat inside the circle of salt to initiate a fight with the ghost. Those ethereal catfights in the netherworld between Minda, and later Jean, against the diabolical soul of Catalina (Eula Valdez) were also quite a riot to behold.

"Pwera Usog" had all the Pinoy horror film essentials in there: eerie locations and production design, macabre musical score, gallons of blood and vomit, false alarms and jump scares, and of course, the ghostly witch makeup. It even had a pseudo-scientific explanation by a hammy-acting Dr. Michael Yu, neurologist. I think writer and director Laxamana did it on purpose that the film was not really an all-out serious horror film, and this worked in his favor. The sense of humor, intended or not, made this quite an entertaining film to watch. I may not have been truly spooked, but I sure had fun. 7/10

This review was originally published in the author's blog, "Fred Said."

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BINI leads the list of The Official Philippines Chart’s Top 10 OPM Artists

BINI leads the list of The Official Philippines Chart’s Top 10 OPM Artists

Ann Manhit,

Push Team

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The Nation’s Girl Group BINI was present at the launch of the Official Philippines Chart to receive their award for landing the number one spot among the Top 10 Local Artists of the Year. 

“Being recognized as Top Local Artist  of the Year only helps us to strive even harder to put Filipino music on the global stage,” they said. “This all started with a dream. We never imagined reaching this point, where we are given such a tremendous honor.”

The eight-piece girl group made sure to acknowledge all those who have helped them along the way, most especially their loyal fanbase, the Blooms. 

“This achievement is not just ours. It is shared with our dedicated team and management, our families, and of course, our Blooms, who have unwaveringly believed and supported us,” they added. “We are truly grateful. Thank you so much!”

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BINI treated the crowd to a performance of their latest single, “Blink Twice”, which they will be bringing with them on their upcoming BINIverse World Tour

Aside from BINI, other top-performing OPM artists were also recognized as part of the Top 10 Local Artists of the Year. 

Clinching the Top 10 spot was Flow G, followed by Al James at 9. 

Top 8 was Maki, who also earned a spot in the list of Top 10 Local Songs of the Year. 

The Top 7 spot belonged to TJ Monterde, whose song “Palagi” also got the number one spot for Top 10 Local Songs of the Year. 

The 6th spot went to Dionela, while number 5 went to Arthur Nery. Both have songs on the Top 10 Local Songs of the Year as well.

Pop band Cup of Joe was at 4. They were unable to be present at the event as they just had their second major concert, Silakbo, last February 8 at the Big Dome. They did, however, send over a video message expressing their gratitude not only to the award-giving body but to their fans as well.

“We just want to thank the Official Philippines Chart for recognizing us as one of the Top 10 artists,” they said. “We are very thankful and, sa aming mga Joewahs, thank you so much. Grabe ang support ninyo sa amin. We wouldn’t be here without you guys. We love you all.”

The Top 3 spot of the Top 10 Local Artists of the Year was cinched by Ben&Ben.

“I think ‘yung maganda sa official charts, nakikita ninyo ‘yung napapakinggan ng tao ngayon, lalo na ‘yung mga bago. Ngayon napakaraming magagaling na bagong artists, and I think charts help fire up people’s support for Original Pilipino Music and that’s why malaking tulong talaga siya,” said the band.

“We’re happy to be part of a movement of artists na talagang patuloy lang gumagawa ng music and trying to break the boundaries of where OPM can go,” they added.

Hev Abi got the number 2 spot. The OPM artist also claimed three of the ten spots for Top 10 Local Songs of the Year.

The Nation’s Girl Group BINI was at the top of list. In addition to this, their hit songs “Salamin, Salamin” and “Pantropiko” both made it to the Top 10 Local Songs of the Year as well.

The Official Philippines Chart aims to recognize, protect, and celebrate Filipino artists. It also serves as a platform for fans to further engage with their favorites and discover even more new music.

“For artists, these numbers serve as an inspiration, They shine a light on their achievements and recognize the impact of their artistry. Knowing where they stand on the charts can motivate them to reach even greater heights, to push boundaries and to create music that reflects their authentic selves. It’s a reminder that their hard work does not go unnoticed, and that their voices matter,” said PRM Board Member Roslyn Pineda.

“For fans, this chart offers a deeper connection to the music they love. It allows them to discover new artists, follow their favorites, and engage with the vibrant music scene in the Philippines. As they see their favorite songs climb the charts, they will see a sense of pride and support in supporting homegrown talent and contributing to the success of these artists.”

The complete list of the Official Philippines Chart of Top 10 Local Artists of the Year is as follows:

  1. BINI
  2. Hev Abi
  3. Ben&Ben
  4. Cup of Joe
  5. Arthur Nery
  6. Dionela
  7. TJ Monterde
  8. Maki
  9. Al James
  10. Flow G

Also given recognition that evening were the Top 10 Local Songs of the Year.

The Official Philippines Chart is an industry-backed weekly music chart showcasing the top-performing tracks from local and international artists in the country based on streaming across all major platforms. The chart refreshes every Tuesday at www.officialseacharts.com, as well as on the social media accounts of the Official SEA Charts.

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