A film every Filipino must see.
That’s the consensus of those who saw the advanced screening of Across the Crescent Moon with Matteo Guidicelli and some of the country’s finest thespians.
But why is it a must-see?
Across the Crescent Moon has a powerful, relevant, and timely message. There’s unity and beauty in diversity. It doesn’t really matter whether one is Muslim or Christian or belonging to another faith. Only one country unites us all, the Philippines, regardless of color, faith, belief, sex, or origin.
And yes, there’s beauty in diversity – varied traditions, arts, practices, rituals, cultures make the country so much more colorful, interesting. Yes, beautiful.
But aside from the message, Across the Crescent Moon is also entertaining, enlightening, and inspiring action-drama rarely seen on the big screen. Writer-director-producer Baby E. Nebrida made sure it is.
The film saw the birth of an action hero, Matteo Guidicelli, playing a Muslim soldier who fights human trafficking and other crimes in the South, but at the same time keeping his marriage to Christian girl (Alex Godinez) intact.
Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong also star as Matteo’s Muslim parents and Gabby Concepcion and Dina Bonnevie as Alex’s Christian parents. Playing other important roles are Joem Bascon, Jerene Tan, Jerico Estregan, Kuh Aquino, Sasha Tajaran, and Ivan Carapiet. Executive producer is Bong Tan.
Nebrida notes that the crescent moon symbolizes the Islam faith, while the cross personifies Christianity. The film does not pass judgment on the two religions, but rather shows they can live in harmony and peace. She notes that while shooting in Mindanao, Muslims and Christians alike were of great help. “Ang babait ng mga taga Mindanao,” says Nebrida
The director says even guest and small roles in Across the Crescent Moon were played by fine actors, the likes of Leo Martinez, Jason Abalos, Rez Cortez, Jackie Aquino, Gerald Ejercito, and Dianne Medina.
Across the Crescent Moon combines hard action and drama, capturing the beauty of Tawi-Tawi and nearby undiscovered islands in Mindanao.
★★★★★
Filipinos are tuning in to ABS-CBN newest family drama A Love To Last not only its lead stars are Bea Alonzo and Ian Veneracion and both are spreading kilig vibes, but the stories reflect Filipinos values and sensibilities that resonate with the audiences.
On its pilot week, the program showed how Filipino families are ready to support and help each other during difficult times like how Andeng (Bea) was comforted by her family, who stood by her after she caught her fiancé cheating on her. Andeng drew strength from them during this trial.
Viewers, like student Roselle Arao who was moved by these touching moments in the program, shared, “It really struck me how Andeng was so broken and she has her family with her to back her up in all her battles in life.”
Gemma Bacani, meanwhile, shared that her mother, father, two kids, and herself could relate to the Agoncillo family. She said, “They are very much intact just like us.”
Apart from Andeng, Anton’s (Ian) story also highlighted the importance of family, how Anton fought for his marriage and tried to save his family, and how children are affected if their parents are not on good terms.
While some viewers can relate with the situations and draw life lessons, others are drawn by the kilig and undeniable chemistry between Bea and Ian on-screen.
“Nakakakilig especially when Ian sings. He’s very handsome,” said housewife Vivian Baranda.
Based on Kantar Media’s TV ratings data covering both urban and rural homes nationwide from Jan. 9 to Jan. 13, A Love to Last ruled on its timeslot during its pilot week with an average national TV rating of 25.8 percent.. The show is also a consistent trending topic on Twitter nationwide every weeknight.
As the story continues, viewers are in for a total kilig experience as Anton and Andeng finally bond and get to know each other more in Germany. How will romance blossom between the two?
A Love to Last airs on its new timeslot after My Dear Heart on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (Sky Cable ch.167).
★★★★★
The Greatest Love kept viewers on the edge of their seats as it finally aired the iconic scene where Gloria (Sylvia Sanchez) suffers from sudden and profound memory loss unable to recognize her own children.
In the episode, Gloria’s children finally found out their mother has Alzheimer’s Disease. It garnered its all-time high national TV rating of 20.4 percent, according to data from Kantar Media.
Meanwhile, Gloria is set to face more changes in her life now that her children know about her condition and race against time to save her from her disease.
Will this mark a new beginning for their family? What challenges will they endure with Gloria’s worsening condition?
The Greatest Love airs after Doble Kara on ABS-CBN or ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167).
