Cinemalaya: Mga Mumunting Lihim [Juday, Iza, Agot & Janice]

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PEP REVIEW: Mga Mumunting Lihim is a realistic take on friendship
Mark Angelo Ching
Thursday, July 26, 2012



[spoiler start]Jose Javier Reyes likes to refer to his Cinemalaya entry, Mga Mumunting Lihim, as a “main-die” since it features mainstream stars but has the “indie” spirit. The plot is quite unconventional and features an ensemble cast of today's top-billing actresses.

The movie tells the story of four female friends, led by Mariel (Judy Ann Santos), a housewife. When Mariel dies from cancer, she leaves her diaries to her best friend Carly (Iza Calzado), a top advertising executive. Upon reading the diaries, Carly discoveres the secrets of her two remaining friends Olive (Janice de Belen) and Sandra (Agot Isidro). Soon, the secrets ruin their friendship. But what was Mariel's real intention when she left the diaries?

What's most admirable about Mga Mumunting Lihim is the tight storytelling. The movie uses a lot of flashbacks to tell back stories, and these help the plot move along, instead of muddling it.

The use of flashback also strengthened the director's use of repetition. Several scenes were repeated throughout the movie, with each repeat having more weight because of a flashback that gave it more significance.

There is also an effort not to drown in sentimentality, unlike mainstream dramas. Scenes are more realistic, and the dialogue is written like how it would be said in real life.

This makes the movie really entertaining. Where else can you see Iza, Janice and Agot use curse words and shout at each other while fighting? Janice even uses the dirty finger, which might shock some viewers.

And where else can you witness a character reconcile with a friend by cursing her? These scenes make Mga Mumunting Lihim a must-see in this year’s lineup.

Judy Ann, Iza, Agot, and Janice complement each other's performances. The scene where they drink and get high on spiked brownies is absolutely hilarious.

Mga Mumunting Lihim is one of the 5 entries competing in the Director’s Showcase category of the 8th edition of Cinemalaya. It is being screened at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma until July 29, 2012. [spoiler end]

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Supreme's Cinemalaya '12 report card
By Don Jaucian
The Philippine Star
Updated July 28, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - With only two screening days left of the 8th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and a re-run at the University of the Philippines next month, Supreme gives you the legit lowdown on which films blew us away and which ones bombed and should have never been filmed in the first place.



Mga Mumunting Lihim (Those Little Secrets, Jose Javier Reyes)

Mga Mumunting Lihim gets the tenuous dynamics of friendships right; that there are things kept hidden to keep relationships floating on. The film’s constant shift in tone (from “mainstream gloss” to “indie chic”), editing issues, and inconsistencies may create distractions from the film’s main spectacle but it’s the excellent performances from four of our country’s best actresses (Judy Ann Santos, Janice De Belen, Agot Isidro, and Iza Calzado) that glue the film together. B-

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Please put SPOILER ALERTS using [s p o i l e r] and [/ s p o i l e r] without spaces if you are posting important plot points from film reviews or blog updates. Thank you.

When Secrets Aren't Friendly Ghosts
By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ
July 24, 2012, 3:02pm


Every friend has a secret. How long can one keep it? (Promotional photo)

At onset, “Mga Mumunting Lihim (‘Those Little Secrets’)” gives the impression of a “grand” film in that it boasts a stellar cast, primarily composed of mainstream thespians, and an esteemed director. But in truth, it’s an unassuming yet cleverly crafted story in homage to one of the most beautiful relationships in the world: friendship.

For a first-timer in the indie film scene, writer-director Joey Reyes brilliantly applies his expertise on storytelling and his keen sense of humanity to deliver a story that warms the heart and provokes the mind. He boldly presents his characters in their most human—they cuss if they're enraged, laugh as if it’s their last night on earth, work their arse off either for someone (including themselves), or they just had to because they feel lost in their own path.

Friendship tales may well be one of the most underutilized in cinema; well, at least locally—staples at the tills are usually the family-oriented, boy-meets-girl types of features. “Mga Mumunting Lihim” fills that void. Minute by minute, we couldn’t help but identify with Mariel (Judy Ann Santos), Carly (Iza Calzado), Sandra (Agot Isidro), or Olive (Janice De Belen). Are you the bossy type? The silent tiger? Dependent on others? Materialistic?

[spoiler start]“Mga Mumunting Lihim” takes off unconventionally with a necrological service for the death of Mariel. As the film unfolds, Carly “inherits” Mariel’s box of journals. Little did she know that the accounts in the latter’s diaries would haunt them far worse than her ghost could ever have. Surprise, surprise: too much familiarity doesn’t guarantee a key to one’s deepest secrets or all-important trust.

Throughout the film, Direk Joey uses various storytelling techniques that takes viewers deeper into the intertwined lives of the four characters. He touched and tickled us in the right places and at the right time. The script brought to life no-nonsense women caught whether in moments of random musings, wild, public confrontations (the highlight of the film that will leave you laughing and applauding), or more poignant reflections on life, love, and loss.[spoiler end]

In this film, we find Judy Ann, Iza, Agot, and Janice at their rawest and best. Four talented actresses with so much to give, yet there never was a moment that felt like we’re witnessing an acting showdown. And while it’s the first time we’ve seen them on the same frame together, their chemistry seemed so defined. It was as if they’ve been friends in real life since they were in kindergarten.

“Mga Mumunting Lihim” is part of the Director’s Showcase of the 2012 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival which runs from July 20 to 29 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Trinoma, and Greenbelt.

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Congratulations to the cast and crew of Mga Mumunting Lihim

SOURCE: PEP ALERTS

Best Editing (Directors‘ Showcase) - Vanessa de Leon (Mga Mumunting Lihim)

Best Screenplay (Directors‘ Showcase) - Jose Javier Reyes (Mga Mumunting Lihim)

Best Supporting Actress/Actress (Directors‘ Showcase). The two awards were compressed as one and then named "Best Ensemble." The renamed award was given to the ensemble of Judy Ann Santos, Iza Calzado, Agot Isidro, and Janice de Belen (Mga Mumunting Lihim)

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Abante-Tonite
Gorgy Rula
July 30, 2012

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Kung magkaroon daw siya ng isa pang pagkakataon, gusto ni Juday na mag-produce uli ng isa pang indie film at baka puwedeng isali sa Cinemalaya.

“It’s very liberating,” bulalas ni Juday.

“Yung participation sa Cinemalaya, refreshing na paminsan-minsan nakakagawa ka ng indie film, kasi nahahasa ka bilang artista,” pahayag pa nito.

Hindi siya nagsisi at nagawa niya itong Mga Mumunting Lihim.

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Cinemalaya 2012 winners unveiled; four actresses receive Best Ensemble award

Monday, July 30, 2012 @ 02:42AM


Eddie Garcia (left) won Best Actor in the 8th edition of Cinemalaya for the film Bwakaw. Agot Isidro, Janice de Belen, Iza Calzado, and Judy Ann Santos won the Best Ensemble award for Mga Mumunting Lihim in the Director's Showcase category.

The winners of the 2012 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival were announced last night, July 29, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The awards night marks the end of the 10-day film festival that showcased 25 films: 10 films competing at the New Breed category, 10 short films and five Director's Showcase category entries.

The ten films that competed in the New Breed full length feature category were Aparisyon by Vincent Sandoval, Ang Katiwala by Aloy Adlawan, Ang Nawawala by Marietta "Marie" Jamora, Mga Dayo by Julius Sotomayor Cena, Diablo by Mes de Guzman, Intoy Syokoy ng Kalye Marino by Lemuel Lorca, Oros by Paul Sta. Ana, REquieme! by Loy Arcenas, Santa Niña by Emmanuel Quindo Palo, and The Animals by Gino Santos.

Five films in the Director's Showcase are Bwakaw by Jun Robles Lana, Kalayaan (Wildlife) by Adolfo Alix Jr., Mga Mumunting Lihim (Those Little Secrets) by Jose Javier Reyes, Posas (Shackled) by Lawrence Fajardo, and Kamera Obskura by Raymond Red.

The short films selected this year were: Ang Paghihintay sa Bulong by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, As He Sleeps by Sheron Dayoc, Balintuna by Emmanuel Escalona Jr., Bohe Sons of the Waves by Nadjoua Bansil, Manenaya by Richard Legaspi, Pasahero by Mario Celada, Ruweda by Hannah Espia, Sarong Aldaw by Marianito Dio Jr., Ulian (Senility) by Chuck Gutierrez, and Victor by Jarell Serencio.

During the awards night, there was some confusion regarding the winner of the Best Supporting Actress category of the Director's Showcase category. The host announced that the winners were the four stars of Mga Mumunting Lihim (Judy Ann Santos, Iza Calzado, Agot Isidro, and Janice de Belen).

However, moments later, National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera announced that Anita Linda won Best Supporting Actress for Sta. Niña, which is in the New Breed category.

Finally, screenwriter Ricky Lee went onstage and clarified: instead of citing Best Supporting Actress and Best Actress in the Director's Showcase category, a prize called Best Ensemble will be given to the lead actresses of Mga Mumunting Lihim.

Here is the complete list of winners for the 8th edition of Cinemalaya:

Director's Showcase:

Audience Choice - Bwakaw
Best Screenplay - Mga Mumunting Lihim
Best Sound - Kalayaan
Best Original Musical Score - Kamera Obskura
Best Editing - Mga Mumunting Lihim
Best Production Design - Kalayaan
Best Cinematography - Kalayaan
Best Supporting Actor - Art Acuña (Posas)
Best Ensemble - Judy Ann Santos, Agot Isidro, Iza Calzado, Janice de Belen (Mga Mumunting Lihim)
Best Actor - Eddie Garcia (Bwakaw)
Special Jury Prize - Kamera Obskura
NETPAC Awardee - Bwakaw
Best Director - Raymond Red (Kamera Obskura)
Best Film - Posas

New Breed:

Audience Choice - Ang Nawawala
Best Screenplay - Requieme
Best Sound - Aparisyon
Best Original Musical Score - Ang Nawawala
Best Editing - The Animals
Best Production Design - Intoy Syokoy ng Kalye Marino
Best Cinematography - Diablo
Best Supporting Actor - Joross Gamboa (Intoy Syokoy ng Kalye Marino)
Best Supporting Actress - Anita Linda (Sta. Nina)
Best Actor - Kristoffer King (Oros)
Best Actress - Ama Quiambao (Diablo)
Special Jury Prize - Requieme
NETPAC Awardee - Diablo
Best Director - Mes De Guzman (Diablo)
Best Film - Diablo

Short Features:

Audience Choice - Ruweda
Best Screenplay - Ang Paghihintay sa Bulong
Special Jury Prize - Manenaya
Best Director - Sheron Dayoc (As He Sleeps)
Best Short Film - Victor

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Direk gumawa ng history sa Cinemalaya dahil kina Juday at Iza
Lolit Solis

Parang nanalo rin ang pakiramdam ni Joey Reyes dahil mga best actress at best supporting actress ng Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival ang apat na aktres na mga bida ng Mga Mumunting Lihim, sina Judy Ann Santos, Janice de Belen, Agot Isidro, at Iza Calzado.

Si Joey ang writer at director ng Mga Mumunting Lihim. Hindi man niya napanalunan ang best director trophy, winner na maituturing si Joey dahil sa mga acting award ng kanyang mga artista. Sa madaling salita, gumawa ng history ang cast at director ng Mga Mumunting Lihim.



Marami ang na-curious kaya type nilang mapanood sa mga sinehan ang pelikula na dedicated ni Joey sa kanyang departed friends, sina Don Escudero at Khryss Adalia. Gustong makita ng mga curious ang sikreto ng double victory sa Cinemalaya nina Juday, Iza, Agot, at Janice.

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Iza Calzado, Judy Ann Santos, Janice de Belen and Agot Isidro earned the best performance awards, both for the lead and supporting roles, in Jose Javier Reyes’ “Mga Mumunting Lihim,” a drama on how the secrets of four women best friends were revealed through a diary.

The Cinemalaya finalists will be screened at the University of the Philippines Film Center’s Cine Adarna in Diliman, Quezon City starting Wednesday.

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TAKE IT! TAKE IT!
Ni Lolit Solis
Pilipino Star Ngayon
Updated August 01, 2012

Cinemalaya entries nire-request ituloy sa ayala malls

May mga request na ipagpatuloy ang pagpapalabas sa Ayala Malls Cinema ang mga pelikula ng 2012 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

Marami ang hindi nakapunta sa Cultural Center of the Philippines para panoorin ang Cinemalaya entries dahil nalayuan sila sa venue.

Balitang-balita na magaganda ang mga pelikula na kasali sa Cinemalaya kaya hinihiling ng moviegoers na i-extend ang showing sa mga sinehan ng Ayala Malls tulad ng Trinoma sa Quezon City dahil madali itong puntahan.

Ang Bwakaw, Mga Mumunting Lihim, Sta. Niña, at Posas ang nangunguna sa listahan ng mga pelikula na gustong panoorin ng mga mahihilig sa sine. Ang Posas ang winner ng best film ng Director’s Showcase Category ng 2012 Cinemalaya.

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Abante-Tonite
Jojo Gabinete
August 1, 2012

Ipinakita ng ABS-CBN ang pagpapahalaga kay Iza Calzado sa congratulatory message na inilabas nila sa timeslot ng Kahit Puso’y Masugatan, isang araw matapos mapanalunan ni Iza ang best actress at best supporting actress trophies sa 8th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival para sa Mga Mumunting Lihim.

Co-winners ni Iza ang mga co-stars niya sa Mga Mumunting Lihim, sina Janice de Belen, Agot Isidro at Judy Ann Santos. Kasama si Agot sa binigyang pugay ng Kapamilya Network, kahit napapanood siya sa rival program ng Kahit Puso’y Masugatan, ang One True Love ng GMA-7.

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Journal Online
Published : Thursday, August 02, 2012
Written by : Mario Bautista

AGOT NOWHERE TO ACCEPT AWARD

AGOT Isidro is delighted to have won Cinemalaya best actress for her exceptional ensemble acting with Judy Ann Santos, Janice de Belen and Iza Calzado in “Mumunting Lihim.” “Sayang nga I wasn’t there to accept it personally as I was working, but it’s really an honor to win with my co-stars na puro magagaling,” she says.

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Mga Mumunting Lihim, Bwakaw, and Sta. Niña are not included in the screenings of Cinemalaya Goes UP. Instead of showing these films, the UP Cineastes Studio has decided to screen two films from the 1st Sineng Pambansa. These are Mga Kidnaper ni Ronnie Lazaro and In Bangka Ha Ut Sin Duwa Sapah (The Boat Between Two Rivers).

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Iza Calzado accepting Cinemalaya's Best Ensemble
(Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress) award
on behalf of her Mga Mumunting Lihim co-stars
Janice de Belen, Agot Isidro and Judy Ann Santos.

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Malaya
Mario E. Bautista
August 2, 2012

Agot Isidro won best actress in the recent Cinemalaya Awards Night along with Judy Ann Santos, Janice de Belen and Iza Calzado for their fine ensemble work in “Mga Mumunting Lihim.” How is it working with them?

“Nag-enjoy kaming lahat. Walang katapusang chikahan sa set. I’m so glad to have worked with them. Off cam, tsismisan. But off cam, serious lahat. Ang gagaling nila. Natutulala ako sa husay nila. Pero ako ang pinakamayaman sa’ming apat in the story. Kasi I married someone who’s so rich, kaya naiinggit sila sa’kin.”

“Mumunting Lihim” will be have a nationwide theatrical release starting August 22.

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JAS on BANDILA 8/3/12

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/ent...re-indie-films

Judy Ann wants to do more indie films
08/04/2012 1:53 AM

Malaking bonus para kay Judy Ann Santos ang doble-panalong best actress at best supporting actress kasama pa ang mga co-stars sa una niyang indie movie sa Cinemalaya Film Festival. Dahil dito, ganado si Juday na muling umarte sa iba pang indie films. Judy Ann Santos, trending na! Bandila, Agosto 3, 2012, Biyernes

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SOURCE: http://backtothefryingpan.wordpress....review-part-1/

MGA MUMUNTING LIHIM
Director: Jose Javier Reyes
Starring: Judy Ann Santos, Iza Calzado, Janice de Belen, and Agot Isidro
Competition: Directors Showcase

When Mariel (Santos) died, she left a box to her best friend Carla (Calzado) containing all of her diaries back when she started writing one. As Carla reads all of them, secrets between her, Mariel, Sandra (Isidro), and Olive (de Belen) started to affect their friendship.

This is Jose Javier Reyes’ first foray into indie filmmaking, and this shows some potential. I have issues with the treatment of the movie as a whole, and the sound seems too inconsistent at times. However, whatever issues you have with the film won’t bother you that much when you focus on the two greatest aspects of the movie: the writing and the acting. Reyes’ lines seem straight out of his personal journal as well, and it’s pretty obvious that he has a lot of inspiration when he was writing this. While one may think that it may be exaggerated, I claim to say that it is rather truthful. The other strength lies within the acting; the four leads can carry the whole film on their shoulders and yet remain as interesting. The chemistry was prevalent, and whether it was Iza’s stares, Judai’s facial expressions, Agot’s delivery, or Janice’s cussing, it was all very natural. Part of me thinks that they did [not] cast lesser known actors as it’s difficult to hold up with this great ensemble. That alone is worth the ticket. All in all, it was a very realistic portrayal of friendship that is relatable to everyone.

Rating: 3.5 / 5

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Joey Reyes’s debut as ‘indie’ director
By Isah V. Red
Posted on August 06, 2012 | 6:30pm

Mga Mumunting Lihim (Those Little Secrets) marks Jose Javier Reyes’ foray into independent filmmaking. He wrote and directed the film that debuted at the recent Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

In a writing career that spans 30 years and a listing of directorial works close to 60 movies, this is the very first time that Reyes ventured into making a film outside the studio system to finally join what he deems as the new direction and true future of Philippine cinema.

The decision to finally make an indie movie came at what Reyes feels is the right time and project.

Mga Mumunting Lihim is what he considers his most personal work. Admittedly, he concedes that no mainstream studio will agree to produce a project that defies conventional storytelling and, more so, places popular mainstream actresses not in the usual roles they play.

Reyes emphasizes that Mga Mumunting Lihim is a film about friendship created by friends.

The film centers on what happens to four female friends in their 30s—as they confront certain realities in their changing lives. It also dwells on the fragile chains that bind people together, the volatile nature of friendship and how the years of camaraderie do not and cannot guarantee a total knowledge of one another.

Joey says, “It is those little secrets and heartaches accumulated through time that can make friendship stronger—or destroy everything that the years have put together.”

Reyes also states that without the kindness, time and talent given by his lead actresses the film could not have been done. These actresses did not only contribute their precious time but agreed to do the film without their usual talent fees out of their love for the project—and the chance to portray roles they could not have played in movies produced by big studios.

Mga Mumunting Lihim stars Judy Ann Santos, Iza Calzado, Agot Isidro, Janice de Belen.

The four won best actress during the award ceremonies culminating the annual independent film festival.

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SEEN SCENE
Pilipino Star Ngayon
Updated August 14, 2012

SCENE: Ipalalabas sa nationwide theaters sa Aug. 22 ang Mga Mumunting Lihim, ang pelikula na nagbigay ng best actress at best supporting actress awards kina Judy Ann Santos, Agot Isidro, Iza Calzado, at Janice de Belen sa 8th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

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It is now official:

MGA MUMUNTING LIHIM is GRADED A by the Cinema Evaluation Board this afternoon.

Everyone involved in this little film would like to thank the members of the CEB for this most distinguished honor.

SOURCE: OFFICIAL MMK FACEBOOK PAGE

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Abante-Tonite
Jun Lalin
August 15, 2012

SOBRANG aga ni Judy Ann Santos sa press conference kahapon ng Mga Mumunting Lihim.

Bago kasi ang presscon, may one-on-one interview si Juday kay Janice de Belen na bida rin ng nasabing indie movie.

Para sa Showbiz Inside Report ng ABS-CBN ang interview na ‘yon ni Juday.

Very proud sina Juday, Janice, Agot Isidro at Iza Calzado sa Mga Mumunting Lihim na idinirehe ni Jose Javier Reyes.

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