March 9, 2009 - The 6th Golden Screen Awards (Philippine version of the Golden Globes) recently announced its nominations for the best films of 2008. BOSES leads the pack with 12 nominations:
· Best Motion Picture
· Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role - Cherry Pie Picache
· Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role - Ricky Davao
· Best Breakthrough Performance - Coke Bolipata and Julian Duque
· Best Director - Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil
· Best Original Screenplay- Froilan Medina, Rody Vera
· Best Cinematography- Nap Jamir
· Best Editing - Orlean Joseph Tan
· Best Production Design - Bianca Gonzales
· Best Sound - Allan Marcelo Hidalgo, Orlean Joseph Tan
· Best Musical Score - Jourdan Petalver
Boses is about the healing power of music and the redemption of the human spirit. Onyok, a child made mute at the hands of his own father is sent to a shelter for abused children where he is cared for by social workers. Nobody can get through to Onyok until he meets Ariel a reclusive violin teacher. Although reluctantly at first as he himself is haunted by guilt and the memory of his dead girlfriend, Ariel discovers that Onyok is a gifted child. Together they battle their demons until they regain their voice, rediscover their spirit and realize that forgiveness is within their reach.
Boses will premiere in New York City on Friday, May 1, 2009. Sponsored by the Assumption Alumnae organization, the 4-hour event will include a reception with Ricky Davao and Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, Boses Director, a film screening and a musical concert by Ricky Davao. Also gracing the event is renowned Filipino musician Michael Dadap, the Artistic Director of the New York based Children's Society Orchestra.
DETAILS:
· TICKETS - $25.00
· Contact Vina Francisco at 646 203-1611, vins_nyc@yahoo.com
· Boses blog: http://boses-premieres-nyc-may1-2009.blogspot.com/
· Boses official trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfvmRXLsEm8
· Date: Friday, May 1, 2009
· Time: 6-10pm (Film Screening to begin at 7pm)
· Place: Saint Paul the Apostle Church , 60th and Columbus
· Light refreshments will be served during the reception and a food concession (Cornucopia Gourmet) will also be available throughout the evening
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
BOSES is coming to NEW YORK!
L-R: vivian talambiras-cruz, lilibeth zandueta, linden martinez, annabel guevara, zelda tangonan, gigi jacinto-jones, vina francisco, grace tumang, ninez arreglado, rissa hidalgo. not in photo: ching ojeda legarda, ariane recto and gina boncan
Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, Director of BOSES
During our board meeting in September, we came up with ideas for projects we wanted to work on this year. One of these ideas was to create an event that would engage you and encourage your participation. We felt we could accomplish this by creating an event that is new and different yet fun and exciting, entertaining, meets our goals and thus meaningful too. Another idea was to find a medium in which we could highlight alumnae members who were doing something interesting in their respective fields as our way of increasing our network, learning from each other, supporting their work and expressing our pride in our own. The first idea to gain momentum was to sponsor a Filipino film event/reception in New York.
To give you some background...In the last four years, the independent film industry in the Philippines has come into its own. This was driven by two things: the rising cost of producing main stream Filipino movies, and the rising crop of new film makers who were willing to take risks, willing to explore other venues and options for film making, and willing to accept that profit margins were going to be small, if there was even money to be made at all.
So what makes a film an independent film? Independent films are not produced by the large movie production houses in the Philippines, they usually do not have mainstream actors in them, (although that is quickly changing), they are shot on digital film which is the more cost effective method, do not have large promotional and marketing budgets, and do not have long commercial runs in the Philippines precisely because of the costs involved in doing that. These films, however, tend to do very well in international film festivals as their subject matter and film making approach appeal to a global audience. I discovered these Filipino independent films as they started to screen and win in film festivals in the US and abroad. I found the films to be more interesting, insightful, intelligent. I gravitated towards those that show the Philippines and the Filipino in real light and deal with the social issues that are important to me. However viewing them from here is a challenge unless they are circulated on DVD.
As we began to explore the possibilities of bringing a film to New York, we heard and read about the film BOSES ...and then we learned about the genius behind BOSES...
To get us started we got in touch with Ricky Davao, the lead actor of the film, who put us in touch with the Director, Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil.
This is how our initial conversation went:
Vina: Ellen we heard about your film BOSES and we would like to bring the film to New York. How do we go about doing that?
Ellen: What are you trying to achieve? Why do you want to do this?
Vina: My alumnae group is trying to create an event that is both fun and meaningful and can raise some money to support our projects. Very few groups venture into a project like this but we want to explore it.
Ellen: What group are you with?
Vina: I'm the Public Relations Officer for the Assumption Alumnae in New York.
Ellen: Assumption? Really? I'm also from Assumption.
Vina: WHAT? Are you kidding me??!! Why didn't Ricky tell me that? Are you sure?
Ellen: Of course I'm sure! I'm batch '77 high school!
Vina: Oh my God...Oh my God!!!! I can't believe it! waaaaaaaaah! That's great!!!!
Little did we know that the opportunity to address both goals would come so soon! It was starting to have that "it is meant to be" feeling. Today BOSES in New York is a reality!
So here we are...novices all in this type of event planning..but we are working it! Under the leadership of Linden, the event and production expertise of Ching, the creative genius who is Bridget Jones, the logical mathematical mind of Rissa,the connections of Vivian, the budgeting skills of Zelda, the marketing ideas of Grace, Ninez, and Arianne, the sales skills of Lilibeth and Anabelle and the detailed notes of our ex-Secretary Gina, we are making progress and promise to give you THE Assumption event of the year!
You'll be able to read more about the film, Ellen, the cast, the reviews and watch a trailer video in our future blog postings. For now, please see the "Press Release" posting. It is featured in the latest issue of the Filipino Times and will be featured in other publications as well.
So as you read our blog, we hope that you will be part of this event, get excited with us, post your comments, and help us in whatever way you can. Proceeds from our event will be shared with various advocacies in the Philippines working to stop violence againt children, Daang-Sine--the creative group behind BOSES whose mission is to educate and create awareness of social issues through their films and our Assumption Alumnae NY chapter.
If I was asked to describe the essence of this film, there is only thought that comes to mind for me..."...to allow the good in every person to break through the rock that imprisons it and bring it to the light where it can blossom and shed its radiance" because that is BOSES.
(quote is from Saint Marie Eugenie)
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The Cast: Julian Duque (with video)
"At the end, a rousing ovation was given the movie (the foreigners had risen, too) and the crowd started to chant Onyok’s name and Julian stood with pride and went onstage. Like Pacquaio at the end of a well-fought match, he stood at the center, crossed his arms and looked straight into the lenses of the cameras that had flocked around him. Standing far away, I knew that the audience recognized genius and was giving it its proper recognition.” – Philippine. Star
"The film is made even more compelling by the stirring performances turned in by the boy who plays Onyok, Davao, Picache - and most of all, by Bolipata, who moves us not only with his unexpectedly felt and insightful portrayal but also with his musical performance, which is an overwhelming experience."- Nestor Torre, PDI
Julian Duque is Coke Bolipata's real life student in his music school--Casa San Miguel in Zambales
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
"The film is made even more compelling by the stirring performances turned in by the boy who plays Onyok, Davao, Picache - and most of all, by Bolipata, who moves us not only with his unexpectedly felt and insightful portrayal but also with his musical performance, which is an overwhelming experience."- Nestor Torre, PDI
Julian Duque is Coke Bolipata's real life student in his music school--Casa San Miguel in Zambales
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
The Cast: Ricky Davao (with video)
Ricky Davao is a multi awarded stage, film and television actor in the Philippines. In November 2008, he was elevated to the Aliw Awards' Hall of Fame for having thrice been awarded Best Actor for his stage work. Ricky played his most memorable stage roles in Insiang, Speaking in Tongues, and Bong-Bong and Kris. He has also garnered Best Actor awards for Saranggola (official entry in the foreign film category of the 2001 Oscar Awards), and Minsan May Isang Puso and a Best Supporting Actor disctinction for Ipaglaban Mo (a film by Marilou Diaz Abaya). In July 2008, he was named Best Supporting Actor for Signos. at the UK Film Festival.
Ricky loves New York. He is best remembered by New Yorkers for his role as Gerry, the closeted gay man, in the 2001 indie hit American Adobo, a film about the lives of five Filipino friends living in Queens, Manhattan and Long Island. In 2006, he directed the film "Marie" for Gawad Kalinga. "Marie" is the story of Marie Rose Abad, an American executive from Long Island, who perished in the World Trade Center on September 11. Several years after her death, her Filipino husband Rudy donated her insurance money to Gawad Kalinga to build the Marie Rose Village in the slum area of Baseco, Tondo. Ricky said he was able to draw from own his personal connection to New York City to bring her story to life.
Ricky is one of the forerunners of the independent film movement in the Philippines. He usually has several entries in the Cinemalaya independent film festivals that have been running for the past four years. Even if it is common knowledge that these are meagerly budgeted films that do not translate into monetary rewards for the actors and the production crew, Ricky unselfishly dedicates his time and talent working with young and upcoming filmakers who are changing the face of Philippine cinema locally and abroad. In recent years, Philippine independent films such as Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil's Mga Pusang Gala (Stray Cats), Kubrador (The Collector), Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Max Oliveros), Signos (The Signs) among others have not only exhibited internationally, but have also won awards and have been the banner films for some of the festivals. "I do it for my passion and love for my craft," Ricky often says when queried on his leadership presence in the industry. That passion has translated into a body of work of over 100 films,stage dramas and musicals,and memorable roles on television.
But he does not just act, he also sings (and dances). He has, through the years, earned the reputation of "AIM" - -"ayaw ipasa ang mike" as once he gets hold of the microphone he is unstoppable and will belt out old time favorites, pop tunes and even arias from his favorite operas. For his New York performance, he will introduce us to "Salinawits" - - old classics translated beautifully into Tagalog by acclaimed writer Pete Lacaba.
Ricky is proud to partner with Assumption for this project. His two younger sisters are Assumption alumnae and through them he has experienced the value of an Assumption education. In September, BOSES screened in Assumption San Lorenzo so he was able to re-visit a campus he is quite familiar with. Ricky said he has visited the Antipolo and San Lorenzo campuses many times in the past to pick up his sisters and he says, with a twinkle in his eye, that it was always a "chore" he enjoyed doing!
Ricky Rehearsing
Ricky Davao from Nix on Vimeo.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
UNICEF and BOSES
PRESS RELEASE FROM UNICEF
UNICEF supports Cinemalaya film on child abuse
A moving tale about rebirth and the power of friendship, “Boses,” is the latest cinematic masterpiece by veteran writer-director-producer Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, of the award-winning film “Mga Pusang Gala.” The Cinemalaya entry supported by UNICEF tells the story of Onyok (Julian Duque), a battered child rescued from an abusive father (Ricky Davao). Onyok is sent to a shelter where he learns how to smile again, forming a bond with a reclusive violinist (Coke Bolipata) through their shared love of music.
Onyok’s story is shared by thousands of abused Filipino children across the country who suffer in silence from various forms of violence. According to the National Statistical Coordination Board, there were 6,933 child abuse cases served by the DSWD in 2007. These children were either neglected, physically or sexually abused or exploited, abandoned or made to work.
By supporting this film, UNICEF calls for a concerted effort to end child abuse and steps up its Children Against Violence campaign. UNICEF is encouraging children to support each other with their “Ate at Kuya” initiative, helping children to speak out and seek help for violence or abuse. These activities and interventions reinforce all children’s right to be protected from violence and abuse, as enshrined in the Convention of the Rights of the Child.
“Boses is a landmark film made in the name of abused children all over the Philippines. It is a story of triumph which illustrates the enduring spirit of a boy, and his amazing capacity to heal, love and forgive despite being a victim of violence and neglect,” UNICEF’s Ani Saguisag said.
Director Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil considers the film extra special because it marries art and advocacy. Most of all, it is a film which she could share with her son. Marfil, who grew up in the world of theater, believes that each child is a precious gem just waiting to be discovered.
“In ‘Boses,’ the battered boy Onyok turns out to be a child prodigy. Very dramatic perhaps, but that happens in real life. Imagine if we can free all those millions of Filipino children from the culture of violence they live with—physical, emotional, spiritual violence—whew, the Philippines would be so rich!” she reveals.
“Boses” is a digital film entry at Cinemalaya 2008. It is sponsored by UNICEF, DSWD and Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC).
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
UNICEF supports Cinemalaya film on child abuse
A moving tale about rebirth and the power of friendship, “Boses,” is the latest cinematic masterpiece by veteran writer-director-producer Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, of the award-winning film “Mga Pusang Gala.” The Cinemalaya entry supported by UNICEF tells the story of Onyok (Julian Duque), a battered child rescued from an abusive father (Ricky Davao). Onyok is sent to a shelter where he learns how to smile again, forming a bond with a reclusive violinist (Coke Bolipata) through their shared love of music.
Onyok’s story is shared by thousands of abused Filipino children across the country who suffer in silence from various forms of violence. According to the National Statistical Coordination Board, there were 6,933 child abuse cases served by the DSWD in 2007. These children were either neglected, physically or sexually abused or exploited, abandoned or made to work.
By supporting this film, UNICEF calls for a concerted effort to end child abuse and steps up its Children Against Violence campaign. UNICEF is encouraging children to support each other with their “Ate at Kuya” initiative, helping children to speak out and seek help for violence or abuse. These activities and interventions reinforce all children’s right to be protected from violence and abuse, as enshrined in the Convention of the Rights of the Child.
“Boses is a landmark film made in the name of abused children all over the Philippines. It is a story of triumph which illustrates the enduring spirit of a boy, and his amazing capacity to heal, love and forgive despite being a victim of violence and neglect,” UNICEF’s Ani Saguisag said.
Director Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil considers the film extra special because it marries art and advocacy. Most of all, it is a film which she could share with her son. Marfil, who grew up in the world of theater, believes that each child is a precious gem just waiting to be discovered.
“In ‘Boses,’ the battered boy Onyok turns out to be a child prodigy. Very dramatic perhaps, but that happens in real life. Imagine if we can free all those millions of Filipino children from the culture of violence they live with—physical, emotional, spiritual violence—whew, the Philippines would be so rich!” she reveals.
“Boses” is a digital film entry at Cinemalaya 2008. It is sponsored by UNICEF, DSWD and Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC).
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
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