Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles

I'm not a major fan of horror films. But what made me watch this movie? The technology! I got really interested when I learned that the whole movie was shot on a studio with only green screens. I told myself I must see this movie. I don't care if the effects, the make-up, the props would be too gruesome or it would be just a typical Filipino horror movie. I was in for the technicalities. Yesterday, October 17, I've watched the movie with Malou. I enjoyed the movie and I wasn't prepared for that true movie watching experience that Tiktik has  successfully delivered. First of all, kudos to the cast and crew and the whole production team. You brought Hollywood to the Philippines for the first time. I never thought that we are now at a stage where we can be at par with foreign movie outfits when it comes to special effects. I don't know how to make a movie review neither am I trying to do one now. I'm just proud of this movie and maybe encourage others to watch it too. The story line is simple and realistic. There's no overacting and overreacting, no exaggeration, no excessive extras, no unnecessary screaming and most of all, no obvious stupidity that is so prevalent in Filipino movies you'd want to whack the head of the actor/actress when you see one. If you see people and Aswang in the movie, it is because they should be there and needed there. And there is no dull moment in the movie. I never expected to laugh while watching it nor was there ever a chance that I closed my eyes cause I don't want to see the brutality and morbidity that is sure to come. No, I never missed a single frame of this horror movie. It is one of my favorites now. A classic.

Tiktik is a movie that is truly Filipino. It revolved around our Philippine folklore about Aswangs, our beliefs about it, weapons that can be used against it. Well, it didn't occur to me that Boy Bawang can be used as one. I like the Filipino creativity, wit and witticism that Tiktik is made of. Pure Filipino humor, that's what you'll get too. 

Directed by Erik Matti with casts Dingdong Dantes (co-producer), Lovi Poe, Joey Marquez, Janice de Belen, Roi Vinzon, LJ Reyes, Ramon Bautista, Mike Gayoso, Harley Pacana.

You can visit this link for the Full Cast and Crew.

Visit this site Joriben.com too for photos of the production with and without CGI. 

Rizal's Tallest Statue in Calamba, Laguna

Dr. Jose Rizal's tallest monument in the world can be found in a park situated in Brgy. Real, Calamba, Laguna in front of the Calamba City Hall complex. This 22-foot tall bronze statue of our national hero has been designed and sculpted by Jonas Roces of Marikina. It stands in a tiled pedestal surrounded by a 15-step flight of stairs. It has been said that the original plan was to build a 16-foot statue, but when Mayor Joaquin Chipeco, Jr. of Calamba heard of the hero's 18-foot tall likeness in Nueva Ecija, he had the plan changed to 22 feet. It is only right his tallest monument should be found in his hometown. Last June 19, 2011, Pres. Benigno Aquino III led the unveiling of our country's newest landmark to commemorate Dr. Jose Rizal's 150th birthday.

It was a coincidence that the height of the statue is 22 feet. The number 22 symbolizing the number of languages and dialects Dr. Rizal used in his lifetime. And the 15 steps that a visitor has to climbed represents a decade since his birth.