"Magbuwag Ta Kay" and its enduring values
Mostly young people, although there were also parents, patiently queued as they waited for the signal to enter the movie house. Yesterday was the premiere night of the all-Cebuano cast of the movie "Magbuwag Ta Kay," which we have been waiting for for the past months. The movie is now being shown on big screen.
Such demographics of audience probably owes to the popularity of the main cast, Rowell Ucat, a.k.a. Medyo Maldito, who has a wide following in social media for his unique antics of providing jokes through his "hugot lines," and a Cebuano singer who has started to create a name for herself in Manila, Akiko Solon, plus the special participation of another online sensation, Snake Princess.
This is another movie that showcases the beauty of Cebu and the artistry of the Cebuanos. We expect a nationwide viewing of the movie as it partnered with Viva Films for other Bisaya who are peppered throughout the country to watch for it.
And since this is Rowell's debut film, it is my privilege to have helped him in his acting. With an acting workshop, together with Akiko, I prepared him with his interactions with other actors. It is such an honor to have mentored a down-to-earth person, inside and out.
Once again I am forever grateful to the director whom I have worked with in a couple of films already, Ms. Janice Perez, co-directed by RJ Aquino. Produced by Heritage Productions of Charles and Sunshine Lim, whose belief in local arts and heritage is unparalleled. Written by poet and singer-songwriter Therese Villarante, with music by Jude Gitamondoc.
The movie projects a moving message of loving a family in spite of life's challenges, including decisions of the heart. As the day of separation with your loved one is drawing to an end it becomes too much to bear for young individuals. But there people who are ready to make it bearable. Love is selfless. Love waits. We may be rushing for the significant one and in the process forget the very people whose uncompromising love never fades. And every time we fall, we always go back to the loving arms of our family. Roy, the character, realizes that such love for and of the family is something that cannot be replaced. There are many other priorities coming our way but at the end of the day, we always go back to what truly matters to us. The film reflects Medyo Maldito's easygoing image online but with a lot more insight into who he really is beyond the Hugot King persona.
Message for the millennials: The family supports what we want in life and along the way, it is always there to protect us when we are down. They don't want us to be hurt in our search for acceptance and happiness.
Alex Agustin, an ardent supporter of Cebuano arts and culture has this to say: "Mabuwag Ta Kay" is a testament to the capacity of Cebuanos to make really amazing films that can go side-by-side the Manila-based films. Cebu is truly catching up in the film industry. We are very proud of this truly Bisaya film. Truly very relevant to today's generation. Fun-filled and genuinely Bisaya. We enjoyed the film so much, cinematography and story made it par with the mainstream films."
The film has advanced screenings on December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10 at SM City Cebu Cinema 8. Watch the film and be proud of being Cebuanos. Padayon lilas Sugbuanon!
- Latest
