Direk Brillante’s ‘Sisid’ is well-acted, picturesque piece

The Vivamax film “Sisid” had a special preview at the house of filmmaker Brillante Mendoza last Monday afternoon for a small group of press invited by the Cannes winner.

“Sisid” – starring Paolo Gumabao, Vince Rillon, Kylie Versoza, Mayton Eugenio and Christine Bermas – is the newest assignment of Direk Brillante who accepted the offer of Vivamax to pitch projects for the popular streaming platform.

This is the launching film of Vince who made his acting debut in the 2013 Isabelle Hupert starrer “Captive.” A revelation in this movie, he proves being more than just a pretty face. He can act. And even in the sexy scenes where baring was needed, he had no qualms.

We agree with Direk Dante that the sex scenes are integral to the story and not just for prurient interest or to attract more viewers as “Sisid” was being packaged as a BL movie.

Jason (Paolo) is a marine biologist tasked to lead the rehabilitation and preservation of a fish sanctuary in Pola, Mindoro. In the course of research work, he meets Dennis, who soon becomes his diving assistant.

The two hit it off instantly. Jason learns bits and pieces about Dennis and his family. Dennis, on the other, is convinced of Jason’s sincerity.

Dennis has a problem of his own: his girlfriend Tanya is pregnant. Jason and his wife, Abby, meanwhile, have been trying to have a baby for over five years but to no avail because of Abby’s illness. As days go by, Jason and Dennis develop romantic feelings for each other. Eventually they give into their sexual desires.

Things get even more complicated when Abby catches Jason and Dennis in the act – resulting in Abby’s hospitalization, forcing Jason to bring Abby back to Manila for further treatment, and leaving Dennis behind. In the end, Jason and Dennis part ways.

Another thing commendable about the film is the picturesque cinematography. Not only was it well-acted, but it was also beautifully photographed.

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Many actors are vocal about their choice of president.

Actor Jaime Fabregas has endorsed the presidential bid of fellow Bicolano and Vice President Leni Robredo as he urged their provincemates to actively recruit more supporters to ensure that the next Philippine president is from the Bicol Region.

“Let us make the Philippines feel the excellence, strength and heart of a Bicolano. Let us introduce to our fellow Filipinos an honest leader and let us show the world the expertise and stability of our character.”

The actor also declared that in Robredo, Bicol owns the best and most qualified candidate among the field of presidential aspirants in the upcoming elections.

“Ang pakiusap ni Lolo General sa inyong lahat, na mangumbinsi pa tayo ng hindi bababa sa lima pang botante na makiisa sa ating layunin,” said Fabregas, referring to the nickname of his character in the popular TV series “Ang Probinsyano.”

Fabregas expressed disappointment over the fact that no president from the Bicol Region has been elected despite having the fifth-largest voting population and the fourth-largest ethnic group in the country.

“Hindi ba kataka-taka na sa buong kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, wala pang naging Presidente mula sa Bicol?” Fabregas said.

Central Luzon has produced five presidents, namely Ramon Magsaysay (Zambales); Diosdado Macapagal and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Pampanga) and Cory and Noynoy Aquino from Tarlac. Ilocos Region, which has fewer voters compared to the Bicol Region, has three presidents: Elpidio Quirino, Ferdinand Marcos and Fidel Ramos.

Two presidents have hailed from Luzon: Manuel Quezon (Tayabas) and Joseph “Erap” Estrada (National Capital Region). Visayas has two presidents in Manuel Roxas and Carlos Garcia, while Mindanao has one in Rodrigo Duterte.

Robredo also urged fellow Bicolanos not to let go of this chance to elect a president from Bicolandia in 2022.

“Huwag na po nating palampasin ang pagkakataon na ito. Ang tagumpay natin sa Mayo ay tagumpay ng bawat Bicolano at Pilipino. Inaasahan ko po kayo,” she said.