Monday First Screening not a movie for seniors only

On June 12, I attended the special screening of Monday First Screening, produced by NET25 Films. The movie stars Ricky Davao and Gina Alajar, and is NET25’s first film production venture. The screening was a special offering for senior citizens and included special treats for them as well.

At the time, the producers weren’t even certain if the film would be released theatrically or if it would be streamed. But because the response to Monday First Screening was overwhelmingly positive, management decided to release it theatrically first.

Last Monday, Aug. 21, NET25 Films sponsored a celebrity screening for Ricky and Gina’s showbiz colleagues and other special friends and guests of the network. Of course, the children of Ricky and Gina were there to show support to their parents. Regal Films, which will distribute the film, was represented by big boss Roselle Monteverde.

Gina Alajar (second from left) with her family, including sons Ryan and Geoff Eigenmann, and Patricia Javier (leftmost) during the celebrity screening of Monday First Screening, her romantic comedy movie with Ricky Davao.

Eric Quizon, the head of NET25’s talent group, was there, too, as were I also saw Amy Austria, Isabel Rivas, Gladys Reyes, and Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) member Malou Choa Fagar. I was also happy to see Barbara Perez (recently widowed), who came with daughter Anna Ylagan and good friends Boots Anson Roa, Nova Villa and Pempe Rodrigo.

Barbara Perez attends the celebrity premiere night of Monday First Screening.

Even if it is top-billed by two of the country’s most well-respected senior actors, Monday First Screening is NOT a movie for seniors only. It is a family drama that bridges generations with meaningful and delicate conversations. When I saw the film, I was genuinely touched and moved by its simple story of two adults desiring a second chance for love and companionship. There was no OA drama, the dialogue was realistic, and for two hours I laughed, cried, empathized with the characters, and even felt “kilig” for them.

Eric Quizon, star of Quizon CT and head of talent management at NET25, with Gladys Reyes.

Kudos to director Benedict Mique for making a realistic, relatable, and genuinely moving film, and to Ricky and Gina for inhabiting their roles so effortlessly and effectively.

Monday First Screening will open in 100 cinemas nationwide on Wednesday, Aug. 30.

Boots Anson Roa lending support during the celebrity premiere of Monday First Screening. Boots herself found love the second time around after her first husband Pete Roa passed away years away. She is now happily married to lawyer King Rodrigo.

One-stop marketplace UNLAD opens

Last Aug. 23, Ka True Matias, the head of UNLAD International, Inc., invited a few NET25 executives to the ribbon-cutting for UNLAD Trade Center located in Central Avenue, Quezon City. Among the invitees were Caesar Vallejos, president of NET25, Wilma Galvante, entertainment consultant of NET25, and this writer.

Ricky Davao is joined by his children at the premiere of his NET25 film.

UNLAD is the non-stock, non-profit organization of Iglesia ni Cristo, and UNLAD Trade Center is its one-stop marketplace for products and services that empower entrepreneurial excellence. There you will find Officially UNLAD, the retail shop where all the products and merchandise made by UNLAD are showcased and sold. There is also UNLAD’s Pre-Loved Goodwill store, where quality pre-loved items are curated and sold at super friendly prices. Also found in the area is Embrace Bakeshop, a quaint coffeeshop whose breads and cookies are delicious and affordable. It is run by differently-abled workers who either help with packaging and delivery or are trained to be bakers and pastry chefs. Last but not least is Haircuts by UNLAD, a salon staffed by highly-skilled volunteers who offer top-notch hair care services to ensure that customers look and feel their best.

If you’re in the area, do visit the UNLAD Trade Center to shop, dine, and have your hair done. Your patronage will go a long way towards helping alleviate poverty and improving the quality of life of our fellow Filipinos through livelihood and education.