Precious Pelikula Turns Favorite Novels from Print to Reel

Manila City - Precious Hearts Romances launches first Precious Pelikula Filmmaking Contest that aims to breathe life to well-loved pocketbook stories through the eyes of six talented filmmakers.

In April 2016, Precious Pages Corp., the publisher of Precious Hearts Romances, called on amateur filmmakers nationwide to participate in this momentous project. A total of 40 applicants, from students to film enthusiasts, sent in their portfolio in the hopes of being able to enter the competition.

Ten applicants were shortlisted. They chose from a selection of PHR titles on which they formulated a film concept as out-of-the-box as they could while still maintaining the romantic personality that Precious Hearts Romances has embodied. From their pitches, five applicants and a ’wild card’ were granted a much-coveted spot. They are:

1. Marco Mata of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila - Fallin’ For You by Heide Colette;
2. Ian Abaya  of Asian Pacific Film Institute - Her Own Brand of Hero by Sofia;
3. Paolo Pascual of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila - Angel Bautista’s Dreams Café 4: Dream Master;
4. Miguel Potestades of Collosus Films - Mga Apo Ni Rustica: The Girl in His Arms by Rose Tan;
5. Richmond Cadsawan of Far Eastern University - Me, Myself and Peregrine by Jamie Black; and
6. Carl Ruiz of De La Salle College of St. Benilde - Kensi’s Unconventional Love.

Each were given a grant to produce their respective films. A special screening is done on September 3, 2016, 2pm, at SM Manila Cinema 4 where their films are screened as the viewers take part in a live voting for their film of choice.

The top three films will be awarded at the Manila International Book Fair on September 18, 2016.

Winners will also receive the following cash prizes:

1st place -  P100,000.00
2nd place - P50,000.00
3rd place - P25,000.00
People’s Choice – P10,000

Love transcends any medium, whether paper or reel. These six filmmakers are determined to tug at your heartstrings with adaptations of the stories that made readers cry, laugh and fall in love. Get ready for this roller coaster ride of emotions.

For more information, check out the Precious Pelikula Facebook page.

Apo Ni Rustica
(The Girl In His Arms)
Based on the novel by Rose Tan
Directed by Miguel Potestades
Miguel Potestades is a student from Southern Luzon State University

Apo Ni Rustica (The Girl In His Arms) is a romantic comedy about a witch’s granddaughter who refuses to inherit her grandmother’s otherworldly powers. In order to do so, she must find a man who would sleep with her

My Verdict: 3/5 

Falling For You
Based on the novel by Heidi Colette
Directed by Marco Mata
Marco Mata is a fresh graduate of Pamantasan of Lungsod ng Maynila

 

Falling For You is a story about moving on. Two young people meet at a bus stop after just experiencing a painful break-up with their respective partners.  After the first meeting, they keep bumping into each other and each meeting signals a new phase in a budding relationship.

My Verdict: 3.5/5 

 Me, Myself and Peregrine
Based on the novel by Jamie Black
Directed by Richmond Cadsawan
Richmond Cadsawan is a fresh graduate of Far Eatern University of the Philippines

The love story of Peregrine and Timothy is rooted from all the way back from their college days. They start out as friends and fall in love somewhere along the way. However, Timothy suddenly leaves Peregrine for no apparent explanation. After several years, they meet again. He wants them to pick up where they left off but she is not sure if she is ready to believe in him again

My Verdict: 3/5 

Her Own Brand of Hero
Based on the novel by Sofia
Directed by Ian Abaya
Ian Abaya is a student of Asia Pacific Film Institute

A famous model starts a video blog to reveal his love for a writer who does not have a clue about his affections for her. The blog begins with his exposition of how to make a girl fall in love with a man and ends with him confessing his love for the heroine. 

My Verdict: 3/5 

If By Chance
Based on the novel by Angel Bautista
Directed by Paolo Enrino Pascual
Paolo Enrino Pascual is a fresh gradutae of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

Georgina returns to the place where she found and lost her first love. There, she meets mysterious stranger who turns out to be the country’s no.1 singer and songwriter. Although the first meeting started out in indifference and animosity, the two eventually becomes close and begins a journey of letting go and falling in love again.

My Verdict: 3/5

Unconventional
Based on the novel by Kensi
Directed by Carl Ruiz
Carl Ruiz is a fresh graduate of De Lasalle College of St. Benilde

A lawyer specializing in domestic violence is placed under a witness protection program. His protector is a woman agent of the Special Tactics Division (STAID). Despite the dangers the two face and amid the bickering over matters big and small, they find out they are attracted to each other and fall in love

My Verdict: 3.5/5 

 PHOTOS TAKEN AT THE PRECIOUS PELIKULA FILMMAKING CONTEST SPECIAL SCREENING

Eisen Lim and Lala Padilla from the short film Apo Ni Rustica (The Girl In His Arms)

Phoebe Walker from the short film Unconventional Love

Vaughn Piczon and Yesh Burce from the short film Me, Myself and Peregrine

The Filmmakers and Writers of Precious Pelikula 2016