REVIEW: Reconnect with Philippine culture with the star-studded musical film ‘Ang Larawan’

Gary Ann  Lastrilla

An entry to the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival, the musical film Ang Larawan highlights Philippine history and culture.The only MMFF entry to offer a musical experience, Ang Larawan, which was based on national artist’s Nick Joaquin’s play A Portrait of An Artist as Filipino, is led by Rachel Alejandro, Joanna Ampil, and Paulo Avelino.Set during the pre-World War II in Intramuros, the story revolves around the lives of troubled sisters Candida and Paula, daughters of known painter Lorenzo Marasigan, and their father’s much-coveted masterpiece that is simply referred to as the larawan.At the special screening of the movie held at Greenhills Promenade Cinema on Thursday, December 7, viewers were given a glimpse of people’s ideals – what they consider socially proper, taboo, and personally important, during the pre-Japanese war era.But this was not an ordinary historical film as viewers also enjoyed heartfelt original music and compositions which livened up the whole movie.There were also a few surprises. Paulo, who was romantically involved with Rachel’s character, showed his singing prowess in the movie. Rayver Cruz’s and Zsa Zsa Padilla’s characters showed a lot of pizzaz. There were also star-studded cameos. Among them were Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski, Ricky Davao, Martin del Rosario, and the movie’s musical head Ryan Cayabyab. It is also safe to say that Ang Larawan is a movie of serious, veteran actors. Other stars who were in the movie included Nonie Buencamino, Robert Arevalo, Celeste Legaspi, Ogie Alcasid, Dulce, Nanette Inventor, Jaime Fabregas, Bernardo Bernardo, Noel Trinidad, Menchu Lauchengco, Leo Rialph, Cris Villonco, Aicelle Santos, Sandino Martin, Cara Manglapus, and Jojit Lorenzo.So if you are looking for a unique cinematic experience this Christmas, Ang Larawan, directed by Loy Arcenas, is the film to watch out for.

Set during the pre-World War II in Intramuros, the story revolves around the lives of troubled sisters Candida and Paula, daughters of known painter Lorenzo Marasigan, and their father’s much-coveted masterpiece that is simply referred to as the larawan.At the special screening of the movie held at Greenhills Promenade Cinema on Thursday, December 7, viewers were given a glimpse of people’s ideals – what they consider socially proper, taboo, and personally important, during the pre-Japanese war era.But this was not an ordinary historical film as viewers also enjoyed heartfelt original music and compositions which livened up the whole movie.There were also a few surprises. Paulo, who was romantically involved with Rachel’s character, showed his singing prowess in the movie. Rayver Cruz’s and Zsa Zsa Padilla’s characters showed a lot of pizzaz. There were also star-studded cameos. Among them were Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski, Ricky Davao, Martin del Rosario, and the movie’s musical head Ryan Cayabyab. It is also safe to say that Ang Larawan is a movie of serious, veteran actors. Other stars who were in the movie included Nonie Buencamino, Robert Arevalo, Celeste Legaspi, Ogie Alcasid, Dulce, Nanette Inventor, Jaime Fabregas, Bernardo Bernardo, Noel Trinidad, Menchu Lauchengco, Leo Rialph, Cris Villonco, Aicelle Santos, Sandino Martin, Cara Manglapus, and Jojit Lorenzo.So if you are looking for a unique cinematic experience this Christmas, Ang Larawan, directed by Loy Arcenas, is the film to watch out for.

An entry to the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival, the musical film Ang Larawan highlights Philippine history and culture.The only MMFF entry to offer a musical experience, Ang Larawan, which was based on national artist’s Nick Joaquin’s play A Portrait of An Artist as Filipino, is led by Rachel Alejandro, Joanna Ampil, and Paulo Avelino.

An entry to the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival, the musical film ‘Ang Larawan’ highlights Philippine history and culture.

REVIEW: Reconnect with Philippine culture with the star-studded musical film ‘Ang Larawan’ | PUSH.COM.PH