"Bwakaw:" Braving the "Hidden Truth" and Life's Reality

 Watching “BWAKAW” is like threading the in depth meaning of life and finally realizing the "hidden truth" that's probably slapping your face since the day you can't even remember. At first I did not know what to expect as I was anticipating that the title referred to someone in the movie, maybe the lead star himself, as in this case portrayed by one of the country’s legendary actor, Mr. Eddie Garcia.

As an official entry to this year’s Cinemalaya, I find it interesting that it was going mainstream so this movie must have something special, I guess. :)) It was highly regarded in the filmfest, garnering Best Actor for Mr. Garcia.

Set in a rural countryside situation, this is a story about a grumpy old man known as Rene, who lives alone and is already awaiting and preparing for his death. For Godsake, he even bought a coffin already hehe.. He only has “bwakaw,"  a dog (Princess) as his companion and later turned best friend, which incidentally is also the title- roler in GMA Telebabad's fantasy-drama, "Aso ni San Roque." Life has no meaning for Rene, until certain twist and turn change his view.

After Bwakaw fell ill with a damning sickness, he came to realize that something in life is worth living for. He found true friendship with his dog. He even fell in love at an advance age and gave in to his true “innerself”. You just have to really watch out for those scenes, I tell you ;)

And most of all, this story has no miraculous ending thus it is a close resemblance to what actual life is here. Anybody can relate to some scenes that is happening in the story. A touching movie yet is also funny because of the comedy antics of some of its characters. Simple but true. Laughing yet teary eyed. These are some of the words best describe “Bwakaw”.

Also with the cast  are some distinguished actors and actresses, namely Rez Cortez, Beverly Salviejo, Soxie Topacio, Gardo Versoza, Allan Paule, Luz Valdez, Bibeth Orteza, Joey Paras, Soliman Cruz, and Miss Armida Siguion- Reyna. The film is directed by Jun Robles Lana and has dedicated his latest "masterpiece" to the late playwright and children's book author, Rene O. Villanueva, his mentor. 

Rated A by the Cinema Evaluation Board and distributed by Star Cinema, this is a film that you may not want to miss. Catch it! Still showing in various theaters nationwide!