"Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako:" Fearless, funny and familiar

Michael Pangilinan and Edgar Allan Guzman during the special premiere screening of "Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako" held at Cine Adarna in UP Diliman


The popular gender-related ballad song of Michael Pangilinan, "Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako," once a "Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs 2014" entry written by Joven M. Tan is now a full-lengrh movie written and directed by Mr. Tan himself. 

Mr. Joven Tan and Edgar Allan Guzman posed on my cam after the premiere screening of "Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako." 

Two years ago, this victorious song braved the eyes and ears of the critics, opening more doors to undertanding gender-related issues and awareness. Who would have thought that this song would become a movie one day? Ironically, the "Harana Prince," Michael Pangilinan, the singer of "Pare..." is also one of the lead actors of the film. 

My first time to see and meet Khel (Michael) in person was the time I get to watch him perform in a musical play entitled "Kanser @35"  staged at the AFP theater in Camp Aguinaldo. As a newbie in that field, Khel has passed his role as Crisostomo Ibarra with flying colors. Here's my article about him if you wanna check it out: amazingjingforlife.blogspot.com/2015/10/michael-pangilinan-promising-and.html?m=1

Last February 22, I got the great chance to watch the premiere screening of "Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako," the movie. It was a well-attended movie screening held at the Cine Adarna of UP Theater in Diliman, Quezon City. 

Cine Adarna in UP Theater, Diliman Quezon City


Part of the audience who lined up at the premiere screening of "Para Mahal Mo Raw Ako." 

The event started with Michael Pangilinan, singing the movie theme song. 

Michael Pangilinan sings "Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako," before the screening of their movie of the same title. 

The cast of "Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako." From L-R: Ana Capri, Trina "Hopia" Legaspi, Miggy Campbell, Michael Pangilinan and Edgar Allan Guzman.


My Movie Review of "Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako"

Michael Pangilinan as Red 

Michael "Khel" Pangilinan


Having watched Michael Pangilinan in a full-length movie other than in a musical play or in a music video or in a tv show, I find him very refreshing. A raw talent that can be honed to a T. He's so relaxed and confident of his acting. He exhibits the right reactions and interacts with his co-actors swiftly. 

Edgar Allan Guzman as Mark 


Edgar Allan Guzman


As always, Edgar Allan Guzman is in his most fitting acting ability. According to him, he had other several gay roles before and that portraying like one is not a new thing for him, except that in "Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako," he portrays a closet queen. So that makes it as another challenge for him. And I'm so glad to share to you, amazing dear readers, that EA (Edgar Allan), did not break our expectations. He is really a pro and at times you'll be carried away with his emotions. 'Atta boy! 


Fearless

The last gender-related movie that I've watched was "Brokeback Mountain," it was in the year 2005, it is a romantic drama, yes, but it paved the way for some people to come out of their shells, be true to themselves and be accepted by the society. It was somehow a Rated R film since it contains some intimate scenes between the two male lead stars Heath Ledger (+) and Jake Gyllenhaal. 

The second movie that I get to watch with the same theme, was "Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako." I consider this film as fearless because, from the mere title itself,  "Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako," which means "Dude, I've learned that you do love me." is obviously a gender conscious movie. But what makes it different from other flicks of the same genre? 

You see, the movie started with Michael (Red) and Edgar Allan (Mark) as childhood friends then as they mature, they became best of friends. Even as a boy, Mark has established a soft inclination with Red, but the latter wasn't aware of it. 

A scene from their movie, showing how Mark takes care of his best friend Red while dining 

It took real huge guts for Mark to admit to Red about his feelings. 

Trina "Hopia" Legaspi

Trina plays a girl bestie to Mark, whom he confides about his hidden feelings for Red. She always gives him a push to be true to himself and to Red as well. She says, Red deserves to know his real feelings and Mark should be open to his bestfriend.

Conquering one's fear like fear of losing someone you love is one of the lessons in the movie. Mark can't reveal his real identity and feelings towards his bestfriend Red, for fear of he might lose him, or curse him once he get to know the real "Mark." 

Taken from one of the hypothetical scenes in the movie

Sometimes, we have to conquer our fears in order to be fearless. Because we might regret the things we never tried to do or conquer. We should give it a push while it's not too late. 


Funny

There was never a dull moment. I tell you, I can guarantee to that. Big plus is the inclusion of Matt Evans, Joross Gamboa and hashtag Nikko Natividad to the cast. They portray the role of Red and Mark's friends. 

The happy-go-lucky, not-so-wholesome and funny characters of these three had brought additional entertainment to the story. Most especially everytime when Matt and Joross open their mouth, they utter some real foul but reality-based lingos that's why us, and the rest of the audience had a bunch of laughs with every scene they're in. They make everthing light and funny, to compensate to the other character's moods.

There was this one scene which I'd like you to look forward to and be keen on the characters' gestures. Take note of the scene of Superstar Nora Aunor, Ana Capri and Edgar Allan in their dining area. That's it! Just watch it, okay haha that's all I can give. 

Familiar

With every character in the story, we can relate to them. Like me, the character of Ms. Nora Aunor is a single mom who only wants what's best for his son. And in the case of Red, I guess some men could also relate to him, having a close friend who turned out to be a closet queen. In this case, you can collect pointers from Red, how did he manage to accept his bestfriend Mark despite of the surprising revelation. 

Actually, for me, that's the highlight of the story. Mark's revelation of his true feelings and his real gender to his bestfriend Red. And how will Red react to the scenario? You've got to find out for yourself. 

As of Mark's case, some also can relate to his character. I guess if you'd heed Trina's advice, there will be no closet queens that are up to this present time are still hiding from their closets and scared that the society and their family might not accept them. 

I came out of the theater happy and satisfied. And I'm pretty sure that the LGBTcommunity would agree with me. This film may be a gender-related one, yes, but I consider this one a "clean slate." Everybody deserves due respect and kind understanding regardless of one's gender or sexuality. This is the reality dude. 


Let us not complicate life. Let's all appreciate how amazing life is! 

Watch out for the showing of "Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako" soon in theaters. 


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