John Lloyd, other stars add stellar sheen to short film anthology

COLETA. Debut showcase.

We were glad we joined the long queue when Nestlé Philippines’ “Kasambuhay, Habambuhay” short film anthology, which will be shown on July 10 on ABS-CBN at 10:45 p.m., was screened recently at some cineplexes in the metropolis.

Truth is, incessant product placements in local movies turn us off, because we believe they don’t belong in the middle of an exposition, where they distract from the storytelling and undermine the integrity of the cinematic medium.

As a way to celebrate Nestlé’s 100-year milestone, however, the anthology manages to effectively incorporate the company’s products into the collection’s multigenre storylines.

Cop thriller

Yes, it’s a little off-putting every time Sid Lucero’s character in Jun Reyes’ otherwise thought-provoking cop thriller, “Silup,” opens a cupboard, and you see cans of milk staring you in the face. But, for the most part, they fit like ducks to water.

In fact, the compilation delivers some small gems that provide inspiring insights about life – from the funniest to the most dramatic. Director Henry Frejas even manages to tell his memorable coming-of-age satire, “Tingala sa Baba,” the best of the 10-title lineup, without shoving the featured ice-cream brand in viewers’ faces – a feat in itself. It’s about two kids (Arvy Cesar Viduya, Eubert Marc dela Cruz) on a seesaw – one rich, one poor – who find friendship despite their differences.

Chris Martinez delights viewers with two entries:  In “Cooking Mo, Cooking Ko,” he fields the brilliant husband-and-wife teams of Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez, and Noni Buencamino and Shamaine Centenera, to tell the story, delivered Balagtasan-style, of warring couples who get the shock of their lives when they find out that their kids (Dominic Roco, Eda Nolan) are in love!

“The Howl & The Fussyket” has Eugene Domingo coaching her diction-challenged son (Gerald Pesigan) when he joins a declamation contest at school. So, she seeks the help of two “experts” to help her son win the tilt: A call center agent and a stage actor, whose latest role in a play is – as Taong Bayan No. 46!

Other notable shorts: In the bittersweet “Downtown,” Stephen Ngo tackles loneliness as he follows an old man (Virgilio Que) after he wakes up in the morning without his paramour (Sherry Lara) to share his coffee with.

Jeorge Agcaoili’s musical, “Oh! Pa Ra Sa Ta U Wa Yeah!,” is notable because it features popular TV-commercial characters.  The entertaining short is a coming-out showcase for the charming Neil Coleta, who deserves more screen time in productions to come.

And John Lloyd Cruz topbills Carlo Directo’s whimsical rom-com, “Sign Seeker,” about a guy who keeps putting off inviting the girl of his dreams (Solenn Heusaff) on a date – until fate shoves him straight into her arms!