Movie No. 49 (2014). Cinemalaya X: HARI NG TONDO

Hari Ng Tondo (Where I Am King)
Director: Carlitos Siguion-Reyna
Cast: Robert Arevalo, Liza Lorena, Rez Cortez, Ali Sotto, Audie Gemora, Eric Quizon, Cris Villonco, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Ciara Sotto, Aiza Seguerra

Hari Ng Tondo is Carlitos Siguion-Reyna's come-back film after more than a decade absence. This film is a (welcome) departure from the types of films in his filmography. A drama-comedy, which is also almost-half musical, is an unexpected extrapolation. I'm quite delighted with I saw: this film being the very first film that I saw in this year's Cinemalaya.

In the film, a wealthy businessman (Robert Arevalo), on the brink of bankruptcy, reluctantly sells all his property except a dilapidated apartment complex in Tondo, called Alapaap, where he spent his youth. He decides to return to Tondo; his two grandchildren tags along to escape from the manipulations of their domineering parents. In Tondo, the businessman rekindles old flame; the grandchildren meet different people who, in a way or other, change the way they look at people of this social class and of the world, in general.

The film is playful. There's this plot that, although quite familiar, still draws intrigue and keeps the audience's attention. Near the film's conclusion there's a subtle but direct social commentary that, I think, is not contrived. But then, even without that, the film still works.

Rating: 3.0/4.0

Date seen: August 2, 2014