The Director, Writer and Producer of this film was my schoolmate in high school…. He also gained credits on films Beautiful Life, Kahapon May Dalawang Bata, and many more…multi-awarded director and writer!!!

Cast: Cherie Gil, Jacklyn Jose, Bembol Roco, Mark Gil, Simon Ibarra, Sid Lucero, Angel Aquino, Kenneth Ocampo, Erika Ann Luna, and Aaron Junatas

Director: Adolfo Borinaga Alix, Jr.

One of Cinemalaya 2006’s best features, Adolf Alix Jr.’s powerful romantic drama makes its successful transition to 35-mm. It follows the bittersweet story of Teresa (Angel Aquino), a grieving breast cancer patient who returns to Donsol, Sorsogon to seek closure after the accidental death of her husband (Mark Gil) one year earlier.

Instead of finding peace, however, she finds romance in the person of Daniel (the very promising Sid Lucero), a sweet Butanding Interaction Officer who’s also on the rebound from a failed love.

Set against the backdrop of rustic Sorsogon and the majestic butanding (whale sharks), Teresa and Daniel’s powerful love story is further aided by the fine performances of everybody in the cast — Aquino, Lucero, Cherie Gil, Jaclyn Jose, Simon Ibarra and Mark Gil (who was outstanding in another Cinemalaya movie, Ron Bryant’s
brilliant “Rotonda”).

Giving the best performance of her career, Angel (who was likewise very good in “Ang Pamana”) is powerful in her intensity and honesty — a tribute to the actress’ willingness to learn, and to her good heart.

The film transfer glistens with clarity, depth and texture. The
breathtaking and eye-popping visual splendor of Sorsogon is on full view here — from the sparkling waterfalls and the majesty of the butanding in the deep seas to the mysterious- looking mangroves.

Even the evening shots are well-lit. The sound design is also polished — although its volume can be occasionally overwhelming. But, the film would not have been possible without Alix’s insightful directorial vision. He weaves the narrative flow with straightforward fluidity and
confidence that make you understand the story and the characters who populate it.

More than any of the film’s topnotch production elements, “Donsol” will
swim — and soar — in the depths of its viewers’ hearts and minds for its affecting story about love and loss.

Indeed, there’s no telling the heart when it can start beating again.

By Rito Asilo
Inquirer
12/02/2006

Published on page H1 of the December
2, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily
Inquirer

Lady GaGa – Poker Face

Mum mum mum mah
Mum mum mum mah

I wanna hold em’ like they do in Texas, please
Fold em’ let em’ hit me, raise it baby, stay with me
Luck and intuition play the cards with spades to start
And after he’s been hooked I’ll play the one that’s on his heart

Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh
I’ll get him hot, show him what I’ve got
Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh
I’ll get him hot, show him what I’ve got

Can’t read my, can’t read my
No he can’t read my poker face
(She’s got me like nobody)
Can’t read my, can’t read my
No he can’t read my poker face
(She’s got me like nobody)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)

I wanna roll with him a hard pair we will be
A little gambling is fun when you’re with me
Russian Roulette is not the same without a gun
And baby when it’s love, if its not rough it isn’t fun

Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh
I’ll get him hot, show him what I’ve got
Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh
I’ll get him hot, show him what I’ve got

Can’t read my, can’t read my
No he can’t read my poker face
(She’s got me like nobody)
Can’t read my, can’t read my
No he can’t read my poker face
(She’s got me like nobody)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)

I won’t tell you that I love you
Kiss or hug you
Cause I’m bluffin’ with my muffin
I’m not lying
I’m just stunnin’
With my love-glue-gunning

Just like a chick in the casino
Take your bank before I pay you out
I promise this, promise this
Check this hand ’cause I’m marvelous

Can’t read my, can’t read my
No he can’t read my poker face
(She’s got me like nobody)
Can’t read my, can’t read my
No he can’t read my poker face
(She’s got me like nobody)

Can’t read my, can’t read my
No he can’t read my poker face
(She’s got me like nobody)
Can’t read my, can’t read my
No he can’t read my poker face
(She’s got me like nobody)

Can’t read my, can’t read my
No he can’t read my poker face
(She’s got me like nobody)
Can’t read my, can’t read my
No he can’t read my poker face
(She’s got me like nobody)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)