Watch any of Sine Singkwenta’s showings of award-winning films for only ₱50 this September, or watch beloved Filipino comedy films for free with Sine Halakhak!

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This September, celebrate Philippine Film Industry Month and Philippine Creative Industries Month by partaking in Sine Singkwenta and Sine Halakhak, the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ grand showcase of Asian and Filipino film excellence. And the best part is that you don’t need to break the bank to do so.

Watch six films from the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan for only ₱50 from September 11 to 17 at cinemas in SM Southmall, TriNoma, and Robinsons Galleria. Or, watch comedies for free at Cinematheque Centres nationwide!

CATCH THESE AWARD-WINNING FILMS FOR ONLY PHP50.00! The FDCP is proud to launch "Sine Singkwenta," in line with the celebration of the 3rd Philippine Film Industry Month this September. #FDCP #SineSingkwenta #PFIM2023 pic.twitter.com/KMoRAqkxS6

— Film Development Council of the Philippines (@fdcpofficial) September 6, 2023

A STACKED LINEUP

Sine Singkwenta features 6 acclaimed films spanning different genres. Filipino crime thriller films Honor Thy Father (2015) and On the Job (2013), and independent dramas Respeto (2017) and John Denver Trending (2019) front the lineup, along with South Korean blockbuster Train to Busan (2016) and Japanese animated fantasy romance Your Name/Kimi No Na Wa (2016).

These lauded films have everything, from heart-racing action to heartbreaking emotion.

Honor Thy Father won five awards at the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival in 2015, On the Job won six FAMAS awards at the 62nd Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards in 2014, Respeto won five awards at the 13th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in 2017, and John Denver Trending won all of its six nominations at the 15th Cinemalaya Film Festival in 2019. Clearly, it’s worth it to experience these exemplars of Filipino filmmaking on the big screen. And at only ₱50? It’s a steal.

CELEBRATING LOCAL CINEMA

As digital and streaming rose in popularity over the pandemic, the Sine Singkwenta Initiative is a celebration of local cinema and the communities formed within theaters. It’s FDCP’s initiative to “encourage Filipino viewers to go back to the cinemas and enjoy once more the communal experience of watching a film on the silver screen, along with other moviegoer[s].”

Sine Singkwenta is FDCP's initiative to encourage Filipino viewers to go back to the cinemas and enjoy once more the communal experience of watching a film on the silver screen, along with other moviegoer, for a very affordable price of PHP50.00. #FDCP #SineSingkwenta #PFIM2023

— Film Development Council of the Philippines (@fdcpofficial) September 6, 2023

There truly is no other experience like watching a movie in a theater with other people. The ambiance, the social aspect of it, the science and artistry behind it, and of course the snacks are just a few reasons why cinemas are are such a benchmark of culture.

BUT WAIT…THERE’S MORE!

Sine Singkwenta isn’t the only initiative by that makes cinema accessible to Filipinos this month! In line with the Philippine Film Industry Month’s theme of “Tuloy Pa Rin ang Tawanan,” celebrating the cinema of comedy, the FDCP launched Sine Halakhak, where beloved Pinoy comedy films are screened for free at Cinematheque Centres nationwide from September 6 to 28. From Praybeyt Benjamin (2011) to Yaya and Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie (2009), these comedy films are guaranteed to give you hours of fun.

In celebration of the Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM), the FDCP will screen beloved Pinoy Comedy films in Cinematheque Centres nationwide from September 6-28, 2023!

ADMISSION IS FREE. Simply walk-in to the nearest Cinematheque Centre to catch our Sine Halakhak showcase! pic.twitter.com/SjxAme7jBH

— Cinematheque Centre Manila (@CinemathequeMNL) September 5, 2023

Given that many local films are unavailable online or not as easily accessible as, say, international productions, these initiatives and endeavor to promote local movies and cinema and foster greater appreciation for the rich art and filmmaking culture we have as Filipinos.

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to SM Southmall, TriNoma, Robinsons Galleria, or a Cinematheque Centre near you and settle in—you’re in for a treat.

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Explore love, friendship, and growing pains in these 13 coming-of-age films from both local and international producers.

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Coming-of-age is a special genre that marries all the craziness of youth with the melancholy of growing up. Movies in the genre make us laugh, cry, hurt, and realize a few things about life and ourselves. Both local and international productions capture the essence of youth in a myriad of ways, and hopefully you’ll find something special to love in the list of coming-of-age films that are perfect to watch on a rainy day below.

CLEANERS (2019)

This highly-stylized anthology film directed by Glenn Barit revolves around the stories of a group of students who were designated classroom “cleaners” in the 2000s. Produced with authentic performances from actual students from Tuguegarao in their first acting roles, a killer soundtrack and aesthetic, an exploration of themes surrounding “cleanliness”, and a genuine desire to tell the stories of the youth, Cleaners offers a raw, unique look at the Catholic high school experience and was easily said to be one of the greatest films of 2019.

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER (2012)

No coming-of-age film watchlist is complete without this drama based on Stephen Chbosky’s 1999 novel. Perks follows the life of kind, timid Charlie struggling with mental health issues and finding his way in the world with his newfound friends. It may now be cliché defining moment in the Tumblr era, but the film’s depth, performances, and quote-worthy dialogue make it a must to watch.

DEATH OF NINTENDO (2020)

A trip to the 90s and all the shenanigans and troubles of leaving a childhood behind adds up to a funny, charming jaunt in Death of Nintendo. As four friends on the cusp of childhood and adolescence navigate their firsts—first loves, first heartbreak, first time truly understanding their realities and relationships—they experience firsthand how growing up could be as earthshaking as an erupting volcano.

LADY BIRD (2017)

Greta Gerwig’s successful drama about the complex relationship between a mother and a daughter is a coming-of-age masterpiece about girlhood, family, belonging, and growing up. Well-written, emotional, funny, and presenting an honest, relevant story, Lady Bird is one of those films that stick with you forever.

BOOKSMART (2019)

Smart, overachiever best friends Amy and Molly try to make the most of their senior year after realizing that they might have wasted their entire high school life. They embark on an outrageous night of partying, romance, and drama as one last hurrah. Fast, witty, and wild, Booksmart is a fun take on high school stereotypes and growing up.

DEAD POETS SOCIETY (1989)

O Captain! My Captain! This heart-wrenching tale about a group of boys at an all-male boarding school and their new, unorthodox teacher is a classic drama film beloved by multiple generations. The boys learn all about freedom and love in its many forms, and it’s nothing short of beautiful and emotional.

TOY STORY 3 (2010)

No, this one isn’t lost from another movie list. Toy Story 3 is a coming-of-age not just because Andy has to let go of his toys, but because every character’s life is being upended by the realities of growing up and they have to accept the changes as they come. Also, there is no way to not cry at the end of this film.

ANG NAWAWALA (2012)

This Cinemalaya 2012 Audience Choice-winning film follows a selectively-mute Gibson as he returns to his hometown for the holidays, a time wherein his family is reminded of a tragedy that occurred years prior. Set against the local music scene, Ang Nawawala sees Gibson reconnect with old friends, fall for a free-spirit, and navigate a life after loss.

LOVE, SIMON (2018)

Coming-of-age…coming out…there’s a correlation there, of course. The closeted Simon Spier exchanges messages with a mysterious boy named Blue and is blackmailed into helping set up a classmate with his friend. He faces all sorts of trouble such as the possibility of being outed, initially-unsupportive friends, and the terrifying ordeal of being known in this rom-com all about teenhood, love, and acceptance.

I’M DRUNK, I LOVE YOU (2017)

Love and coming into adulthood by facing what lies ahead are intertwined in this film about two college best friends going on a road trip days before their graduation to finally settle whatever feelings they have between them. Expect booze, music, bad decisions, partying, and a whole heaping of rom-com cheesiness.

NAGBIBINATA (1998)

Starring fresh-faced kids who would eventually become showbiz icons, Nagbibinata presents the challenges and pressures felt by a barkada of boys in all their reckless, naive glory. Exploring everything from family drama to budding romances, this film is a major throwback, and yet all the issues of adolescence hold up to this day.

MARIE ANTOINETTE (2006)

Sofia Coppola’s modern reimagining of the life of ill-fated French Queen Marie Antoinette follows her betrothal, engagement, and life as a young queen breathes new life into the young monarch’s story. A fun, modern, and stylized period piece that subverts the expectations of a movie revolving around the time period, this film, while set against an extravagant backdrop, is truly all about the trials and tribulations of being a young woman.

SENIOR YEAR (2010)

Grades, identity, relationships, homework, family, expectations, future plans…Senior Year ticks all the boxes of high school as it explores the lives of ten students on their last year before their lives change forever. Based on real experiences by the cast of students, the film is a snapshot of one of the most significant eras of a person’s life.

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In such a content-saturated platform like Tiktok, these Tiktokers’ sidesplitting content deserves a place in your Following or For You feeds.

Related: Esnyr Ranollo’s Tiktok Videos Are Here to Remind You of the Happy Times Going to School

Being funny is enough to get you clout, but to be truly successful on TikTok, you have to be consistent, smart, and strategic with your content. If you stick to your shtick and are consistently funny while still bringing something new, then you’ve struck gold. Just look at these seven TikTokers who hit gold with their comedy with their specific comedic niches and rake in millions of views!

SABRINA BRIER’S “THAT FRIEND” SKITS

@sabrina.cinoman.brier She needs all the attn #comedy #friends #nyc ♬ original sound – Sabrina Brier

Sabrina is TikTok’s (and X’s) it-girl right now, what with her accurate and authentic portrayals of friendship and girlhood, as well as her stellar fashion sense. Her content revolves around points-of-view videos about certain types of friends, like “the friend who overthinks everything” (relatable), and they’re so real that you often associate them with people you know—for better or for worse.

DELANEY ROWE’S INCREDIBLY HARD-TO-WATCH SKETCHES

@delaneysayshello

Wanna know a secret?

♬ original sound – Delaney Rowe

Delaney Rowe blew up on social media because of her scary-accurate sketches depicting character tropes like the “insufferable lead in an indie movie,” celebrity promo like “what’s in my bag” videos, and grating, real-life personalities like obnoxious restaurant-goers or full-of-themselves gym bros. Watching her videos is like watching a train wreck—it’s painful, and yet you can’t look away.

ESNYR’S SPOT-ON HIGH SCHOOL POVS

@esnyrrr

Every may school program talaga😭✋🏼

♬ original sound Ranollo – Esnyr

Filipino TikTok star Esnyr Ranollo made a name for himself as the go-to source for nostalgic school skits and POVs that capture the raw essence of Filipino high school. His portrayal of all the different types of people you probably went to school with and the different situations you probably have also experienced, like trying to escape cleaning up the classroom after class if you were a “cleaner” for the day, or trying not to laugh when your teacher’s voice cracks while giving you a lecture, makes for entertaining and addictive scrolling.

YASMINE SAHID’S WATTPAD-INSPIRED PEDRO PASCAL SERIES

@ladyyasmina1 *sigh* A girl can dream #pedropascaltiktok #imagines #fanficswattpad ♬ Night Changes – One Direction

The TikToker initially known for her “Jasper from Twilight” skits and nostalgic reenactments of youth culture started up a brand new one-woman series all about a new, young assistant named “Baguette” who is in love with her boss—who is none other than Pedro Pascal! The skits, narrated in classic Wattpad-style prose and edited in an almost realistic way, are so cringeworthy that they make you want curl up into a ball, and yet they’re so captivating you still want to know what happens next.

DR. MIAMI AND SANTINA’S SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS

@therealdrmiami

Neither of us is going home until the video is perfect!

♬ original sound – The Injustice hub

Plastic surgeon Dr. Miami and his spunky Gen Z social media manager Santina are a pair always on top of the TikTok trends and pop culture news. The dynamic they portray on TikTok as an older professional at the mercy of a young, social media-savvy girlboss is hilarious as Santina makes the surgeon (and even his entire family) make viral content on the platform often at the expense of his pride. The devil works hard, but Santina works harder.

@JANELLEVEN’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL STORYTIMES

@janelleven please lang 💀 #storytime #highschool ♬ original sound – janelleven

TikTok has revealed to the world which of us are great storytellers, and which of us are not. TikToker @janelleven proves they’re the former with their Catholic school storytimes chronicling all the shenanigans that went on in their school, like the time there was an almost-stabbing and the time their batch was involved in an almost-lawsuit. The way they tell a story is as detailed and engaging as your best friend who just acquired some piping hot tea, and makes you wonder what the heck kind of school they went to.

ADRIAN BLISS’ COSTUMED COMEDIES

@adrianbliss Why mammoths went extinct #mammoth #noahsark #comedy (costumes @halloweencostumes.com ♬ original sound – Adrian Bliss

This one might be a bit of an acquired taste, but Adrian Bliss’ skits starring everything from animals and bugs to historical and biblical characters, aliens to bodily units, and more, are addicting to scroll through. His fourth-wall-breaking videos, complete with all-out costumes, are produced with much commitment and dedication to situational comedy and deadpan humor.

While the For You tab often gets us to stumble upon gems on the app, it’s always great to be able to rely on creators you vibe with. What about you? Who are some of your favorite funny TikTokers?

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A low critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes isn’t what makes a movie as these rom-coms make for a fun movie night—whether you want to spend the time hating or otherwise.

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Listen. We all have that one movie that flopped in more ways than one that we absolutely adore. Did you know that Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement only has 29% on Rotten Tomatoes? Shocking, I know. Of course, movie reviews—no matter how good or bad they are—are always subjective (just like this article!). That’s why below is a list of literally underrated romantic comedies that I think are worth a watch, even if they’re certified “rotten” on the review aggregator website.

HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS (2003)

I know—this is often deemed a classic. But this movie starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey only scored 42% on the Tomatometer (the review measuring scale on Rotten Tomatoes).

Well! While not perfect by any means, it offers a fun premise and committed performances. Andie Anderson (Hudson) is a “how-to” columnist for a women’s magazine. She gets the bright idea to act like a complete nightmare of a girlfriend for an article: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, inspired by her friend who can’t keep a relationship. Benjamin Barry (McConaughey) is an advertising executive who made a deal with his boss that if he can make any woman fall in love with him, he gets to lead a huge ad campaign. They meet at a bar, enact their plans, and you can guess what happens next.

CHASING LIBERTY (2004)

Chasing Liberty is from 2004. So, if its 18% Tomatometer score has anything to say about it, it has cheesy 2004 problems. Anna Foster (Mandy Moore) is sick of the constant pressures and limitations bestowed upon her as the daughter of the President of the United States. One night, on a trip to Prague, she decides to escape the watchful eyes of her protection detail and asks Ben Calder (Matthew Goode) for help. He accompanies her as she makes her way through Europe to attend a music festival in Berlin, while keeping his true identity as a Secret Service agent secret from her. You can bet the reveal turns out well (spoiler, it doesn’t).

Moore is effervescent and carefree, but also whiny and terribly naive, while Goode exudes leading man charm in this made-for-a-teen-audience rom-com.

LEAP YEAR (2010)

Can you tell the writer of this article is a Matthew Goode enjoyer? In this 2010 rom-com, he plays Declan O’Callaghan, a surly, sarcastic Irish pub owner, opposite the ever-so-sweet Amy Adams as prim and proper Anna Brady. Anna’s been waiting forever for her boyfriend Jeremy (Adam Scott) to propose, so she decides to surprise him in Dublin and propose herself. She doesn’t make it there, though, and hires Declan—who needs money to keep his pub afloat—to bring her from Dingle to Dublin. The two start off as rocky as the gorgeous landscape of Ireland, and hijinks ensue.

Leap Year only has 23% on Rotten Tomatoes. A review by Tim Robey of the Daily Telegraph simply, hilariously, reads: “Poor Amy Adams.” Regardless, to this writer and definitely non-professional-movie-critic, Leap Year is sweet, funny, and boasts a lovely romance.

WHEN WE FIRST MET (2018)

Adam Devine’s Noah Ashby goes a long way to learn a great lesson in When We First Met. Noah’s been in love with Avery Martin (Alexandra Daddario) for three years, but she’s firmly put him in the friendzone and is set to marry Ethan (Robbie Amell). When he discovers a photobooth that sends him back in time to the time he and Avery first met, he tries a myriad of ways to win her over—all resulting in less-than-stellar outcomes in the future. Don’t worry—it’s fun to get mad at him for going about things the wrong way.

The film pairs classic rom-com tropes with a fantastical premise and a subversive take on the genre. At 43%, it’s not certified fresh, but it’s certainly not without its praise. Jeffrey Lyles of Lyle’s Movie Files says on Rotten Tomatoes, “While it’s predictable, the destination eventually makes the journey worthwhile and rewarding.”

MONTE CARLO (2011)

We all love a good identity theft moment. Monte Carlo, which is must-watch viewing for any Selena Gomez stan, follows graduating high school student Grace Bennett (Gomez), who looks an awful lot like the British heiress Cordelia Winthrop-Scott. On a trip to Paris, after being mistaken for the socialite, she assumes Cordelia’s identity and lives the high life with her friends Meg (Leighton Meester) and Emma (Katie Cassidy). She meets Theo Marchand (Pierre Boulanger), who knows of Cordelia’s spoiled personality, but eventually she wins him over.

At 40%, Monte Carlo is said to be “mostly silly, predictable stuff that never pushes beyond the boundaries of formula.” However, it delivers authenticity and a promise to be a great addition to a girls’ night movie watchlist.

SHE’S THE MAN (2006)

Speaking of identity theft, She’s the Man is one of the films that totally banked on the fake identity trope in the 2000s. Arguably Amanda Bynes’ most popular film role, it tells the story of high school soccer player Viola Hastings and her shenanigans. Viola, whose girls’ soccer team gets cut, assumes her twin brother Sebastian’s identity to prove her coach and her ex-boyfriend wrong for cutting the team. Viola, as Sebastian, befriends hotshot Duke (Channing Tatum) and they start to bond—but then so does Duke and Viola (as Viola). With all the secrecy and mistaken identities floating around, this movie’s sure to keep you on your toes.

Dated, ridiculous, yet enjoyable, She’s the Man is a comedic watch filled with great one-liners and awkwardness to boot.

HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU (2009)

For those of you who love a hot mess, this film is a heaping pile of it. He’s Just Not That Into You, a 41% scorer, is a romance-comedy-drama that follows the lives of a stacked ensemble cast. How does a movie with Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Bradley Cooper, Ginnifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johansson, Ben Affleck, Kevin Connolly, and Justin Long sound? From affairs and unwanted marriage talks to mixed signals and awkward assumptions, this movie presents relationships in all its glory as well as all its nitty gritty.

SHE’S ALL THAT (2006)

The mother of many clichés, She’s All That is a bucket list rom-com that checks off all the boxes. Quirky, spunky lead girl? Check. Popular hot guy with a hot ex-girlfriend? Check. A relationship based on a bet between bros? Check. Makeovers? Check. Jokes that won’t land today? Check. But Rachael Leigh Cook as Laney Boggs and Freddie Prinze Jr. as Zach Siler endearingly deliver wit, charm, and sincerity that will make you smile, even just a little bit.

She’s All That, despite its 41% rating, is a classic. It spawned an insane parody starring Captain America himself (Not Another Teen Movie, 2001), and a gender-swapped remake that did even worse than its predecessors (He’s All That, 2021), and probably countless more teen films over the years.

Clichéd, unfunny, bland chemistry, terrible acting—you’ve heard it all. But if you’re willing to open your mind to giving these rom-coms a chance, you’ll have a great time. (Hate-watching is also a great time). At the very least, you’ll be able to commiserate and laugh at all the reviews. And you never know—you might find a favorite worth defending.

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