LOSS AND REBIRTH – They say it’s never too early – or too late – to have a memorable Valentine date. Well, “Moonlight Over Baler” offers an early Valentine date, a romantic movie which harks back to the days when, as they say, movies were movies.
It’s a timeless love story which encompasses two important events in Philippine history: World War II in the ‘40s and EDSA Revolution in the ‘80s. The theme song is the haunting “O Maliwanag na Buwan,” which tells of loss of love and rebirth of love after a lapse of many years.
The film opens on Feb. 8.
There are so many songs with moon and moonlight as theme.
Think of “Moonlight Over Paris,” “Moonlight in Vermont,” “By the Light of the Silvery Moon,” “Moonlight Bay.”
There are films with moon as title: “The Moon Is Blue,” “Moon for the Misbegotten,” “Moonlighting,” “Moonstruck,” “Moonraker.”
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ENSEMBLE ACTING – The cast of “Moonlight Over Baler” is headed by Ellen Adarna, Vin Abrenica, Sophie Albert, and Ms. Elizabeth Oropesa.
Under the inspired direction of Gil Portes, “Moonlight Over Baler” is a fine example of ensemble acting. Each actor contributes to the development of the story, at once bitter and sweet.
The supporting players which includes Daria Ramirez. Menggie Cobarrubias, Abel Estanislao, Aaron Yanga, and Angie Ferro are also at their best.
Written by Palanca awardee Eric Ramos and produced by Rex Tiri.
Shot in the beautiful and historic town of Baler in Aurora Province.
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LESSONS LEARNED – “Moonlight Over Baler” may well be called an old-fashioned love story. But the people behind it feel the so-called millennials can learn a lot from the movie. Like how to win a girl, patience and perseverance in life and love, true love waits and hopes.
Needless to say, seniors can relate to and identify with “Moonlight Over Baler,” touch their hearts and remember when the days were simpler and sweeter.