FROM THRILLS TO FANDOM FEELS: PINOY FILMS PACK A PUNCH AT THE CINEMAS

There are many weekends when going to the movies here feels like stepping into a global spectacle. Hollywood blockbusters, billion-dollar franchises, streaming buzz.

- MJ MARFORI

The short film, 'Lip Sync Assassin,' with Precious Paula Nicole struts its way through queerness, identity and the fight against life's oddities. Jon Galvez (right) is the short film's director.

But then, there are weekends like this one, when we remember why Philippine cinema is worth every bit of our love, tears and applause.

With the release of “The Ride,” “Minamahal: Isang Daang Bulaklak Para Kay Luna” and the short film “Lip Sync Assassin,” we are reminded that our stories, which are raw, emotional, political and proudly Pinoy, also shine just as bright on the big screen.

This week, we had the chance to go around and relish in such a local spectacle.

Let’s go first with the star-studded red-carpet night of “The Ride,” the MQuest, Cornerstone and Spring Films collaboration that features Piolo Pascual and Kyle Echarri in a gritty, emotional thriller.

The premiere was glammed up by big names such as Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, Maja Salvador and Maricel Soriano. But it was Kyle’s vulnerability that became the evening’s most unforgettable highlight.

Two years ago, Kyle was grappling with one of the most difficult chapters of his life: his sister’s battle with cancer. In the middle of filming and for a heavy scene, the weight of that struggle seeped into his performance, giving the film a layer of authenticity that no acting school could teach. On premiere night, he could not hold back his tears.

“I don’t know, I’m going through a lot of emotions right now,” Kyle admitted, voice breaking. “But more than anything, I feel happy and blessed. These are happy tears. I’m finally able to show the world a real story.”