Lola Magdalena, directed by Joel Lamangan and written by Dennis C. Evangelista from Hero Hito Productions, is the first finished film intended for this year's Metro Manila Film Festival that had an intimate press preview.

Its story, about the friendship of aging prostitutes, may be deemed unbelievable, if not preposterous by the judgmental lot. Well, they will surely be surprised by this gem of a motion picture, because it pulls at the heartstrings and is peppered with a delightful mix of drama, humor, honesty and humanity.

The leads are Gloria Diaz, a dubious faith healer and a seasoned flesh trade mama. Liza Lorena is the official matriarch of the house that serves as a sanctuary and family set-up for all. Perla Bautista, the most senior in the group and partly demented, pines for a love that got away. Pia Moran is a cougar who does not know how to compute and is hopelessly in love with a male bikini contest perennial. And Sunshine Cruz is the sacrificing older sister who gives and gives to her family that treats her like an automated teller machine.

Dignity and respect

The reason the film works big -time is the script by Evangelista. He treats all his characters with dignity and respect, never making them caricatures, and the women in the Lamangan film are all scarred but beautiful. Defiant survivors, they carry a lot of pain but are hopeful of better days. The love they have for their dearest ones is the be-all and-end all of their existence.

In this film, how women love, support and protect each other is highlighted with tender care. Despite being treated as outcasts, all these lolas know that life is what we make it, and that happiness and sadness are both choices.

Under Lamangan's direction, the movie is surprisingly devoid of melodrama, brimming instead with moments of affection and tenderness, and scenes of aching sincerity and truth.

Memorable scenes

Diaz's most memorable scenes include what seems like a mother -and-daughter conversation in front of a mirror with Cruz, the cemetery episode where her character experiences the worst humiliation, and her aria as she walks anew with another client in the final moments of the film.

Lorena has an unforgettable scene with her estranged son in the film, played by Marcus Madrigal with pathos and grace.

Bautista's demented Corazon and her devotion to her one true love will make your eyes misty.

Moran is given the opportunity to showcase her acting chops, and proves to be the film's biggest acting revelation.

And Cruz, as the woman who carries all the woes and worries of her family and how this reality diminishes her light and love, is utterly heart-wrenching. Her character is a reminder of how women will go to great lengths to ensure a better situation for their family.

Lamangan and Evangelista's Lola Magdalena is not just a film in praise of older women, but a tribute to all of them who sacrifice, give their all and, as a classic anthem says, do not forget or regret the things they do and have done for love.