And just like that, we are on the second week of the new year. As an observer and opinion maker on anything and everything show business, I have noticed that the entertainment industry remains relatively quiet.

What circulates now are blind items that we can never quite tell — whether they are rehashed versions of old BIs that aged well or merely pretending to be current, with showbiz personalities snorted as culprits in gossip supposedly masked in anonymity. A handful of press conferences for movies whose lead stars are not yet well known were held, along with brand activations and launches featuring celebrity A-listers.

If all these enumerations make me yawn, fret not, because exciting events are coming soon: the comeback movie of Hilda Koronel in Jun Robles Lana’s Sisa; Brillante Mendoza’s Until She Remembers, with the trio con brio composed of Charo Santos-Concio, Boots Anson-Rodrigo, and Barbie Forteza; and the Philippines’ fourth Miss Universe, Catriona Gray, as ambassador of the National Arts Month celebration.

Sisa

We all know that Sisa is the mother of Crispin and Basilio, one of the most iconic and tragic characters in Noli Me Tangere, National Hero Jose Rizal’s first novel. In Jun Robles Lana’s Sisa, based on the official trailer now playing on YouTube, the namesake of the original character seems to be a reimagination of sorts. Her madness appears to be a necessary mask and ploy she uses to protect herself and survive the horrors of her time — the war that destroys lives, hope, resources, and sanity — while camouflaging her secret dealings and the execution of a vendetta.

Without a doubt, Lana’s historical drama is a celebration of the talent, gravitas and acting prowess of Hilda Koronel. In the trailer, her close-ups capture different facial expressions and emotional range. Her eyes convey lament and hopelessness as tears flow down her darkened face. In most of the quiet scenes, Koronel’s eyes speak volumes, and one knows what kind of power will be unleashed.

After a 14-year hiatus, La Koronel’s grand comeback showcases why her stature is that of a legend and why she deserves all the admiration and respect.

Another interesting discovery from the trailer is its strong feminist voice. The women in Sisa’s group are brave and empowered — truly progressive, given the era depicted in the movie.

On 4 March, during the celebration of Women’s Month, Sisa opens in cinemas.

Sappho

Per Google Search, Sappho was a renowned ancient Greek poet from the island of Lesbos. She was called the Tenth Muse, celebrated for her passionate and personal poems about love, desire and relationships between women.

In Brillante Mendoza’s Until She Remembers, all the sapphic elements are present; however, they are delicately presented, infused with longing and emotion. Pablo Neruda’s “Tonight I Write the Saddest Lines,” along with a pop anthem, adds romance, melancholia and bittersweet emotion. These feelings are triggered by Mendoza’s heartfelt manner of portraying the love shared by Concha (Charo Santos-Concio) and Catherine (Boots Anson-Rodrigo), seen from the perspective and heart of Angell (Barbie Forteza).

After Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita and Distance, Until She Remembers is another film about lesbian love and relationships that I truly appreciated. Its sincere depiction of two women and their love for each other becomes a catalyst that affects everyone who is part of their lives.

Praiseworthy are the emotional truths that the seasoned Santos-Concio and Anson-Rodrigo bring to Concha and Catherine. However, as the storyteller of their love story, Forteza — as Angel — makes you believe she is still in high school, with emotions and hormones testing her as a young lady. The honesty and vulnerability she gives Angel affirm my belief that she is truly the best actress of her batch.

Until She Remembers, written and directed by Brillante Mendoza, opens in cinemas on 25 February.

Silver lining

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray continues her seventh year as National Arts Ambassador, beginning this February.

The National Arts Month (NAM) is a nationwide event honoring Filipino creativity, cultural heritage and identity through projects and activities that celebrate the Philippines’ seven contemporary major art forms: Architecture, Cinema, Dance, Literature, Music, Theater and Visual Arts.

Aside from being the “perfect symbol of a people rich in heritage and love,” Gray’s commitment and support for NAM are exemplary. As Rene Napenas, head of the NCCA Public Affairs and Information Office, said: “She uses her platform effectively to promote the arts and Filipino culture.”

Indeed, Catriona Gray has won our hearts with her beauty, candor, intelligence and commitment to Philippine arts and culture.

With Hilda Koronel, the triumvirate of Charo Santos-Concio, Boots Anson-Rodrigo, and Barbie Forteza and Catriona Gray, everything’s coming up roses for the entertainment, arts and culture industries.