Manila is a two-part indie film inspired by Ishmael Bernal‘s 1980 film Manila by Night and Lino Brocka‘s 1979 film Jaguar. It is divided into a “Day” and “Night” episode directed by Raya Martin and Adolfo Alix, Jr., respectively.

Manila was first exhibited at the 61st Cannes Film Festival and the 31st Moscow International Film Festival and it is set to be screened in 6 more international film festivals.

Now, Filipinos will finally have the chance to watch this black-and-white film at the following theaters, released by Star Cinema: SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila, SM Fairview, Robinsons Ermita, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway, Trinoma, Glorietta 4, Sta. Lucia, SM Davao, SM Cebu, SM Pampanga, and SM Taytay.

An MJM Production and Bicycle Pictures production, Manila also stars Rosanna Roces, Jay Manalo, Alessandra de Rossi, Baron Geisler, Iza Calzado, Angelica Panganiban, Jiro Manio, William Martinez, Anita Linda, Marissa Delgado, Menggie Cobarrubias, John Lapus, Katherine Luna, Aleck Bovick, and Jon Avila.

VIDEO LINK: Manila – Full Trailer

Piolo Pascual’s ‘Manila’ to be Released by Star Cinema originally appeared on Starmometer on July 8, 2009.

This new film by Lamangan explores the controversial happenings inside an all-male massage parlor which is run by a syndicate, led by Jeffrey Santos. Frontal nudity king Marco Morales will once again showcase his anatomy together with scandal king Paolo Serrano. Sexy actress Gwen Garci is also in the film as well as newcomer Joash (pronounced as Jo-Ash) Balejado. 19-year-old Joash who is a business management student from Rizal Technological University (TRU) is the winner of 2008 Mr. Lakan male pageant and “Heavenly Touch” will be his fire baptism under the hands of veteran gay director Joel Lamasan…errr…Lamangan. Marco, Paolo and Joash will play the role of masseurs with a predominantly male customers.

Video Link: Heavenly Touch – Movie Preview

(From left to right: Joash Balejado, Paolo Serrano and Marco Morales)

Joel Lamangan’s ‘Heavenly Touch’ – Movie Preview originally appeared on Starmometer on May 2, 2009.