LARO NI JUAN DIRECTOR'S CUT DVD

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Our film - Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan, which had a four-week theatrical run in selected theaters, will be finally out in dvd starting next week, December 21 at your favorite video shops.

The film stars Ray an Dulay, Angeli Bayani, Richard Quan, Perry Escano, Nico Antonio, May-i Fabros, Ace Ricafort, Ivy Sumilang, Tony Lapena and Mark fabillar.

DVD cover designed by: Mark Xander Fabillar

Again, we would like to share some reviews that the film received.
The Bakla Review:
http://thebaklareview.blogspot.com/2009/10/ang-laro-ng-buhay-ni-juan.html

"Co-written by Bonife, Altarejós, and Peping Salonga, Laro is subtler, but also richer, fresher, more intelligent, if also a little cooler/colder. It's a film that pulsates with the discovery of the moment. Ang Lihim ni Antonio is its closest forebear, both marked by naturally flowing existentialism, but this is probably the first time the direction and the writing complemented so effortlessly. "

Edgar Cruz, The Daily Tribune/Stir.ph:
http://www.stir.ph/LM/articles~level2/id-1256004053156_4/ai-null/Joselito_Altarejos_reality_game.html

"Altarejós attacks the scenes as dispassionately as possible. There are scenes which he could have exploited, but he cuts as soon as he establishes the scene’s purpose — the mark of a mature helmer... He proves in this movie that he's an indie filmmaker in the real sense of the term. He pushes the director's work to the extreme like what German poet Rainier Maria Rilke said is necessary to come up with a master work... Ang Lalake Sa Parola was my favorite Altarejós movie; Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan changed this!"

Loud Cloud:
http://verbosecity.blogspot.com/2009/10/biscuits-and-heartbreaks.html

"Adept direction and a subtle script brought out the indisputable talent of Dulay into prominence. Whereas in the past Dulay’s acting aptitude glimmers but get eclipsed (because of the minority of his roles) Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan is his opportunity and he convinces us that you'll watch this movie not because of raging erections but because of hard-won talent. Even the minor casts approach their characters with precision and humanity they seem not to regurgitate a script but tossing out lines like spontaneous snippet of their daily dialogues."

Rito Asilo, Philippine Daily Inquirer:
http://services.inquirer.net/mobile/09/10/24/html_output/xmlhtml/20091024-231999-xml.html

"Jay (Altarejos) weaves a clear and briskly paced tale. He puts his storytelling dexterity and visual flair to good use as he subtly shifts from one social commentary to another. However, the needlessly protracted dance sequence could have used some trimming."

CINEMA, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines:
http://cbcpcinema.blogspot.com/2009/10/ang-laro-ng-buhay-ni-juan.html

"Payak kung maituturing ang kuwento ng pelikula na sinundan lamang ang isang araw sa buhay ng isang taong nais magbagong-buhay. Ngunit ang kapayakang ito ang nagpahatid at naglahad ng epektibong kuwento ng mga taong ang buhay ay nakatago sa dilim. Kitang-kita ang pagkakaiba ng buhay ni Juan sa araw at gabi. Isang tipikal na kuwento ng mga taong nasadlak sa kahirapan at may hanapbuhay na hindi nila kayang ipagmalaki. Maganda at totoong-totoo ang eksenang ipinakita sa pelikula. Malinaw ang pagkakalahad ng kuwento na hitik sa simbolismo. Mahuhusay din ang mga nagsiganap na bagama't mga hindi kilala at hindi malalaking pangalan sa industriya ay nagawang magampanan ang kanilang papel nang makatotohanan. Maganda ang direksiyon ng pelikula sa kabuuan dahil na rin sa naging matapat ito sa mga katotohanan ng lipunan na bihira na lang mapansin ng karamihan."

Snakey's Confession:
http://snakeysconfessions.blogspot.com/?zx=db068daa3099773c

"I am not a film critic but merely an avid fan but what disturbs me was that I did not just watch the film, but I was taken from my seat at the moviehouse and transported to where a lot of dreamers had been finding themselves in time and again, and what my past could have been; by sharing with me a treasured glimpse of the LARO NG BUHAY NI JUAN."

The video is distributed by Universal Records. BEYONDtheBOX would like to thank Ms. Elinor Castro, Mr. Peter Chan and Ms. Kathleen Go of Universal Records.

Please, grab a copy. Salamat.

Film Review: Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan

Joselito Altarejos’ reality game
by: Edgar O. Cruz | STIR Editor In Chief
20 Oct 2009 | 10:02 AM

Ray an Dulay & Nico Antonio in the goodbye scene

Ang laro ng buhay ni juanAce Ricafort’s frontal nudity is a featured moment in Joselito Altarejos’ “Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan,” screening exclusively at Robinson’s Cinemas (Galleria and Manila) starting tomorrow, Oct. 21.

Ace is the daring newbie who plays the in-demand sex worker Badong, one of the live sex show performers called the Tupada Boys at the Inner Sanctum gay bar. His attention-grabbing portion, however, does not steal from the raw depiction of marginalized Pinoys living on the edge, like Tupada Boy Juan (Ray An Dulay) alias Erwin, Jr., and Jason according to the sex worker’s code of assuming several identities.

“Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan” is Altarejos’ first foray into the real time mode of filmmaking. After the surrealism of “Ang Lalake Sa Parola,” the shock of “Ang Lihim ni Antonio,” the peek into discreet gay life in “Kambyo” and “Little Boy, Big Boy,” Altarejos turns full circle to stir the styles of past films in another interpretation of the secret life of bisexuals in Armando “Bing” Lao’s real time as interpreted in the script of Lex Bonife and Peping Salonga and produced by Altarejos’ own BEYONDtheBOX film production company.

“Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan” explores two hours in the life of Juan in the big city, who is forced to go back to his hometown Masbate. Juan takes us into his “hole-in-the-wall” shelter in the backstreets of high-rises to meet marginalized Pinoys breaking the survival code with character types like unwed mother Mercy (Angeli Bayani, 2008 Cinemanila’s Asian Best Actress) and his endo lover Noel (Nico Antonio of “Minsan Pa” and “Kubrador” cast, who returns to the big screen after joining Star Magic as a VOIZboys crew).

The film asks whether man’s destiny is presented or self-made. Juan decides to go back to the province to be with his sick mother and not return as he is living a wasted life. He wants to leave so he breaks his decision to Noel. But a raid mars his last show when police take his money and rubbers earned from selling his body so he will not be arrested. As he cannot return to his mother, he is left with the option to return to Noel.

Contrasts play an important part in this film. The day part explores the discreet gay life of Juan and Noel that ends in a no-fuss teary farewell scene. The night part exposes what discreet gays working as sex workers do. Daytime photography is bathed in glaring sun, while nighttime is candlelit as if to hide its dark secrets. The city’s rotting; its survivors may live under miserable circumstances but where they work, there’s a chandelier and a grand staircase — glam witnesses of their glum lives.

Ray An and Nico interpret their characters in contrasting style.

Ray An is almost mechanical, under-acting, while Nico is emotional, playing it to hilt for maximum effect in the separation scene. This is a very touching interaction between men who love one another and are not compelled to flaunt it except to themselves. The masculine Nico appears in half-naked and kisses Ray An on the lips. This is clearly his best performance in a full-length feature to date, short but driven to the point. Many may be turned off by Ray An’s performance, but it is true to character.

Altarejos attacks the scenes as dispassionately as possible. There are scenes which he could have exploited, but he cuts as soon as he establishes the scene’s purpose — the mark of a mature helmer. This is perhaps the reason the MTRCB gave it an R-18 classification despite the masturbation, blow job, frontal nudity and strong language. He proves in this movie he’s an indie filmmaker in the real sense of the term. He pushes the director work to the extreme like what German poet Rainier Maria Rilke said is necessary to come up with a master work.

Suggesting fate is the work of a whimsical if random higher being in his game with humans as his objects, “Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan” poses the idea that male-to-male sex workers are discreet gays. In local gay films, they are usually depicted as straight guys who feed on gay fantasies, but as Altarejos boldly suggests otherwise in this film. This fresh interpretation is that they are homosexuals having a late awakening, recognition, and/or acceptance. They like what they are doing. If not, why do they stick to the job? This is a reinforcement of the film’s original idea of humans as playthings.

But there’s something that’s uniform in this movie. Mercedes picks up the rice thrown off her hands by a rushing body; Noel picks up the mixed cookies from a can that spilled when inspected by a raider. He had intended it as pasalubong. It seems this is the code of feeding to the marginalized. It’s not even hand-to-mouth existence, but what you may call as floor-to-mouth subsistence. This is where Altarejos excels — having a good understanding of material and a fearless attitude to tell it. “Ang Lalake Sa Parola” was my favorite Altarejos movie; “Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan” changed this!

What makes Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan tick?

Ang LARO NG BUHAY NI JUAN
Louis Archie Dreyfus

Today at 8:48pm Facebook Note

Sometimes a movie comes and reminds us that for a film to be memorable, it should not be important that the actors be excessively good looking and that the plot be filled with twists and turns and complexity as what most audience expect. There are times that all it needs is a touch of realism and the feeling that one is not watching but rather experiencing what is showing onscreen. That is what makes LARO NG BUHAY NI JUAN tick!

For two hours, I was taken back to the slums of Manila where I myself was able to live a few years back. One could almost feel the glaring heat of daylight; could almost smell the decaying scent of a mixture of countless odors; could hear the mingled noises in front of the unending sound of traffic in Edsa. All these images projected to the watcher with the subliminal signals that the director, Jay Altarejos, whether purposely or not signals the viewer on what to watch out for!

The simple style of the opening credits did not impress me at first, until i realized that its simplicity gave the audience the needed ticket to be in the story. Ray-an Dulay's acting was superb in its reality with nuances that gave him credibility. The word PSYCHO in front of the parked jeepney paralleled my observation on the craziness of what was transpiring in front of me; the word PRIVATE at the back of another jeep prepares you for the private/intimate life of who Juan really was. And the almost manic grabbing of Edwin's hair by his lover (Nico Antonio) as if it would somehow get him to stay breaks your heart much like the irony of the spilled rice bought from borrowed "trenta" when free rice is being given out by a would be politician.

In comparison to the blinding light of the day scenes come the dark shadows of the night scenes. Here we feel the tension of the streets, the secrets that lurks in corners and the secrets we all would want to keep. Yes, there are full frontal nudity, but they are much needed to show each viewer that they are but voyeurs in the life of Juan.

I give kudos to direk Jay, for sharing with us a vision that otherwise we tend to forget. I refuse to declare if this is his best work considering that there are certainly more to come and that this is his first foray with a realtime feature but then this work has already a place in my own collection.

I am not a film critic but merely an avid fan but what disturbs me was that I did not just watch the film, but I was taken from my seat at the moviehouse and transported to where a lot of dreamers had been finding themselves in time and again, and what my past could have been; by sharing with me a treasured glimpse of the LARO NG BUHAY NI JUAN.

JUAN IN STIR.PH

Games Juan plays
by: Edgar O. Cruz | STIR Editor In Chief
6 Oct 2009 | 09:45 AM


The raid of an underground gay bar showing live sex in Cubao, Quezon City inspired filmmakers Joselito Altarejos and Lex Bonife to make “Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan.” Set to have a press preview on Oct. 14, it will screen exclusively in Robinsons Cinemas Galleria and Manila starting this Oct. 21.

Two-hour “Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan” explores the last day and night in the big city of live sex worker Juan (Ray An Dulay) who is forced to go back to his small town in Masbate. The film will take you to Juan’s hole-in-the-wall shelter where you will meet various characters in his life like Mercy (Angeli Bayani, Cinemanila 2008 Asian Best Actress) and lover Noel (Nico Antonio).

Juan will allow you to peep in the underground gay bar Inner Sanctum which offers live sex as an added attraction. Here in-demand callboy/toro Badong (Ace Ricafort) bares and shows all. You can blink your eyes for what he and the rest of the live sex workers do as they are long-ish scenes. But Juan’s last show is disrupted by raiders (Richard Quan and Perry Escano). Will he be able to escape to make his exit to the province? The film ponders the question: Is fate in our hands?

“Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan” comes from the makers of “Ang Lalaki sa Parola,” “Ang Lihim ni Antonio, “Kambyo,” and “Little Boy/Big Boy.” Directed by Joselito Altarejos from the script of Lex Bonife and Peping Salonga, Markk Perete, Corazon Del Castillo, Jason Almendras and Dexter Pelagio produced this BEYONDtheBox film.

SI JUAN AT ANG MAYNILA

Si JUAN, ang tingin sa buhay ay isang laro.
Tumaya siya ng tatlong taon sa Maynila.
Ngayon, dinala siya ng "laro" niya sa isang underground bar at isa na siyang live-sex performer.

Oras na ba para aminin niyang natalo siya sa laro ng buhay?

ANG LARO NG BUHAY NI JUAN:

Showing on Oct. 21, Robinsons Cinemas

TUPADA BOYS: Tony Lopena, Ray an Dulay, Ace Ricafort

ANG LARO NG BUHAY NI JUAN

A film by JOSELITO ALTAREJOS

A BEYONDtheBOX Production

Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan explores two hours in the life of Juan Reyes, a 25-year-old Masbate native who just found his way to Manila three years ago. He has tried his hand at many odd jobs and now works as a live-sex performer at an underground gay bar but has decided to leave Manila for good.

On the day of his departure, he will take us with him as he makes life decisions—big and small. The most important one of all is leaving the impoverished place which he called home for a year, capping it with his emotional goodbyes with his lover, Noel. And, how a raid by the authorities marred his last performance in an underground bar called Inner Sanctum which affected his decision.

The film shows how "ordinary Juan" distracts himself from the nagging problems of survival in order to continue playing the game called life.

ANG LARO NG BUHAY NI JUAN is the first film produced by BEYONDtheBOX.

PRODUCTION CREDITS:

Cast

RAY AN DULAY

ANGELI BAYANI

NICO ANTONIO

RICHARD QUAN

PERRY ESCANO

ACE RICAFORT

MARK XANDER FABILLAR

MICHAEL CAYETANO

MAY-I FABROS

ANNELLE DURANO

DEXTER PELAGIO

TONY LOPENA

Director JOSELITO ALTAREJOS

Story & Screenplay PEPING SALONGA, LEX BONIFE , JOSELITO ALTAREJOS

Executive Producer MARKK PERETE

Producers CORA DEL CASTILLO, JASON ALMENDRAS, DEXTER PELAGIO

Associate Producer ARLENE PILAPIL

Director of Photography PAO SANTIAGO PANGAN

Editing SHERWIN PESCASIO

Music & Sound RICHARD GONZALES

Production Design LESTER JACINTO

Poster Design MARK XANDER FABILLAR

BIOGRAPHY/FILMOGRAPHY OF THE FILMMAKER:

JOSELITO ALTAREJOS is a television and film director.

He is also the Creative Director of BEYONDtheBOX, a group of media practitioners, which was formed in 2003. The group produces TV Commercials, Audio Visual Presentations and gives TV Production Workshops.

Altarejos’ digital films before ANG LARO NG BUHAY NI JUAN are: Ang Lalake sa Parola, Ang Lihim ni Antonio, Kambyo & Little Boy Big Boy.

ANG LALAKE SA PAROLA, a film about search for oneself, was both critical and commercial success. It was Graded B by the Philippine Cinema Evaluation Board which called it “a thinking film.” Parola also earned a nomintaion for Justin de Leon in the Best Supporting Actor Category in the 2008 Golden Screen Awards while Jeng Torres and Pot Manda were nominated in the Best Production Design Category in FAP’s Luna Awards.

His other film, ANG LIHIM NI ANTONIO, a cautionary coming-of-age tale gone tragic, is still considered the highest grossing digital film shown in Robinsons Cinemas. ANTONIO has been invited to different festivals abroad like the IMAGEOUT & CINEMAROSA both in New YorkWhen it had the European Premiere in Torino GLBT Film Festival, it was hailed, together with Areus Solito’s Boy, as the new wave of Philippine gay cinema.

ANTONIO earned for its lead actor KENJIE GARCIA nominations as Breakthrough Performance by an Actor, Golden Screen Awards and Best New Movie Actor in Star Awards this year. While SHAMAINE BUENCAMINO was also nominted in the same award-giving body in the Best Supporting Category.

FILMMAKER'S STATEMENT:

The wonderful thing about life is our freedom to make a choice. But what happens if circumstances prevent us from making our choices into reality? ANG LARO NG BUHAY NI JUAN poses the question: “Nakasalalay ba sa ating mga kamay ang ating kapalaran?”

Showing on OCTOBER 21, 1009 in selected ROBINSONS CINEMAS!!!