Tuhog 2013

MAMAMATAY KA.

These words were child actor Maliksi Morales' line when the three protagonists of the movie (Leo Martinez, Eugene Domingo, and Enchong Dee) refused to give him alms. True enough, the three ended up in a hospital, all skewered in a steel pole, fighting for their lives.

Tuhog circled around the lives of the three. Tonio (played by Martinez) is a patriarch whose dream is to become a baker. He used his retirement money to finally make his dream become reality. The problem, however, was his lack of know-how as far as baking and running a business is concerned. Despite the disapproval of his children, he pursued his dream and started from scratch.

Fiesta (played by Domingo) is a heartless bus conductor. She's notorious for her sharp words and brusque antics. Her mother left her when she was little and she has been enduring life with her alcoholic father. Her life changed when Nato (played by Jake Cuenca) came into her life. They started out as enemies. Nato was a bus driver in the same company Fiesta works in. They bickered with each other until Nato asked out Fiesta for a date. For the first time, a guy showed her genuine sincerity and concern. She learned to love. But then heartaches are inevitable. In consequence, she also got heartbroken for the first time. I have to say, kinilig ako kay Jake Cuenca at Eugene Domingo dito. Hahaha!

Wanting to lose his virginity with his girlfriend Angel (played by Empress Schuck), Caloy resisted all kinds of temptation for his dearly beloved. He was in love and with high hopes that his girl would do the same. Little did he know that Angel lost her virginity to someone else. This disappointed him and pushed him to cheat with another girl.

Though living different lives, each protagonist is destined to arrive to an end. Their fate led them to one bus ride which will endanger their lives. Who among the three will die? Any guesses?

As far as acting prowess is concerned, I'll give it to Eugene Domingo. I was most moved by her life story. She effectively made people laugh and "kilig" because of her quirky love story. She was a believable lesbian. And when she dressed up for her date with Nato, I can't help but smile and feel happy for her. Martinez' portrayal of Tonio was also heart-warming. His story made me think about my parents who are of the same age. Will they be like the senior citizens in the movie? Will they also want to pursue their dreams despite old age? It also made me think who among my friends will be by my side til my last breath. It's comforting to watch Tonio and his friends play Pusoy Dos because you see them enjoying their final days. I hope my parents find their place on Earth just like Tonio did. As for his portrayal for Caloy, I can say that Enchong also did well. Probably it was effortless in his part because every guy goes through this stage of wanting to lose his virginity. His story tackles the teens' problem of balancing love and lust. As much as I don't want to admit it, there are indeed guys who wait for the girl they love. That's what Caloy's story is all about.

Another thing I liked about the movie is its soundtrack. I love how the song is sad and sentimental. It is a reflection of the characters' fate. We are all scared to death about something, right? Listen to the OST of the movie Tuhog. It's on loop in my player right now!

Scared To Death – Kz Tandingan Lyrics & Listen

TOUGH TIMES NEVER LAST.
TOUGH PEOPLE DO.
★ HAPPIDEZZ