Mulat: A Revelation in Form and Content

 Of all the triumphs going for Diane Ventura’s first feature-length film, Mulat (Awaken), its genre-bending narrative style and the ace performances of its actors perhaps take the cake. Chief in this long list are its two lead actors—Jake Cuenca (who plays the morose Jake) and Ryan Eigenmann (who is dynamite as Vince)—both of whom effectively quash any preconceived notions viewers may have of their abilities due to their notoriety in more mass-leaning vehicles. Newcomer Loren Burgos is also not to be shrugged off, and it is her impassioned turn as Sam, in equal doses forceful and vulnerable, which serves as the movie’s anchor. Supporting cast members such as the sparring couple of Logan Goodchild (Logan) and Candy Pangilinan (Cathy), as well as theater mainstay Madeleine Nicolas (Sam’s mom), also deserve kudos.

But let’s not kid ourselves here: Ventura’s material is topnotch, and it is our good fortune that she is adamant in presenting things, well, differently. What in lesser hands will be a straightforward three-way love story gets a shot in the arm with the young director at the helm. What we have instead in Mulat is a psychological thriller, a time-hopping mystery, and a perspective-rich romance rolled into one, where linearity is challenged and logic is refashioned. Some may view it as difficult, but any worthwhile experiment is worth some work. And the critics agree: Mulat is worth laboring over. Since its global debut a while back, Ventura has bagged Best Director for Global Feature, while Jake Cuenca took home Best Actor at the International Film Festival Manhattan 2015. The film also won Best Narrative Feature at the World Cinema Festival in Brazil, where Cuenca once again snagged Best Actor honors. Mulat was also given the “A” rating by the Cinema Evaluation Board. 

In retrospect, Diane Ventura’s previous output, the Cherie Gil starrer TheRapist, was a portent of fine things to come. Another psychological vehicle, the short film is yet another triumph in less-is-more craftsmanship, and it approached weighty issues (rape, abuse, sexuality, psychoanalysis) with deft hands. A new trailer for said film, which got a G rating from the MTRCB after initially being deemed unfit for public viewing, will also be shown in local screenings of Mulat.

  

Taste over-the-top beefy goodness of Jolly Hotdog in Cheesy Classic and NEW Chili Cheese variants

Jollibee, the country’s largest fast food chain, has beefed up one of its well-loved product lines, the Jolly Hotdog, with the New Chili Cheese variant, an exciting addition to its Cheesy Classic variant.

Always served fresh, the Cheesy Classic Jolly Hotdog offers over-the-top beefy goodness with its beef hotdog in a warm bun, topped with a slightly tangy special dressing and livened up with grated cheese and tomato catsup.

Just like the Cheesy Classic variant, the New Chili Cheese Jolly Hotdog is a beef hotdog in a delicious bun, but this time topped with a generous serving of mouth-watering meaty chili and cheese sauce.

At the Jolly Hotdog’s core is a beefy, juicy hotdog that makes for a perfect treat you want to savor every bite of.  This certified delish snack is packed with over-the-top flavors and textures you’ll never find in plain and boring hotdog sandwiches.

According to Francis E. Flores, Jollibee Chief Global Marketing Officer and Jollibee Philippines Head of Marketing, the New Chili Cheese Jolly Hotdog came at the right time when consumers are more attuned to variety and adventure.

“The more thrilling Chili Cheese variant is for today’s fast food fans who are always looking to explore new flavors. The new tasty topping definitely adds zest and adventure to Jolly Hotdog,” he said. Launched in 1990, Jolly Hotdog has always been an all-time favorite among barkadas, teens, kids and kids at heart as a way to satisfy their hunger with a delicious and reasonably priced snack, or as a comfort food to relish either for dine-in, takeout, drive-thru or delivery.

Come and enjoy Jolly Hotdog in Cheesy Classic and New Chili Cheese variants with your friends, either ala carte or in a combo meal with regular fries and drink. Price starts at P50.