Pinoy Sunday

I've never heard of Pinoy Sunday before until I read an article of the upcoming Filipino films on Netflix. When I checked out the plot, I was immediately intrigued and more so when I found out it was directed by a Malaysian director. Wi Ding Ho's take on the saturated OFW experience was truly commendable. If I hadn't known prior it was from a foreign director, it wouldn't cross my mind because of how natural the Filipinos were shown. I guess it's easy to depict foreign workers but to actually capture that Filipino humor and heart is another thing. It really helped that the story was brought to life by the underrated actors, Bayani and Epy. Evident on their past movies, these two are always fun to watch nailing their comedic timings and surprising us with their dramatic range. I was genuinely entertained and satisfied after the credits rolled. It was hilarious, touching, beautifully-shot, and overall thought-provoking. And I can't wait to watch it again in the near future when I need a good escape.

There will be a chord struck with viewers of Pinoy Sunday given that the protagonists are migrant workers, who are of late much debated about (and heatedly too) given the growing numbers in sunny Singapore that leads to competition of jobs and a clash of opposing attitudes. Perhaps a film like this one will serve to bridge the divide of misunderstanding, to remind us that fundamentally we're the same, and in pursuit of similar creature comforts in life. Directed by Malaysian Ho Wi Ding in Taipei, the language used in the film is almost entirely in Tagalog, following the adventures of Manuel (Filipino Idol Epy Quizon) and Dado (Bayani Agbayani).

If you've seen the trailer, you'll probably know the drill already. Two migrant workers in Manuel and Dado find themselves a discarded bright red sofa in the streets of Taipei City, and decide to manually cart the item back to their dormitory so that they can enjoy cool beer while chill/relaxing on it after a hard day's labour. Or at least that is the dream and the goal, but to do so will rely on the duo successfully navigating through the streets in which they do not speak the language, which becomes one zany yet fun filled road trip on foot for miles, being one really crazy objective to begin with that tests the limits of their friendship and perseverance.

This film wouldn't have worked without both actors putting in fine performances as characters of opposites. One's a committed family man yet found in a relationship with another domestic help (Meryll Soriano), while the other has the hots over a singer (Alessandra de Rossi) where the affections isn't mutual, but don't blame the guy for not wanting to try. Between the two, one's a go-getter that isn't afraid to get what he wants, while the other flinching at every opportunity to not go ahead with their joint plan. You get the drift of the contrasts involved, and credit goes to both Epy Quizon and comedian Bayani Agbayani as they share some incredibly charming screen chemistry portraying the bickering pair whose journey reveals the sterner stuff on which their friendship is built upon, not to forget the sofa being the obvious metaphor for the challenges and baggage they have to take on at situations that life throws at them.

Plot narrative remains episodic, but this serves the film well as Ho Wi Ding crafts comedy by the truckloads, as well as poignant, reflective moments that allows one to take stock of the littlest things we take for granted in others. Amongst the lot my favourites were the extended scenes involving a drunk motorcyclist which led the duo to a brush with the cops, which had discrimination rear its ugly head, and the thwarting of a suicide attempt leading to a zealous television crew trying to hunt the protagonists down for an interview, which played up the barrier in language. From time to time you'll see shades of friendship probably mirroring your own with friends, as well as the uglier side should one lapse into being unforgiving toward the strangers in our midst.

Pinoy Sunday runs just under 90 minutes, but packs such a powerful punch that it is a film definitely not to be missed - you'll laugh on one hand, yet having enough room to contemplate its themes, which are appealingly universal and touches upon some raw nerves underneath its veneer of comedy.

Instead of asking ourselves why no local director had thought of making a comedy film based on foreign workers (this was a popular topic during the recent elections, no?), we shall instead discuss what a charmer this Taiwanese film is.

This is definitely not your usual Taiwanese production: The fact that it ninety per cent of its dialogue is in Tagalog tells you so. It also features a Filipino cast whose names we have problems pronouncing, and cameos by Taiwanese actors in blink and miss appearances. The premise is simple and effective – Two foreign workers Dado and Manuel discover a discarded sofa in Taipei city and what was meant to be a routine Sunday turns into a whimsical adventure.

Director Ho Wi Ding and his co writer Ajay Balakrishnan has concocted a delightful tale of perseverance and self discovery in this entertainingly enjoyable movie. It helps that the two leading men Bayani Agbayani and Epy Quizon have a charisma which is endearingly appealing. Agbayani's portrayal of the more serious and responsible Dado is a nice contrast to Quizon's take on the carefree romantic Manuel who just wants to go with the flow. The duo's on screen chemistry is spot on, making us want to be part of this hilarious adventure of transporting the sofa back to their dormitory, just so that they can enjoy the night breeze in comfort – with beer in their hands, of course.

The leading men's female co stars do a decent job of portraying workers trying to get by in a foreign land. Meryll Soriano plays a domestic helper whom the wedded Dado develops a relationship with. Alessandra de Rossi (you may remember her playing the lead role in Kelvin Tong's The Maid some years back) takes on the role of a club singer Manuel sets his eyes on. Elsewhere, you may spot familiar faces like Joseph Chang, Bowie Tsang, Mo Zi Yi and Lu Yi Ching popping up in the least expected scenes.

Those familiar with Taipei's sights and sounds will enjoy the unique cosmopolitan feel painted by cinematographer Jake Pollock. The smart choice of featuring a red sofa (it stands out nicely against the dusty backdrops of the city) on the protagonists' road trip is also a testament of the filmmakers' eyes for visuals. Watch out for a surreal scene where the two friends sing along to a cheerful tune while floating down a river on the sofa – it is one of those dreamlike sequences which we wish can happen in real life.

Malaysia born Ho made the wise decision to avoid the weighty issues of social commentaries on the unfair injustices the protagonists have to bear with in a foreign land. Instead, he weaves in everyday situations that audiences everywhere can identify with into this accessible 93 minute production. With a capable cast and an ingenuous visualisation of the screenplay, the director has made a highly recommended buddy movie which will has both mass and critical appeal. This work earned Ho the Best New Director accolade at last year's Golden Horse Awards.

Essentially, this is a movie about the people we go through life with. Throw in sprinkles of fun and laughter, and we get an honest look at what we would do for the people we genuinely care about.

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One of the worst movies i have watched. Full of nonsense

Malaysian director Ho Wi Ding proves his mettle with this exceptional independent feature. Set in Taiwan, Ho's movie is about the lives of Filipinos working as manual labor and domestic help in the country. The story picks up and hits the road with two Filipinos who's friendship is tested by twists of unfortunate fate which seem to latch onto them with no mercy. Funny and blessed with the ability of being able to provide an insightful look into the lives of those who have to sacrifice being away from their homeland in order to earn a decent living, this is not your usual "make do with the pitiful budget and just try to make it look artsy" type of indie. It isn't easy to direct a film in a foreign land using a cast (very natural, capable acting) who speak in an entirely different tongue from yet another country. Ho Wi Ding did just that and hats off to him. Heroes of the indie movement should be celebrated and we're hoping he hears our toast of approval.