Movie Review , Hiram na Sandali (2025) Review: A Heartfelt Filipino Drama on Love and Second Chances

Hiram na Sandali (2025) – Movie Review

Director : GB Sampedro

Writers : GB Sampedro, Marvic Kevin Reyes

Stars : Dyessa Garcia, Vince Rillon, Denise Esteban

An ex-couple accidentally bumps into each other whenever they visit their dog's grave on its death anniversary. These chance meetings will later lead to a passionate reunion of the two.

Hiram na Sandali (translated as "Borrowed Time") is a poignant Filipino drama that explores the complexities of love, loss, and second chances. The story centers on Kris and Ester, former lovers who unexpectedly reunite each year at the grave of their beloved dog on its death anniversary. These annual encounters rekindle old emotions and lead them to confront unresolved feelings from their past. ​

Sourch : IMDb

As their paths continue to cross, Kris and Ester navigate the delicate balance between rekindling their relationship and acknowledging the reasons it ended. The film delves into themes of forgiveness, the passage of time, and the enduring impact of past relationships.​

Dyessa Garcia is known for Dilig (2024), Donselya (2024) and Init (2024).

Vince Rillon is known for Resbak (2021), Sisid (2022) and AbeNida (2023).

Denise Esteban is known for Kara Krus (2022), Hunter and F-Buddies (2024).

Ara Altamira is known for Magpakailanman (2012), Mga mata sa dilim (2019) and Tadhana (2017).

Cast & Characters :

    Dyessa Garcia as Ester

    Vince Rillon as Kris

    Denise Esteban as Annie

    Aerol Carmelo as Charles

    Ara Altamira as Tere

    Jonathan Dequina as Jeff

Impression and Analysis

Director G.B. Sampedro masterfully captures the nuances of rekindled love and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it. The film's pacing allows viewers to deeply connect with the characters' journeys, making their experiences feel authentic and relatable.​

Dyessa Garcia and Vince Rillon deliver compelling performances, portraying the complexities of their characters with depth and sincerity. Their on-screen chemistry brings a genuine warmth to the narrative, making the audience root for their reconciliation.​

The cinematography complements the film's intimate storytelling, using subtle visuals to enhance the emotional weight of each scene. The recurring motif of the dog's grave serves as a powerful symbol of the characters' shared history and the memories that bind them.​

Conclusion

Hiram na Sandali is a touching exploration of love's enduring nature and the possibility of second chances. It's a film that resonates with anyone who has experienced the lingering echoes of past relationships. Through its heartfelt performances and thoughtful storytelling, the movie invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys of love and forgiveness.​

📌 Personal Note

Sometimes, the past isn't just a memory—it's a lesson waiting to be understood. This film reminded me that revisiting old chapters can offer new insights and healing.​

 Movies Review , Habal 2025 – A Dark and Realistic Ride Through Davao’s Underworld

Movie Review: Habal (2025)

Genre : Thriller, Crime, Drama

Duration : 1h 43m

Country : Philippines

Director : Ralston Jover

Stars : Athena Red, JD Aguas, Karen Lopez, Queenie De Mesa, Jhon Mark Marcia

VMX Beauties Athena Red and Karen Lopez star as the objects of a virgin's desire. Danilo is a virgin motorcycle taxi driver who is often teased by his roommates for his lack of "experience". Until finally his passenger Erika and her best friend Lara lead him into his s333xual passion.

Biography :

Athena Red is known for Undergrads (2024), Kabitan (2024) and Secret Sessions (2024).

JD Aguas is known for Butas (2024), Bedspacer (2024) and That Kind of Love (2024).

Karen Lopez is known for Habal (2025).

Queenie De Mesa is known for Ang pamumukadkad ni Mirasol (2025), Habal (2025) and Family Feud Philippines (2022).

Jhon Mark Marcia is known for Mga mata sa dilim (2019), Shake Rattle and Roll Fourteen: The Invasion (2012) and Triangle (2024).

Synopsis :

Habal dives into the gritty world of illegal motorcycle taxis in the streets of Davao City. The film centers on Marvin, a struggling habal-habal driver who gets lured into the criminal underworld after accepting mysterious delivery jobs to support his family.

What begins as a desperate attempt to make ends meet slowly pulls him into a dangerous web of drugs, police corruption, and street violence. As Marvin descends further into this life, he must face the moral consequences of his choices.

Impression and Analysis

One of the film’s strongest points is its raw portrayal of urban poverty and survival. The documentary-style cinematography adds a sense of realism, making viewers feel like they’re right there with Marvin in the chaotic alleys and dark corners of the city.

The lead actor delivers a powerful, emotionally layered performance. His portrayal of Marvin is both heartbreaking and compelling, showing the inner turmoil of a man torn between survival and conscience.

The story starts off slowly but gradually builds up tension, leading to a gripping climax. There are no over-the-top dramatic twists; instead, the film uses silence, subtle choices, and realism to deliver its message.

Beyond the crime elements, Habal offers a social commentary on injustice and how systemic issues push ordinary people into desperate paths. It forces us to question what we would do in similar situations.

Conclusion

Habal (2025) is a haunting, thought-provoking film that blends social realism with a tense criminal narrative. It’s not just a story about crime—it's about survival, identity, and the quiet tragedies faced by those society often overlooks. If you appreciate slow-burn dramas with real-world themes, this film is definitely worth watching.

🎬 Today’s Personal Note

🇬🇧 English:

Sometimes, we just want a quiet life, but the world demands more. This film made me think: how far can we go without losing ourselves?

🇵🇭 Tagalog:

Minsan gusto lang natin ng payapang buhay, pero maraming hinihingi ang mundo. Napaisip ako sa pelikulang ito: hanggang saan tayo lalaban nang hindi nawawala ang sarili?

#Habalmovie

#habalmoviereview

#habalmoviereview2025

#habaltagalogmovie

Guilty Pleasure (2024): A Desire You Shouldn't Want, But Do Anyway

Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller

Director: Putri Marino

Starring: Ariel Tatum, Chicco Jerikho, Reza Rahadian

Runtime: 105 minutes

Available on: Netflix

Summary

Guilty Pleasure (2024) Guilty Pleasure explores the complex relationships and personal struggles of three ambitious lawyers as they navigate their way through love, betrayal, and ambition.

"How far would you go to taste something forbidden?"

In a world where temptations lurk behind every perfect smile, Guilty Pleasure (2024) serves up a bold narrative about love, lies, and the hunger for something — or someone — that you know you shouldn't want.

The film follows Nadia (played by Ariel Tatum), a successful food critic living the dream on the outside, but emotionally starving on the inside. Her life takes a sharp turn when she crosses paths with Rama (Chicco Jerikho), a charming chef with a secret recipe — and a secret life. Their chemistry is undeniable, intense, and dangerous. What starts as a flirtatious tasting session evolves into an affair that could destroy everything.

But just as things heat up, the film spices in a third player: Dion (Reza Rahadian), Nadia’s husband, whose calm demeanor hides a darker obsession. As secrets begin to unravel, Guilty Pleasure transforms from a steamy romance into a sharp-edged thriller.

What Worked:

    Visually delicious. The food cinematography is chef’s kiss. Every dish looks seductive, mirroring the characters' forbidden desires.

    Ariel Tatum’s performance. Vulnerable yet fierce, she carries the emotional weight of the film with grace and fire.

    Soundtrack & pacing. Moody, sultry, and well-placed — it enhances the tension without overdoing it.

This film contains mature content that might not be for everyone. As someone still trying to stay on the straight path (with plenty of distractions along the way 😅), I feel the need to say: if you think this kind of movie might conflict with your personal values or beliefs, it's totally okay to skip it.
Life is already complicated — no need to add inner guilt to the mix.
Watch it if you want, skip it if you must.
Just remember: your choice, your responsibility. Don't drag me into your sins 😎.

🛑 Personal na Paalala:

Ang pelikulang ito ay may temang pang-matanda na baka hindi angkop para sa lahat. Bilang isang taong pilit pa ring sumusunod sa tamang landas (kahit ang daming tukso 😅), gusto ko lang sabihin: kung sa tingin mo ay salungat ito sa paniniwala o values mo, okay lang na huwag panoorin.

Ang buhay nga naman ay komplikado na — huwag mo nang dagdagan ng guilt sa konsensya.

Panoorin kung gusto mo, iwasan kung kailangan.

Tandaan: choice mo ‘yan, pero ang consequences, sayo rin. Huwag mo akong idamay 😎.

Guilty Pleasure (2024) – A Film You’ll Love to Regret

Guilty Pleasure (2024) – When Fantasy Meets the Forbidden

Guilty Pleasure – The Dark Side of Wanting Too Much

Guilty Pleasure (2024) – Not Safe, Not Sorry

Guilty Pleasure Movie Review – Because Some Temptations Deserve a Closer Look

Nanay, Tatay (2024) Filipino Movie Review – A Powerful Family Drama You Can’t Miss | Tagalog Movies

Nanay, Tatay (2024) Filipino Movie Review – A Powerful Family Drama You Can’t Miss

Country : Philippines

Stars : Andrea Del Rosario, Aubrey Caraan, Xia Vigor

Director : Roni Benaid

Genre : Horror

Summary

Nanay, tatay (2024) Three orphans escape captivity, adopted by parents who are grieving the loss of their daughter who is possessed by a demon. The possessed daughter hunts the orphans, forcing them to commit crimes. Several deaths occur, including those of their parents.

🎬 Introduction: A Tale Rooted in Love and Struggle

Nanay, Tatay is not just a film—it’s an emotional punch that dives deep into the heart of every Filipino family. Released in 2024, this movie captures the raw and often painful realities of being a parent, a child, and a human trying to hold a broken family together.

If you’ve ever experienced love, sacrifice, or the aching silence between family members—this film will resonate with you in ways you didn’t expect.

🧠 Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

Set in a modest Filipino household, Nanay, Tatay centers on the lives of two parents navigating the complexities of marriage, parenthood, and survival in a society that often forgets them.

Through intimate moments and everyday struggles, the film showcases how love can endure—or falter—under the weight of poverty, miscommunication, and unresolved pain.

You won’t find dramatic explosions here—but the quiet scenes will hit you the hardest.

💬 What Makes It Special?

    Authentic Storytelling – It doesn’t try to be grand or preachy. Instead, it tells a grounded story that feels honest and painfully real.

    Brilliant Acting – The performances are raw and unfiltered, especially from the lead actors who play Nanay and Tatay.

    Cultural Nuance – The movie paints a vivid picture of Filipino family life, with all its beauty, chaos, and contradictions.

    Cinematography – Simple but powerful. Every shot feels like a window into someone’s real life.

❤️ Themes You’ll Feel Deeply

    Parental sacrifice

    Communication breakdown

    The pain of unspoken words

    Childhood trauma

    Hope within brokenness

This film doesn’t spoon-feed solutions—but it invites reflection. You might walk away questioning your own family relationships.

⭐ Final Verdict

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Nanay, Tatay (2024) is a powerful and heartbreaking film that deserves international attention. It's quiet, it's slow—but it’s also unforgettable. Highly recommended for fans of family dramas and socially rooted storytelling.

Whether you're from the Philippines or not, the emotions here are universal.

📌 Why You Should Watch It

If you enjoy films like Miracle in Cell No. 7, Roma, or Ilo Ilo, then Nanay, Tatay is your next must-watch. It doesn't just show a story—it makes you feel like you’re living it.

 Movies Review CELESTINA: BURLESK DANCER

Country : Philippines

Movie stars : Christine Bermas, Sid Lucero, Yen Durano

Director : Mac Alejandre

Genre : Drama

Celestina: Burlesk Dancer (2024) takes an interesting perspective on Celestina's claim to fame, working in a strict and prestigious burlesque house.

Here is a list of the main cast in the film Celestina: Burlesk Dancer (2024):​

Yen Durano as Celestina / Tinay, a mother who becomes a burlesk dancer to support her child during the Japanese occupation in the 1940s.​

Christine Bermas as Rosalinda, a burlesk dancer who helps Tinay get a job at the theater.​

Sid Lucero as Cornelio, Tinay's husband who is a former haciendero who is now a drunkard, gambler, and a womanizer.​

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Arron Villaflor as Leandro, a man who is interested in Tinay and turns out to be a member of the Hukbalahap.​

Allan Paule as Estong, the owner of the theater where Tinay and Rosalinda dance.​

Aiko Garcia and Angie Castrence, who also stars in the film.

"Celestina: Burlesk Dancer" – When Stage Lights Hide Wounds**

On stage, Celestina is a goddess of the night—glittering, alluring, untouchable. But behind the velvet curtains and the applause of her devotees, she is just a human being—with wounds, with longings, with dreams that are about to die.

*Celestina: Burlesk Dancer* is not just a film about erotic dance or the glamour of nightlife. It is a visual poem about bodies that are used for entertainment, about souls that are locked behind heavy makeup and fake smiles. The film dances between sensuality and pain, inviting the audience to witness the conflict between dignity and need, between love and existence.

In the hands of the director, Celestina is not just a character. She is a symbol. She represents thousands of women whose lives are a spectacle, but whose stories are never truly heard.

The acting of the main character—bearing the character's name with an almost suffocating intensity—is not only strong, but honest.

There is an explosion of emotion in every glance, in every breath after the dance is over. We don't just see Celestina; we feel with her.

The cinematography is like a surrealist painting. Blood red, gold, and black dominate the screen like raging emotions: passion, anger, loss. The accompanying music creeps into the spine, making the quiet moments feel louder than the long dialogue.

But make no mistake, this is not a comfortable film. It is not meant to please. It disturbs. It forces us to ask: who is really dancing? Celestina... or the rest of us who continue to watch, judge, consume without a care?

**Verdict:** 

*Celestina: Burlesk Dancer* is not a light watch.