The Comfort Rooms

Engkwentro And Me

I was finally able to watch Engkwentro, up-and-coming director Pepe Diokno's first movie. The movie will be shown only until Sunday on selected theaters across the city(check SM cinemas)
. If not the usual fare is your cup of tea, then you should go watch this city.

The film was edgy, like there was not a really dull moment during 65 minutes it was playing (except maybe for of the gang war shots - which I thought was kinda lame). Though my negative comment was purely an opinion, I commend Pepe Diokno for coming up with a brilliant debut movie. I just know that the kid's got some game.

I felt like I was actually there on the streets. I felt like I was a part of the scenario. I felt like I was there with the rest of the Batang Dilim boys sniffing rugby adhesives. I felt like I was there when Jenny-Jane was busy borrowing money from her friend. I felt I was there when Richard shot Tomas dead.

Which city and mayor did the director based his movie from was very obvious. I've stayed on that city for at least a year and I've heard stories about its much-feared assasins. They roam around the city (and it environs) using their trusty motorbikes. I've had some almost-quite personal experiences with that feared group. Whether the presence of that group makes crime rates go down low is none of my business. But what I can't accept was the fact this group even kills minors with their guns.

If not for this movie, I wouldn't have known of such cruelty. Thanks Pepe! May you direct other socially-relevant movies soon!

This post was written by: Jerick Baluyot

Jerick Baluyot is a professional blogger, writer and digital marketing specialist. Follow him on Twitter