From historical dramas to stories about exes and illegal gambling, this August’s screens are packed with unique and exciting tales starring some of the biggest stars of the country. Here are some Filipino films and shows (and a South Korean one with ties to the Philippines!) to watch out for this August:
1. Pulang Araw
GMA Network is back with a new historical drama that will take viewers back into the time of World War II. Set during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines, Pulang Araw follows four friends that deal with love and heartbreak amidst a brutal war. The series has an all-star cast led by Alden Richards, Barbie Forteza, and Dennis Trillo. Pulang Araw can be watched on both Netflix and GMA Network.
(Pulang Araw premiered on July 26).
2. Cinemalaya Film Festival
The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival returns to celebrate its milestone 20th year with a slate of feature and short films highlighting the creativity and artistry of Philippine cinema. The diverse line-up this year includes Alipato at Muog, a true crime documentary about a man abducted in the middle of a busy mall in 2007, the Marian Rivera-led Balota, about a teacher serving in the local elections and gets caught in the middle as violence breaks out, and Kantil, a queer sci-fi mystery set along a coastal community whose lives a forever changed when an alien shell is discovered.
(The Cinemala Film Festival runs from August 2-11).
3. Lolo and the Kid
Lolo and the Kid stars veteran actor Joel Torre as a professional hustler and Euwenn Mikael Aleta, who recently won Best Child Performer at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival for the film Firefly, as a pair of con artists who target the wealthy. When a life-changing opportunity falls in their laps, their inseparable bond is threatened. The film also stars Iza Calzado and Juan Karlos Labajo.
(Premieres on Netflix August 7).
4. Un/Happy For You
From Star Cinema and Viva Films, Un/Happy for You is a new romantic drama about ex-lovers and the pain, the struggles, and the complications that come with a deep relationship that sadly ends. The film, directed by Petersen Vargas (2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten; A Very Good Girl), reunites former loveteam and real-life exes Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto on the big screen.
(In cinemas August 14).
5. The Roundup: Punishment
Filmed partly in the Philippines, this South Korean action-packed blockbuster is the fourth installment of the popular The Roundup series. Punishment is about a Korean detective played by Ma Dong-seok (Train to Busan; Eternals) investigating an illegal online gambling organization that operates out of the Philippines.
(In cinemas August 14).
BONUS: Men Are from QC, Women Are from Alabang
Director Gino M. Santos’ Men Are from QC, Women Are from Alabang makes its way onto streaming this month after a theatrical run earlier this year. The romantic comedy starring Heaven Peralejo and Marco Gallo is based on the best-selling book by comedian and TV host Stanley Chi, which itself is a parody of the popular self-help relationship book “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus.”
(Premiered on Netflix August 1).
OTHERS:
August 7 – Drag Race Philippines Season 3 (on streaming)
August 21 – And So It Begins (in cinemas)