The World of Second Chances

The Killer Bride Finale

January 18, 2020

That’s Entertainment

Note: May contain spoilers.

The Killer Bride is not your typical Pinoy teleserye wherein the writers give in to the demand of the fans. It sticked to its story about love, family, revenge and redemption. Surprisingly, the theme is not just about what I have just mentioned but the secret plot is about how wrong stories or information are used to twist the truth and benefit those who use it for their own advantage.

In the early run of the teleserye, we know that the reason why the Dela Cuestas and the Dela Torres are at odd against each other is because of the rape-slay of Belinda dela Torre. In the finale, we learn that Armando Dela Cuesta and Belinda Dela Torre are actually lovers who are about to elope because the latter is about to get married to another man her family approved of. Not much was said about Armando but basing it from the clothes that they wore on the final scene, he was also killed by Belinda’s supposed future husband. Then the perpetators most likely spread the urban legend about Belinda being raped and killed by Armando thus creating a big hatred between the two most powerful families in Las Espadas.

The Belinda-Armando love story and tragedy repeats itself in Camila and Vito as their families will not accept because of an earlier animosity between the two clans. But actually, Camila and Vito are just casualties of the evil plan of her own blood, Luciano Dela Torre. He sees the opportunity to make her as the ultimate antagonist so as to cover up his criminal acts with the help of his secret love, Alice Dela Torre, his brother’s mentally disturbed wife.

Camila’s ghost in the finale questions herself if she wasted her whole life trying to seek vengeance for losing Vida (her daughter with Vito) when she had her the whole time in Emma’s persona. To add insult to injury, Vito confirms that Emma is really their daughter and he will be a father to her, assuring her of his love. There were flashbacks of a young Emma with Camila and how she showed her unconventional love for her supposed adopted daughter. She was too focused on finding Vida and did not notice Emma’s shared traits with her parents: her being a good singer like Vito, her love for the horses like her, her soft side just when she (Camila) was just her age and then her fiery side when she became Alba Almeda. In one of the scenes, Camila appeared to doubt Luna if she was really Vida as the latter did not have the inherited traits of her biological parents.

Juan Felipe redeemed himself from being a cruel mayor to a humbled fugitive. I must say that Antonia did better in raising her boys than Guada because the Dela Torre children were too stubbon to handle: the black sheep Luciano, the rebel Renato, the cruel Juan Felipe and then the bitchy Tatiana. For the Dela Torres, it was all about the image and anything that would put the family name in trouble would be covered up. Good thing, Luis was different from his parents and he was the saving grace of the Dela Torres.

Emma is now the richest of them all as she’s a Serrano, a Dela Torre and a Dela Cuesta! I love how the love story between Vida/Emma and Elias becomes the final closure of hatred between the two families since Vito is also a father figure to Elias making him an unofficial Dela Cuesta. The Luis and Emma love angle becomes awkward now because he is his uncle. It is even more cringeworthy to recall the Emma and Vito rumoured affair.

The finale wherein a happy Camila is shown riding a horse while a happy Fabio follows her by foot is for the CamBio fans. But in my opinion, the hidden message is Camila has no romantic feelings for Fabio even in the afterlife and Fabio is okay with the unrequited love set up. The Vito and Camila love story is a tragedy and both of them accepted that their love story is short and sweet. Thus, KZ Tandingan’s “Halik sa Hangin” is the song that they play for every shared scenes that they have. The message is no matter how much you love a person, if you are not meant to be, you will never be together. Fabio and Tessa are the second degree victims of the Vito and Tessa’s tragedy as they could not compete with their explosive (as what Tatiana said) love affair. Now that Camila is really gone and Vito sets the record straight that he never left her, he could finally make up for his wife Tessa and start a happy family with Emma/Vida and Luna around.

Adoption is a sensitive topic even in this modern day. Tessa’s acceptance that Luna deserves to trace her biological parents means that adoptive parents need to be supportive when the time comes that their adopted children start to look for their roots. Emma/Vida and Luna would be perfect as sisters as both are strong-willed and they share a common love—Elias. For Emma/Vida, it’s a romantic love while for Luna, a platonic love for Elias. I am rooting for a Luna-Luis love story and hey, it isn’t impossible! When that happens, Luna would have been Emma’s aunt-in-law and a sister at the same time.What a crazy family tree!

Then the high five scene of Antonia and Guada is something to be happy about as the two matriarchs used to throw shade at each other. I am thinking that Manay Ichu would be part of their sisterhood and there would be more coffee dates among the three senior ladies.

The thing is, what would happen if there is no Camila-Vito tragedy in the first place? I guess Luciano and Alice would still use another person to cover up their illegal activities. The casualty could have been the mayor himself, Juan Felipe or the rebel group where Renato was a member of. In short, Camila’s life and death simply opened cans and cans of worms and she exposed the brutal truth about her uncle’s crime. Had Luciano used Juan Felipe or Renato as escapegoat, he could surely get away with it and still do his dirty business under Don Jacobo’s nose.

The Killer Bride is the only Pinoy teleserye that I watched from beginning til the end. Maja Salvador deserves to be called the new TV queen. Janella Salvador levels up on this teleserye. Geoff Eigenmann is really Gina Alajar and Michael de Mesa’s son! He should get more acting projects. Miko Raval should be groomed as an action star—wait, do we still have action movies nowadays? Joshua Garcia is definitely the next John Lloyd Cruz. More projects for Malou De Guzman, Jobelle Salvador and Aurora Sevilla, please! The Monica Belluci of the Philippines, Lara Quigaman, is a BIG revelation on her role as the mentally-disturbed Alice. Sam Concepcion is good and so is Alexa Ilacad. Loren Burgos, the Catriona Gray lookalike, can do versatile roles. Pamu Pamorada and Neil Coleta can team up next time, it’s gonna be hilarious! I could not mention all of the cast but the team who put them all together in this one big project deserves a clap as ALL OF THE ACTORS/ACTRESSES were perfect for the role!

Yes, I will miss this teleserye and the fictional town of Las Espadas. You all did a great job!
The Tragedy of Barbie Inocencio

December 6, 2019

Life & Love

I came across an FB post about a missing 16-year old girl from Banga, South Cotabato and just like what I always do in the past, I shared it on my wall to create awareness about her disappeance. It was on a stormy Tuesday night when I shared it. I thought it was just another case of a young woman running away from her strict parents. Her mother’s posts somehow gave me the impression that she knew that he daughter ran away but couldn’t trace her location. I hoped that somebody would spot her and report her just like how Ica Policarpio was found in 2017.

Whenever I post about missing persons, I feel that I am one of their loved ones so I check the updates every now and then. I was surprised that instead of a happy ending, the young life of Barbie ended just like that. She was found floating on an irrigation inside a rice sack; her hands and feet were hogtied. Emotions were high as to who probably took her life.

Her case became a circus when the alleged lover of her mother resisted the police and threatened to harm them with a hand grenade. As a result, the police killed him but his relatives cried foul about his arrest and death as his sister swore that Richard did not leave the house since December 1st. (Barbie was missing from December 2-3 and was found lifeless on December 4). His involvement in Barbie’s disappearance most likely came from some eyewitnesses that he was the last person seen with the girl; it contradicted with Richard’s sister’s statement that he did not leave the house during the times that Barbie was missing. Malicious talks keep on circulating and the netizens’ assuring support for Barbie’s mother turned to shaming and bullying.

I would like to wait for the autopsy result and the detailed investigation of her case. I understand the emotions of some of the netizens but some of the allegations against her mother were just too much for the family to handle. At the same time, there should be a thorough investigation about Richard’s arrest to settle the issue.

Now this is what I am worried about—what if Barbie’s real killers are still up and free and are just waiting for the next victim? Then we just wasted Richard’s life, exposed Barbie’s mother’s infidelity and malign Barbie’s character! That is why an autopsy is really needed to straighten things out.

Condolences to the family and loved ones of Barbie. May justice be served soon.
The Killer Bride- Antonia and Guada

September 18, 2019

That’s Entertainment

Photo taken from the web.

Having Jobelle Salvador and Aurora Sevilla in a teleserye is something new to me and whoever suggested the casting of The Killer Bride deserves to be applauded!

I don’t have much memory of Jobelle and Aurora except that I know that they were famous actresses in the 80’s. Jobelle was one of the stars in “Bagets” wherein two of its actors would become a famous heartthrob (Aga Muchlach) and a politician (Herbert Bautista) later. Jobelle of the famous Salvador showbiz clan used to be mistaken for her contemporary Eula Valdez.

On almost the same period, Aurora was known as Liweng in the TAPE-produced teleserye “Agila” where Val Sotto was the lead actor. She was one of the favorite leading ladies of action stars in the 80’s.

Jobelle as Antonia dela Cuesta comes as a nagging mother. Aurora as Guada dela Torre is a superstitious woman who has a constant sidekick that tells her what to do and what not to do base on her lucky day, color or gems. The rivalry between the two matriarchs and as well as their throwing shades with one another provides some subtle catfight in the series.
The Killer Bride-Luna Dela Cuesta

September 16, 2019

That’s Entertainment

Note: Photo taken from the web.

A scion of the well-known and rich Ilacad family that includes Mr. Orly Ilacad of Octo Arts Films, one would be quick to assume that with all her money and connections, she could get any role she wants. But obviously, that is not the case for Alexa. She loves to act and perform but being the center of the limelight seems to be the farthest thing from her mind. At a young age, she was one of the kids in “Goin’ Bulilit.” During her early teens, she was paired opposite Nash Aguas in “Bagito.”

I like that she’s exploring her options and I have no other teen actresses in mind when it comes to the role of a rich spoiled brat Luna Dela Cuesta in The Killer Bride. It is not to say that Alexa and Luna have the same characteristics except that both women have strong personalities.

Luna’s character must have been the result of being neglected, though unintentional, by her parents. When Vito married Tessa (her parents), it was probably a marriage for convenience. And while Tessa was and will always be into Vito, Vito could and will never get over his first love, Camila.

Children of a loveless marriage or in their case, a one-sided love, grow up insecure and always seeking for love. Her eyes are fixated on Elias even though she has travelled the world and has met a lot of more eligible men. The sad part is when her puppy love does not reciprocate as if repeating the history of the Vito and Tessa marriage. To add insult to injury, Elias is falling in love with a mysterious newcomer who claims to be possessed by Camila dela Torre and she’s none other than Emma Bonaobra. There’s just too much heat on the kitchen because Emma gets the attention of not only Elias but her father, as well.

By the way, I am reminded of Ms. Lovely Rivero everytime I see Alexa on TV. They both have this lovely smile.
The Killer Bride- Tatiana dela Torre

September 11, 2019

That’s Entertainment

Disclaimer: Don’t take me seriously, I am just a fan. LOL!

Oh, wait—- Tatiana dela Torre got pregnant at 17 and the suspected father was Javier dela Cuesta? And now, Tatiana is one of the suspects for Javier’s death and Camila’s tragedy….hmmmm. I don’t think Tati can do that.

Allow me to refresh my memory that somewhere along the first few episodes, Luna mentioned about having a cousin and the father was her late uncle. While the possibility of narcissistic Tati giving up her baby to lover Javier to avoid the scandal and maybe possible wrath of Don Jacobo, then the more that she would not wish any harm done on Javier! The one who killed Javier could not be Tati or any of her lovers because it does not sound logical when her baby is under the care of the dela Cuestas. Besides, Tati seems to move on easily after a failed relationship. Remember her divorce from husband number 3 before she went back to Las Espadas when the news about the Camila wannabe broke out. Ariella Arida is a nice sight to watch in this teleserye but no, I’m sorry, she is not involved in Javier’s death.

Update:

So, Sebastian dela Cuesta is not Tati and Javier’s child. Episode 26 shows a dead Justino and he is revealed to be the one responsible for Tati’s rape two decades ago. The plot thickens……
I Love You Since 1892 Review

September 3, 2019

Life & Love

Note: May contain spoilers.

Here is my review for Binibining Mia’s “I Love You Since 1892.” If you are looking for a Noli Me Tangere or El Filibusterismo in this book, then this book is not for you. If you are looking for realistic geographical accuracy, then this book is not for you. If you intend to learn about our history, then this book is not for you.

The story starts interestingly with the main character (Carmela Isabella) finding herself back in 1892 and meeting her future love, Juanito Alfonso. The problem is, the two are from different era: 2016 and 1892. There seems to be a touch of Christopher Reeve’s “Somewhere in Time” here except that the love story’s backdrop is the impending rebellion against the Castillian conquistadores. The middle part of the book is dragging and forced as the author probably wants more Carmela and Juanito romantic moments. The latter part is okay starting from the revelation about Olivia’s real nature. The disappointing part is Carmelita’s return and the twist about what Juanito dislikes in her.

The loophole in the story is the Carmelita to Carmela to Carmelita transition itself. Carmelita from 2016’s mission is to save Juanito’s life that is abruptly ended in 1892 by an unknown assailant. There is no logical explanation why Juanito has to live and why Carmelita has to die and her death is even suggested by a supposed divine creature. If the original flow is a reunion between Carmelita and Juanito, you’ll be disappointed because the story is made for Carmela and Juanito. And if we will follow this logic about two lovers from two different times, then the real color of the story portrays disobedience, manipulation, jealousy, love quadrangle (Helena-Carmelita-Carmela-Alfonso and Carmelita-Carmela-Leandro-Alfonso).

I tend to assume that Binibining Mia wants to have a hopeful ending, with the descendants of the Monteclaro and Alfonso clan finally ending up with each other. I assume that she is an amateur author and for a newcomer, she is above average and has big potential to make it big someday.

Would I recommend her book? If you just want to have a good time and you are young at heart, then this book is right for you. 🙂

PS: If you find this article worth sharing, kindly hit the re-blog or Facebook button. Let us continue to support our local authors. Thank you!
The Killer Bride- Who Are You, Emma Bonaobra?

August 30, 2019

That’s Entertainment
Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN.

Now that it is revealed that Camila dela Torre is still alive, we now focus on the very cunning Emma Bonaobra.

I am actually torn between believing that she is Vida dela Cuesta (Camila and Vito’s daughter who is supposed to be one of the casualties of the arson at the jailhouse where Camila was incarcerated) versus believing that she is just one hell of a good con woman.

A. Emma Bonaobra is Vida dela Cuesta

Who would have much loyalty to a vengeful person (Camila) other than the one who is also the direct recipient of such injustice (Vida)? Who would have trusted a stranger (Emma) and ask her to carry on a complicated task if she isn’t her daughter? Mother and daughter have an axe to grind against their family. The only question is, who helped them get out of prison to start a new life elsewhere? Sharon and her visitor’s glances on the scene when Vito visited Camila is not probably meaningless. I don’t believe that Sharon’s visitor is her husband; otherwise, she could have given earlier the custody of her infant and prevented her infant’s untimely death. That man is probably someone’s errand boy and person is probably influential and rich. If Sharon was a drug pusher, I guess that it was a drug lord who helped her out of jail by asking someone to burn the jailhouse and let her escape. At least we have suspect number 2 about the mastermind in the arson. Suspect number 1 is Juan Felipe, Camila’s uncle.

Update: Sharon’s visitor is Fabio, her brother. He works for a casino money lending syndicate, not a drug lord. And no, the mafia has nothing to do with the burning of the jailhouse.

B. Emma Bonaobra is Ms. X

We don’t know if she really is Emma Bonaobra or it’s a case of identity theft. Imagine stealing someone’s name and pretending to be possesed by a vengeful spirit? That Emma Bonaobra could be the female version of Frank Abagnale Jr! Luciano and Elias are right after all! She is a fake and she’s a damn good con woman! I can’t see any other motive why Emma collaborates with Camila other than getting money from it.

Memories, be it a good memory or a bad one, will affect our judgment if we won’t practice critical thinking. I think this is one of the hidden message of The Killer Bride, that is, to never trust an event if it is not scientifically or even objectively analysed. Tsoknut’s bonfire scene with her friends gives us a picture of a person who believes another person’s story (Emma’s) without verifying the truth about it. Whatever Emma says, she believes because Emma said so. Tsoknut believes in the killer bride story so she is easy to manipulate. Manay Ichu is easy to manipulate, too because she’s still living in Camila’s memories. Vito is easy to manipulate because he still loves Camila. Dona Guada is easy to manipulate because of her past guilt. Elias is the most objective of the characters because he does not believe the ghost story but his heart will most likely betray him as he has this particular fondness of Emma.