Michael David dela Cruz Tan, MDC

A graduate of Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies) of the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia (just don't ask when, he says), and Master of Development Communication from the University of the Philippines-Open University, Mick is a self-described all-around whatever. He can: photograph, do artworks with mixed media, write (of course), shoot flicks, community-organize, facilitate, lecture, research (with pioneering studies under his belt)... this one's a multi-tasker, who is even conversant in Filipino Sign Language. Cross his path is the dare (read: It won't be boring).

FLICKS

Iska: How to make a film out of guilt

This is an okay film, particularly with its intention to supposedly highlight autism. But it also felt not a film about Iska, but more...

Michael David dela Cruz Tan, MDCAugust 8, 2019

FLICKS

Pandanggo sa Hukay: An attempt from women to come up with something for women

If you base your decision to watch this on why it exists in the first place, I’d say go ahead. You’d be willing/more forgiving...

Michael David dela Cruz Tan, MDCAugust 7, 2019

FLICKS

Edward: Coming of age in the Phl health system…

As a coming of age story, Edward isn’t too bad. Particularly if you’re willing to forgive its (well, numerous) flaws. This is no Cinema...

Michael David dela Cruz Tan, MDCAugust 5, 2019

FLICKS

F#*@BOIS: No fuckbois here; just semi-porn without the money shot

Let’s stop all the pretending that this movie is supposed to be anything else (i.e. that it’s “intelligent”; that it tackles true-to-life issues facing...

Michael David dela Cruz Tan, MDCAugust 5, 2019

FLICKS

Belle Douleur: The tale of ‘older people don’t deserve to be happy’

You can have many reasons to like this film – e.g. Mylene Dizon’s acting, Kit Thompson’s nudes (if this whets your fancy); the witty...

Michael David dela Cruz Tan, MDCAugust 4, 2019

FLICKS

ANi (The Harvest): A ripoff of a ripoff of a ripoff…

ANi (The Harvest) as an attempt to be a sci-fi film a la A.I., Ready Player One, Chappie; fantastical a la Pan’s Labyrinth and...

Michael David dela Cruz Tan, MDCAugust 4, 2019

SPOTLIGHT

Paolo, naked

Paolo Dumlao, a pansexual Filipino performance artist, uses his naked body as a canvas, believing that art can help the people - both the...

Michael David dela Cruz Tan, MDCDecember 18, 2018

REVIEWS

Trying to find the appeal of Quezon City’s ‘Snacks & Ladders’

If board games interest you, then this resto in Quezon City, aptly named Snacks & Ladders (a play at Snakes and Ladders), should also...

Michael David dela Cruz Tan, MDCNovember 24, 2018

FLICKS

Harsh look at ‘The Lookout’

From the get-go, you know Afi Africa mimics Poj Arnon’s “Bangkok Love Story” in “The Lookout”. Sadly, this isn’t a great copy.

Michael David dela Cruz Tan, MDCAugust 12, 2018

FLICKS

Looking in, not just looking back, with ‘Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon’

That everyone will age, and yet not everyone will have lived is what "Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon (Waiting for Sunset)" by Carlo Enciso...

Michael David dela Cruz Tan, MDCAugust 8, 2018