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| Ketchup Eusebio and Celeste Legaspi in Mamang; Photo Credit: Cinemalaya |
Cast: Celeste Legaspi, Ketchup Eusebio, Peewee O’Hara, Alex Medina, Gio Gahol, Elora Espano & Paolo O’Hara
Mamang (Celeste Legaspi) is battling dementia to be with her son Ferdie (Ketchup Eusebio), who is looking for a teaching job away from their home. As her condition worsens, the ghosts of her past visit her in their home with visions only Mamang can see.
Written and Directed by Denise O'Hara, the film revolves around the mothr-son love story of Mamang and Ferdie who only have each other as their companion. Both are afraid to lose one another, and at the same time, they don't want to lose themselves for each other. Their dilemma is they're running out of time--Mamang is battling dementia, and Ferdie must find a job to support their growing needs.
Worth mentioning first is Celeste Legaspi whose spectacular charisma lingers throughout the film. In a sense, Mamang reaffirms her greatness that it's almost a crime that she's given this lead film role only now in her career. She is the reason to watch this film, and it's worth mentioning that she's actually got the expressive eyes of Bette Davis. She's delightful to watch even in this heartbreaking role. Ketchup Eusebio is also noteworthy in his dramatic turn as Mamang's only son, Ferdie. I haven't followed Ketchup's career, but this is also possibly his career-best.
Their duo elevates the film entirely in a new level, and I wish I could say the same to the story which is impassioned but predictable, and fun but repetitive. Several foreshadowing gives too much of the twist, that it's been anticipated the first time it gives a hint. As new characters are introduced, we all know that Mamang's condition, and eventually, situation is kind of hopeless.
Despite these, Mamang is one of my favorites this year. I'd pay to see another Celeste Legaspi lead comedy-drama.
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