Daybreak (2008 indie film)
Encyclopedia
Daybreak is a 2008 Philippine gay
indie
film written by Charliebebs Gohetia and directed by the Manila-based Filipino director Adolfo Borinaga Alix, Jr. who also directed other indie films such as Donsol, Kadin and Batanes. The movie features only two characters namely, Paolo Rivero (as William) and Coco Martin
(as JP) who are both Filipino actors. The film is completely homosexual in terms of theme but was rated R-18
uncut, regardless of its nudity features by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board
(MTRCB) in the Philippines as most of the members of the board were impressed by the cinematography and intelligence of the film. Daybreak had its exclusive screenings on February 13 and 14, 2008 at the University of the Philippines
Cine Adarna (formerly UP Film Institute). The movie was officially released and aired in major Philippine cinemas from February 20 to March 11, 2008. Daybreak is produced by Bicycle Productions.
, Batangas
and only with two male characters. In a single narrative time, intending by way of voyeurism, the film allows viewers to discover what happens when two men spend one night contemplating whether to break up or continue their relationship. The characters of William and JP unveil their biggest lies and the biggest truths about two people (specifically two male people) loving each other, clinging to each other and eventually betraying each other — trying the fragility of their feelings in only one night. Memories and dreams, truths and lies, fears and desires, betrayal and honesty, love and hate are all closely entwined in this night. Behind the veil of words, they are drawn to each other but as the nocturnal daybreak comes, the light of the sunrise will bring their intimacy to an end.
According to the Philippine Entertainment Portal, Daybreak is not a typical gay-love story because of the complicated situation conveyed by the movie and the extremely difficult roles played by Coco Martin
and Paolo Rivero. The movie also features extraordinary wit and —intelligent meaning to homosexuality and failed relationships supported by a beautiful screenplay by Gohetia and script by Alix and Ferrer.
, Batangas
. Together in such close quarters, the two are left with nothing to do but to confront the realities of their relationship.
The movie opens with William (Paolo Rivero), a doctor driving up to Tagaytay City
to meet his secret lover JP (Coco Martin), a handsome young fellow with beautiful tanned skin in his mid-twenties. While driving, William was engaged in a cell phone conversation with his wife who was asking when he will return home. William made up an alibi saying that he has an unexpected appointment in Tagaytay and will probably be back in Manila
the next day.
On the other hand, JP was waiting in a public viewing park of the Taal Volcano
to join William in his Tagaytay escapade. JP is a local boatman and tour guide in Taal, Batangas and William’s secret lover for a year now. Although, it was not specifically reiterated in the movie, listening to their dialogue, one will learn that the two men obviously met during one of William and his wife’s visit to Taal Volcano. If William has a wife, JP on the other hand, has a girlfriend.
The two did not see each other for two months partly because William is very busy being a Makati physician and partly because he is a family man. While JP had spent two months secretly waiting for William while keeping himself busy with his boating job and his girlfriend. Deep inside, the two lovers missed each other so much.
When they reached the rest house, William cooked pasta and they ate and drunk wine together.
It was, however the last night that the two lovers will share their love with each other as William is scheduled to leave for Australia
. William wants to call it quits but doesn't know how to break the bad news to JP who is already emotionally attached to him albeit they really didn't have an agreement that they are indeed a couple.
The tension starts when William tells JP that he's leaving the country. Several scenes and dialogue lead up to the climax as JP was reluctant to accept the fact that it was the end of their relationship. The two men spent the night talking about their past including happy and unforgettable memories while browsing their pictures.
The night has been a beautiful night. Their intimacy renewed and they made love as pleasurable as ever. But as the daybreak comes, William remained firm to his decision, leaving for Australia and ending his relationship with JP.
The movie ends as William is driving back to Manila again and JP, alone in the nocturnal Tagaytay rest house and numbed to the truth that their relationship is doomed in just one night.
and the white rest house where there is a panoramic view of the Taal Volcano
. Daybreak's cinematography is by far the best characteristic of the movie. The direction by Adolfo Alix, Jr. exhibits world-class skill and exemplary talent that caught the attemtion of the members of MTRCB that made them give it a positive R-18
rating instead of a negative X.
"Daybreak is interesting in that the homosexuality isn’t really central to the plot. This film is really just a story about the end of an affair, and the characters needn’t have been gay for the story to work. It’s a surprisingly mature approach to writing relationships that’s rarely seen in films today. The characters just happen to be gay, and the film eschews the regular approach of pontificating about being confused or conflicted, choosing instead to just concentrate on showing two people in love."
"The filmmaking is pretty fantastic, however. I’ve sung praises of director Adolfo Alix Jr. before, and he doesn’t disappoint. He’s developing a clear directorial style, and it’s turning out to be captivating. The cinematography is pretty amazing, easily transcending the limitations of digital filmmaking. Alix Jr. also gets a lot out of his actors, and it’s this cast that really makes the film. There are only two actors in this film, and in lesser hands, this could’ve been a disaster. Coco Martin is a proven property, and his skill in building full characters is used to its fullest extent. Paolo Rivero brings a whole lot of pathos to a pretty complex character. The two show a lot of restraint, and it’s what keeps the film at a proper tone. Together, the two are magnetic."
Excerpt from:
Fleeting Emotions
by Philbert Ortiz Dy
posted on Friday February 22, 2008
at clickthecity.com
"Daybreak is definitely one of the best Filipino gay oriented film I've seen in years. Daybreak happens entirely in one place: a rest house in Taal, Batangas. In a single narrative time, we discover what happens to two men spending one night contemplating whether to break up or continue their relationship. William and JP allow us to know their biggest lies. Memories and dreams, truths and lies, fears and desires, betrayal and honesty, love and hate are all closely entwined in this night. Will the light of the sunrise bring this intimacy to an end?"
"Adolfo always treats the screen as his canvas, and he is not afraid putting colors over it. I once thought that this approach will not work commercially (after Donsol and Kadin in Cinemalaya). But after Batanes and Daybreak, I could fearlessly say that Adolfo Alix Jr. will be one of the biggest names in Philippines cinema."
From:
CineManyak
Gay
Gay is a word that refers to a homosexual person, especially a homosexual male. For homosexual women the specific term is "lesbian"....
indie
Independent film
An independent film, or indie film, is a professional film production resulting in a feature film that is produced mostly or completely outside of the major film studio system. In addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies, independent films are also produced...
film written by Charliebebs Gohetia and directed by the Manila-based Filipino director Adolfo Borinaga Alix, Jr. who also directed other indie films such as Donsol, Kadin and Batanes. The movie features only two characters namely, Paolo Rivero (as William) and Coco Martin
Coco Martin
Rodel Luis Nacianceno , better known by his stage name, Coco Martin, is a critically acclaimed Gawad Urian Award-winning Filipino actor. He became famous for starring in many independent films, and was dubbed the Prince of Philippine Independent Films...
(as JP) who are both Filipino actors. The film is completely homosexual in terms of theme but was rated R-18
R18 certificate
The R18 certificate represents a film or video classification given by the British Board of Film Classification . It is intended to provide a classification for works that are within British obscenity laws, but exceed what the BBFC considers acceptable for its 18 certificate...
uncut, regardless of its nudity features by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board
Movie and Television Review and Classification Board
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board is the government agency responsible for rating television and film for the Philippines. Recently, the MTRCB was given the additional task of rating various video media . It is under the executive powers of the Office of the President...
(MTRCB) in the Philippines as most of the members of the board were impressed by the cinematography and intelligence of the film. Daybreak had its exclusive screenings on February 13 and 14, 2008 at the University of the Philippines
University of the Philippines
The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No...
Cine Adarna (formerly UP Film Institute). The movie was officially released and aired in major Philippine cinemas from February 20 to March 11, 2008. Daybreak is produced by Bicycle Productions.
Introduction
The whole Daybreak movie occurred entirely in one place; a big white vacation house in TaalTaal, Batangas
Taal is a 4th class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 51,459 people in 8,451 households.It is the Balisong and Barong Tagalog Capital of the Philippines...
, Batangas
Batangas
Batangas is a first class province of the Philippines located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region. Its capital is Batangas City and it is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north and Quezon to the east. Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the...
and only with two male characters. In a single narrative time, intending by way of voyeurism, the film allows viewers to discover what happens when two men spend one night contemplating whether to break up or continue their relationship. The characters of William and JP unveil their biggest lies and the biggest truths about two people (specifically two male people) loving each other, clinging to each other and eventually betraying each other — trying the fragility of their feelings in only one night. Memories and dreams, truths and lies, fears and desires, betrayal and honesty, love and hate are all closely entwined in this night. Behind the veil of words, they are drawn to each other but as the nocturnal daybreak comes, the light of the sunrise will bring their intimacy to an end.
According to the Philippine Entertainment Portal, Daybreak is not a typical gay-love story because of the complicated situation conveyed by the movie and the extremely difficult roles played by Coco Martin
Coco Martin
Rodel Luis Nacianceno , better known by his stage name, Coco Martin, is a critically acclaimed Gawad Urian Award-winning Filipino actor. He became famous for starring in many independent films, and was dubbed the Prince of Philippine Independent Films...
and Paolo Rivero. The movie also features extraordinary wit and —intelligent meaning to homosexuality and failed relationships supported by a beautiful screenplay by Gohetia and script by Alix and Ferrer.
Synopsis
A married man is having an affair with another man. After some time apart, the two men spend a night together in a family vacation home in TaalTaal, Batangas
Taal is a 4th class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 51,459 people in 8,451 households.It is the Balisong and Barong Tagalog Capital of the Philippines...
, Batangas
Batangas
Batangas is a first class province of the Philippines located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region. Its capital is Batangas City and it is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north and Quezon to the east. Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the...
. Together in such close quarters, the two are left with nothing to do but to confront the realities of their relationship.
The movie opens with William (Paolo Rivero), a doctor driving up to Tagaytay City
Tagaytay City
The City of Tagaytay is a second class city in the province of Cavite, Philippines. Only away from Manila via Aguinaldo Highway, it is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Tagaytay City provides a good view of the Taal Volcano...
to meet his secret lover JP (Coco Martin), a handsome young fellow with beautiful tanned skin in his mid-twenties. While driving, William was engaged in a cell phone conversation with his wife who was asking when he will return home. William made up an alibi saying that he has an unexpected appointment in Tagaytay and will probably be back in Manila
Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
the next day.
On the other hand, JP was waiting in a public viewing park of the Taal Volcano
Taal Volcano
Taal Volcano is a complex volcano located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Historical eruptions are concentrated on Volcano Island, an island near the middle of Lake Taal. The lake partially fills Taal Caldera, which was formed by powerful prehistoric eruptions between 140,000 to 5,380 BP...
to join William in his Tagaytay escapade. JP is a local boatman and tour guide in Taal, Batangas and William’s secret lover for a year now. Although, it was not specifically reiterated in the movie, listening to their dialogue, one will learn that the two men obviously met during one of William and his wife’s visit to Taal Volcano. If William has a wife, JP on the other hand, has a girlfriend.
The two did not see each other for two months partly because William is very busy being a Makati physician and partly because he is a family man. While JP had spent two months secretly waiting for William while keeping himself busy with his boating job and his girlfriend. Deep inside, the two lovers missed each other so much.
When they reached the rest house, William cooked pasta and they ate and drunk wine together.
It was, however the last night that the two lovers will share their love with each other as William is scheduled to leave for Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. William wants to call it quits but doesn't know how to break the bad news to JP who is already emotionally attached to him albeit they really didn't have an agreement that they are indeed a couple.
The tension starts when William tells JP that he's leaving the country. Several scenes and dialogue lead up to the climax as JP was reluctant to accept the fact that it was the end of their relationship. The two men spent the night talking about their past including happy and unforgettable memories while browsing their pictures.
The night has been a beautiful night. Their intimacy renewed and they made love as pleasurable as ever. But as the daybreak comes, William remained firm to his decision, leaving for Australia and ending his relationship with JP.
The movie ends as William is driving back to Manila again and JP, alone in the nocturnal Tagaytay rest house and numbed to the truth that their relationship is doomed in just one night.
Reviews and Praises for Daybreak
Daybreak received high praises from members of the MTRCB Jackie Aquino, writer Marra Pl. Lanot and film professor Fr. Nick Cruz particularly the acting skills of Coco Martin and Paolo Rivero. One of the most interesting features of the movie is its use of a beautiful setting such as TaalTaal, Batangas
Taal is a 4th class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 51,459 people in 8,451 households.It is the Balisong and Barong Tagalog Capital of the Philippines...
and the white rest house where there is a panoramic view of the Taal Volcano
Taal Volcano
Taal Volcano is a complex volcano located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Historical eruptions are concentrated on Volcano Island, an island near the middle of Lake Taal. The lake partially fills Taal Caldera, which was formed by powerful prehistoric eruptions between 140,000 to 5,380 BP...
. Daybreak's cinematography is by far the best characteristic of the movie. The direction by Adolfo Alix, Jr. exhibits world-class skill and exemplary talent that caught the attemtion of the members of MTRCB that made them give it a positive R-18
R18 certificate
The R18 certificate represents a film or video classification given by the British Board of Film Classification . It is intended to provide a classification for works that are within British obscenity laws, but exceed what the BBFC considers acceptable for its 18 certificate...
rating instead of a negative X.
"Daybreak is interesting in that the homosexuality isn’t really central to the plot. This film is really just a story about the end of an affair, and the characters needn’t have been gay for the story to work. It’s a surprisingly mature approach to writing relationships that’s rarely seen in films today. The characters just happen to be gay, and the film eschews the regular approach of pontificating about being confused or conflicted, choosing instead to just concentrate on showing two people in love."
"The filmmaking is pretty fantastic, however. I’ve sung praises of director Adolfo Alix Jr. before, and he doesn’t disappoint. He’s developing a clear directorial style, and it’s turning out to be captivating. The cinematography is pretty amazing, easily transcending the limitations of digital filmmaking. Alix Jr. also gets a lot out of his actors, and it’s this cast that really makes the film. There are only two actors in this film, and in lesser hands, this could’ve been a disaster. Coco Martin is a proven property, and his skill in building full characters is used to its fullest extent. Paolo Rivero brings a whole lot of pathos to a pretty complex character. The two show a lot of restraint, and it’s what keeps the film at a proper tone. Together, the two are magnetic."
Excerpt from:
Fleeting Emotions
by Philbert Ortiz Dy
posted on Friday February 22, 2008
at clickthecity.com
Daybreak: Respectable Gay Flick
"Seldom do I see a Filipino indie gay film that carries a solid storyline, bears fantastic acting and shows stunning cinematography. DAYBREAK by Adolfo Alix Jr. proved that "gay-topic'ed" films can go beyond sex and can go deeper. Known for his picturesque approach to films (watch Donsol, Kadin and Batanes), Adolfo's awesome camera treatment was in DAYBREAK. A Cinemalaya regular, Adolfo was able to create another film which defies formula. The screenplay is simple, but very powerful. It is not pretentious. Very subtle, but it will hit you hard in the end. Coco Martin is an indie expert. Few actors can do such a role, bold yet respectable.""Daybreak is definitely one of the best Filipino gay oriented film I've seen in years. Daybreak happens entirely in one place: a rest house in Taal, Batangas. In a single narrative time, we discover what happens to two men spending one night contemplating whether to break up or continue their relationship. William and JP allow us to know their biggest lies. Memories and dreams, truths and lies, fears and desires, betrayal and honesty, love and hate are all closely entwined in this night. Will the light of the sunrise bring this intimacy to an end?"
"Adolfo always treats the screen as his canvas, and he is not afraid putting colors over it. I once thought that this approach will not work commercially (after Donsol and Kadin in Cinemalaya). But after Batanes and Daybreak, I could fearlessly say that Adolfo Alix Jr. will be one of the biggest names in Philippines cinema."
From:
CineManyak
Daybreak Production Crew
- Writer and Editor: Charliebebs Gohetia
- Director: Adolfo B. Alix Jr.
- Production Designers: Tonee Acejo and Jerome Zamora
- Cinematography: Albert Banzon
- Executive Producer: Noel Ferrer
- Line Producers: Arleen Cuevas and Maxie Evangelista
- Cast: Coco Martin, Paolo Rivero