Ang Pangarap kong Holdap: A Review

Director: Marius Talampas
Starring: Pepe Herrera, Jerald Napoles, Jelson Bay & Paolo Contis


It's 2017 and social media websites such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram have become the breeding ground for filmmakers who want to showcase their talent and creativity. 

One of them was Marius Talampas whose short films with veteran actor Pepe Herrera has reached, as of writing, a total of 45,000 views in Facebook and 120,000 views in YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/moreusefilms). These series of skit perfectly exhibited Talampas' unconventional comedic wits and ambitious creative pursuits.

It was November 28, 2018 and Talampas' first feature film, Ang Pangarap kong Holdap, was set for a nationwide release. However, before all of this happened, the film experience a major roadblock after failing to secure cinema slots due to the film's unorthodox story and suggestive title. This decision by some local cinema houses birth disappointment from casts and supporters. Good thing, thanks to the effort of the production company and it's supporters, Ang Pangarap kong Holdap was able to see the light of day and throughout its run it was showered with praised for Talampas' bold gags and the lead's irrefutable chemistry.

Ang Pangarap kong Holdap tells the story of Eman as he try to become the greatest hold-upper in Barangay Husay with his trusted sidekicks Carlo and Toto. There is one problem though, the three are not as quick-witted as hold-uppers should be. This eventually leads to the introduction of Nicoy, a secretly undercover cop, to the group to ignite hope for the three thieves. 

Meanwhile, a golden phallus was unearthed by a group of farmers in which they would sell to a wealthy businessman for one million pesos. Words spread quickly about the transaction that leads to a showdown between the farmers, the top-tier thieves of Barangay Husay, a greedy loan-shark, Eman's  dad and Eman's gang.

Ang Pangarap kong Holdap did not pull punches for all of its hilarious parts. It's unconscious take on larceny and poverty can establish itself as a satire on the life condition in the slums. However, Its a pity that despite its great premise and position to influence, the film somehow wants to separate itself from any political or social commentary. Ang Pangarap kong Holdap remains in an area wherein it can make fun of absurdity and stupidity but with no serious intent other than that.

Talampas uncensored but well-thought gags might not be everyone's cup of tea but it surely spawn laughters from me and the audience. Huge credit goes to Pepe Herrera's portrayal of a trying-hard-bad-guy that is more of a child than a well-grown man for his age. Its a pleasure to see that Herrera, which is commonly known as a supporting character throughout his career, starts to breakaway and finally was able to prove his talent. 

The film can be controversial for the premise of its story. It take hits and suffered from its possible connotation but when look deeply and wholeheartedly, Ang Pangarap kong Holdap is a story of a person trying to proved himself despite people's dissuasion. It entails the hardship of living on someone's shadow, the fruit of hard work and the importance of friendship.


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