I just saw this movie on tiktok yesterday and it piqued my interest and so I decided to watch the entire movie.
My verdict?This movie deserves more attention!

I have never heard of this movie before so I was really surprised because this is such a good movie. However, upon researching, I found out that this movie came out last MMFF 2010 - a time where "Tanging Ina Mo" was reigning, therefore I do understand why it didn't get the attention it deserves - because it was aired during Christmas time and most people (I, included) wanted to feel the joy of Christmas, we wanted to watch a happy movie with our family - especially kids. So deep movies like these were always ignored during MMFF.
I think it would've been better if they released this movie on different time.

Anyway, the story was based on Rosario Perriera - Manny Pangilinan's maternal grandmother.
I did some research and found out that the movie
wasn't 100% accurate - probably just 20%

Story: At first, I was annoyed with Rosario and her actions. And I hate that some people in the comments justified her actions and thought of her as a victim and blamed the people around her, I even saw an article from a newspaper which claimed this movie as "empowering " - I mean in what way?

So I was really happy that the movie was different from the reviews. They didn't make her look like anyone's victim nor did they try to justify her actions. Rosario made a mistake which followed by another mistake and more mistakes. Her character is someone you will not have any sympathy for - at least not until she finally redeemed herself in the last part of the movie.
They didn't make the movie look like "it was her husband's fault that she cheated" - they made sure we all know it was her fault and no one else - and she paid for it with hardships until her last breath.

One thing I admired with Rosario(in this movie) was that, she never blamed anyone. She didn't blame her parents strict upbringing, she didn't blame Vicente for not letting her see her mother until her death, she didn't blame Alberto for seducing her - she didn't blame anyone. Because in the end, it was her choice, it was her actions that made her suffer. She owe up to her mistake, so it really irk me whenever I see comments that blamed her husband or Alberto for her decision to cheat - because cheating is a choice.

What I disliked about the movie is the way the storytelling reminds me so much of the way the old Rose from Titanic, told her story. I wish they changed that part.

Casting: 9/10
Jen's acting was really good although not perfect- I partially cringed with her constant eye movements during her scene with her mother.

Sid Lucero - he had few scenes but I honestly think deserves an award for his acting. His acting as meek Carding was so charming and the way he portrayed, his shock, disbelief and raged towards his uncle was just sooo good.

Dennis Trillio- His portrayal as a playboy and annoying and irresponsible j*rk was so real, it doesn't even look like he was just acting.

Most of the cast did great job except for Ara Mina, I do not know why they casted her - but her few second scene as a doctor almost made me think I was watching a different movie... her acting, her look, the way she talked and her overall vibe just doesn't fit in this movie.

But aside from that, I think Albert Martinez did a really great job for a first time director. He should've won an award or nomination at least.

Cinematography, one of the best in Filipino movies. It was ahead of its time.
Soundtrack - should've won an award. It was great and I read they recorded it in Hollywood using live orchestra! Smell expensive....actually this movie obviously smell expensive.

I love the attention to details, they showed Rosario's son (Played by Dolphy) in an old house, which shows - he didn't become a rich man unlike his step siblings.

Anyway, I think they made a mistake of releasing this movie for MMFF because most viewers prefer to watch light hearted movies with their family during Chrismas.
Movies like "Moments of Love" - which was made earlier than this, at least a lot of people know of it. I even watched it on TV when they showed it... but this movie... just didn't get that much attention... I didn't even know it exists, actually most comments I saw were also new to this movie which is a such a shame because it was really good.
Maybe if they will release it now or put it on Netflix or air it for Holy Week especial, then it will probably get the attention that it deserves.