Back with a Vengeance

LOBO REVIEW- March 18, 2008

Guys, I need tomatoes thrown at me. I remember the last time I reviewed LOBO episodes was when I called the show a glossy Abercrombie and Fitch ad, with forced passion and artificial emotion. For a while there, I thought I totally lost my well-loved soap. Then it was like the drama rose up and whammed me straight to the face with a forceful punch. It was like it hit me right at my nose na daig pa si Pacquiao and said, “HA! I told you I’m still damn good!” And I would like to say, Lobo, I’m sorry for losing faith in you, but you know… that’s showing weakness, noble but weak (copyright Lady Elle). What I am truly saying is LOBO is back with a vengeance, back stirring us in both an enchanting, heart-pounding but reasonable drama.

So what has happened? My beautiful, sexaaay, Noah beat up and in jail. Lyka escapes the island with fear in her heart. Mama Clara hates Lyka even more. Kuya Kalbo gets a hug from Lyka and loved it. Gabby Baggy is still drinking hatahrade. Nessa and Clara showdown. Lady Elle finds answers. And finally, Lyka transforms. But really, outlines and rehashes do not give justice to the amount of emotion and build-up that touched us, as viewers as we fall deeper into this story.

In Friday’s episode I was caught in great shivers down to the base of my spine just having goosebumps all over my skin. Revelation per revelation. Some of the pieces are already moving into their corners. The plot direction is very fast for a Filipino drama that is for sure.

It started when Lady Elle saw Lyka talking to the moon stone, Pilar Pilapil with just one piercing look, she can tell the story without even a flashback. You know she connected it all. I felt her sudden rush of “lukso ng dugo”, and I was amazed that they did not lead this on. If that was any other drama, we would have waited until the last quarter for Lady Elle and Lyka to realize that they are related. That her unexplainable, deep connection with Lyka has a reason all along.

But who am I kidding? The highlight of the episode was from the time Lady Elle walked into the alley to meet a blind (creepy) mystic and the prophecy was announced. That Lady Elle and the huling bantay are connected. But as one rises to the ashes, one will fall into darkness. Lady Elle’s eyes flicker, and move into Lyka praying in a church as she chanted to herself, she opens her eyes and the same kind of harsh light ignites in her.

Then the ruthless night gives us a glimpse of the pulang buwan, every one of the lobos weaken and they are in such grueling pain going through it all.


But our heroine is being pushed and tugged. I remember when Kuya Anton described the transformation as being burned over and over in your insides, and you just see Lyka go through it in fast flashes, the pangs and the pain is written all over her face and her shrieks.



Then in one strong push, it was like the wind possessed her and something in her eyes change, from the weakness we move into ferocious territory. Angel was like an angel in the transformation scene, werewolves are often portrayed as monsters or the usual horror fare, but in LOBO our heroine’s transformation was enchanting and awe-striking. *I* wanted to be this “monster” (kudos to the effects team), she was beautiful, and a poster here said that Lyka’s transformation in the church was very telling as if God was still with her. That scene just encapsulated all sorts of surprises and awe from me, I was just stupefied afterwards. I actually saw a little bit of homage to Angel Locsin’s past role “Darna” in this scene. There was also something so uplifting yet so terrifying in this scene. It was the perfect weekend cliffhanger because I was antsy the whole weekend waiting for Monday’s episode.

And it delivered too. From the panning of the dirt on the floor to Lyka's naked body, you knew this was something else. The way the light just lands on Lyka's kiddie pink sheets crumpled on the floor just screamed the tainted-feeling of Lyka.

Angel Locsin was IT in this episode, her inner turmoil as Lyka was just so disheartening, I have never been a lobo (well no duh) in my entire left but I felt her pain. Even at the most outlandish aspects of this story she manages to evoke such HUMAN emotions, something that even the most human stories lack. Here a story of a young woman turning into a lobo affected me more than any drama that has been released lately.




Her shift of emotions is effortless, when she woke up naked and disgusted at the thought of what her body went through. The scene was beautifully and eerily shot, I felt her nakedness and her own frailty at that moment. The transformation of the usual kikay girl to one emotionally disturbed woman was done with great believability. Someone here pointed out that the contrast of Lyka’s early shower scene to the recent shower scene was startling, Angel Locsin did not have to resort to melodramatic hysteria to play on Lyka’s tragedy, her silence, her face mirroring her mayhem and her eyes that was just overflowing in pain was enough to tug my heart strings. Ms. Angel Locsin, you are so damn good in this episode.

Speaking of Angel Locsin kicking ***, now tell me you did not let out a huge YELP or a HOO-HAH as if you got a touchdown or a 3-pointer in the last minute when Lyka did this…



Take that ANNOYING MAMA CLARA! Pushed by a Lobo with millions of CANA-X!

MWAHAHAHAHHAA!

Then we move on to the latest episode that showed Lyka’s more emotional arc after the aftermath… that sounded redundant as hell but you guys would know what I mean.

I heard a few complaints that this episode was a bit dramatic and ruined the suspenseful momentum of the past episodes.

With all due respect, I disagree. And my last review was filled with rants; I believe the drama this time was necessary (unlike the posing bikini shots, though the BTS photos are smoooooookin’!)



This episode portrayed Noah and Lyka both as soulmates and as doomed lovers. He was looking at her with such bliss and beauty, and all I could see in her face is fear and misery. The only time she ever broke into a smile in this entire episode was when she explained to Noah that she had to pretend she was pregnant to visit him in jail, he had the cutest and sweetest smile in reply to her silly excuse. But all she could do is run to him and embrace him, find solace in this entire monstrosity she faced. Yet, she knew it was not enough, you see when she sighed and tears just kept flowing, she knew she could never face their love the same way again. Noah still continued to look at her in love as ever.

It’s in all these great nuances that make Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual work very well as actors, I really can feel they feed of each other’s energy and it shows. It’s always a mix of intensity and light romance in each of their movements as Noah and Lyka. Kumbaga, lakad palang at isang hawak palang, it explains a lot na. Ayan ang artista!

When General Leon, Zoe, and Gabby caught them, you just knew it was coming but I still felt so small, when General was telling Lyka that she is putting Noah in danger. It was not good to be in Lyka’s shoes at that moment.

The confrontation between Baggy--Gabby and Lyka was pivotal to the storyline, there were a lot of hints given as for Gabby asking Lyka if she was worth all the sacrifice, if she would never hurt Noah. Lyka, on the other hand is seeing through her woman to woman that they are both in love with the same man. They both did well in this scene.

But the biggest dagger to Gabby’s heart was Noah’s sort of double rejection, when he tells her she does not know how to love. He walks out on her and right when he turns his back that’s when she started crying her eyes out. And for the first time, I felt REAL sympathy for the character (and even to a point kind of rooted for her), though, I still maintain Shaina looks too young and dainty for the role her level of emotion has been believable as Fetus Gabby. Okay, I just won’t call her that in this past week… just Telly Tubby Gabby… since she matured, ya know?

Every one has performed well this week, I am also glad to see the regular players like Elton and Trixie back in my screen. The story also is moving faster. It is also nice to know that TPTB really listens to us from the switch of music, attention to detail (Father’s white hair), its straight to the point lines, and its smooth editing.

Columnists have been writing recently on why LOBO has not reached the 40% rating marks for apparently a superstar show, with all due respect, maybe you guys won’t be so hung up on star power or figures if you try sitting down and watching such an intelligent and riveting story that mixes in the right amount of romance and mystery.

LOBO can be shown in C-SPAN and I will still be as in love with it. No amount of their dissecting will disprove the heart of Lobo that has touched a lot of us in different communities. For as I said before a story about a young girl transforming into a werewolf has more of a staggering effect on me, more human to me than all the tired soaps that are being offered in my screen.

Lobo has heart and that cannot be dissected or evaluated on… you just feel it. And judging from the amount of passion people have put into this soap? We feel it. They have done their job

 Jayjay meet Lyka, Ulay meet Noah
Lobo Review- March 12, 2008


After Thursday’s episode when Lyka gave Noah her tearful rejection, we all felt our heart drop to our stomachs. It was like air was shut out of my lungs when Noah confessed with all his emotional ammo only for Lyka to wish he never told her he was Jay-Jay, she might as well tell him to cease to exist. What I expected is an overdrawn turn of dramatic events but I was wrong… instead I was re-introduced to Ulay and Jayjay, while seeing through Noah and Lyka’s eyes. It’s a bit odd to say but it’s like they are four different people who also seem like it was just one being. The love story moves forward. And it has its great aspects and also, its bad aspects (sorry got to be honest!)

I still applaud the writers how they brilliantly weave the different heights of emotions during the past few days for our couple. From the silly, uproarious, to the tearful, and the sentimental (sometimes overly so), they all brought us into their worlds and to the upswings and downswings of their relationship.

So they are stuck at this isolated and cheap beach house of sorts that lacks right irrigation for water. Just when I thought that I will get obscene amounts of angst and melodrama… Lyka goes, “ANG BAHO! ANG BAHO!”---



For a while there, I thought I was going to be turned off by my delicious biceps kind of Papa Noah when Lyka started screaming that he stank for all eternity. Only for her to say that she smelled the vinegar from a MILE away.

The way Angel Locsin delivered that line made me realize how much I miss Lyka’s hilarity and antics. It was like a huge, “Welcome back!” I really hope that even when the story is taking a more serious and romantic side that they maintain Lyka to be the usual makulit, kikay, KSP, and gets drunk with two beers kind of Lyka. I cannot believe I am saying this considering I use to think Ms. Locsin overdoes her comedic scenes.

It is a bit funny seeing Noah and Lyka fight because most of the time they’re clearly flirting, and the sexual tension is just brewing not to mention the fact that he was shirtless 90% of the time they were in that house. Stop molesting, Piolo, directors. Stop molesting him… exploit him! But Oh My Gawd, they really listen to us? Remember the petitions of all the biceps and abs exposures? They listen!

My favorite scene really is when they fight over little things like knocking on the door or when they could bathe. It almost seemed like an old, bickering married couple who are forced to do boring things together.

Then, of course she tries to escape… quite stupidly so. And my Papa Noah got his back stabbed by some nasty bamboo floating around the shore.

Really… that’s what happened in the ENTIRE episode? It’s like three sequences even, what is going on?

The next episodes were a mix of a blur and heartfelt vividness for me. The editing was great, by the way, kudos to the splicers.



For example, Monday’s episode was extremely flashback heavy. I think as a bunch of you already stated that it would have had more of an impact if we have never seen those scenes and it simply unfolded to US like it was to LYKA that he is not lying.

As if we are stuck in a guessing game ourselves. And as the final puzzle piece gets solved, she starts crying and with one silent wail, it was like she was free once again. She even kisses his ear and hugs him tightly; Angel Locsin showed us the right poignancy to hit us. She was neither too much nor too little.

Piolo Pascual in a state of delirium and going back to his traumatic phases of childhood really looked like he was so little, making me think that this muscular guy is an eleven year old Jay-Jay. It was not his pallid make-up or his crusted lips that made me believe he was in high fevers and is so ill, but the way he so convincingly conveyed his inner pain and his monstrous guilt for the death of his father and the drowning of Ulay… he was like a nonstop pendulum, swing per swing… one point his emotional trauma was strong then another point it was like he’s weak and feeble.

But I thought that scene would have been more effective and touching if it ended like… ten minutes earlier. That was a bit TOO long-winded. People’s attention spans in one scene is very crucial if I’m seeing a repeat of a crying guy clinging on to a crying girl for at LEAST the whole episode, people would probably change the channel. Not to mention the fact that the dramatic scores, changing from depressing-to-melodramatic depressing- to I need PROZAC depressing was drowning out the naturalness of the revelation.

I know they may feel pressured to finish the scenes because of Angel and Piolo’s trip to Dubai but I would have focused the scenes on something else if the two aren’t available for shots in other places.

So, Lyka still emits white light every time she embraces Noah, which I believe has some healing powers … either that or Datu Puti Vinegar can really heal the deepest of all wounds. Why wasn’t there any product placement?

When he wakes up finding Lyka holding on to his hand and sleeping on his side, he gives the sweetest and faintest smile. She wakes up excited shoving all kinds of food into his mouth… from hotdogs, to peanut butter, to ramen noodles. That cannot be good for anyone’s stomach. I think up to this point it was charming and funny…

And I usually dedicate posts to Noah’s abs, butt, or biceps… but I dedicate this post to Lyka’s goodies just dangling wonderfully on there. I happen to be a heterosexual female and I cannot help but look… because it’s just THERE. It is like, “wow God gave us boobs! Mine doesn’t look like that… wow.”

Thank you, Angel Locsin for displaying your err… great assets and probably balancing out the exploiting of Noah and Lyka.



HOLLLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!


My next comments will probably have me blasted or thrown tomatoes at… but sorry, I got to be honest.


I think their sudden comfortable actions towards each other are kind of losing the charm of what Noah and Lyka is known for-- the tension and the disarming gracelessness. Even when they used to be childhood sweethearts, a certain amount of time and tension has gone on. Even when she thought he was dead… she is still no experienced girl. She should have embraced him and suddenly felt awkward. There was not even a gradual point of being close; it was suddenly like they’re feeding each other like a couple. It makes it a bit anti-climatic.

But I did like the disgusting scene of her checking errr…smelling if his underwear was clean. I’m a bit disappointed though that Noah is not a boxers-man.

In the scene when he connected the moonstones together and told her that she should keep his moonstone because for all these years he has poured out all his love to her in that one precious stone, I thought it was brilliant and flawless dialogue. It was like they met Noah and Lyka, Jayjay and Ulay yet again for the first time… like they are all four different people yet still as one.

NOW if they got comfortable and CLOSE at this point it would have had an impact, like hidden passions are suddenly unleashed--- but you knew quite beforehand they were already feeding each other, so the level of romance died down a bit, for me.

The kiss’ setting was charming … just at the old back of the house, just with the little fountain, with tears in their eyes, and the moon gleaming brightly. It was shot quite beautifully, no doubt.

But I did not like the direction of the kiss with meaning, with all due respect to Ms. CGM and Mr. FM Reyes. It was so, well--- “drama” and soap na soap which LOBO YOU ARE NOT that’s why I’m a wee bit disappointed.



In my humble opinion, a pre-curser to a kiss isn’t in slow-mo and so delicate… there was no point of naturalness or WOW effect, in the way that was directed. I have waited for the second kiss for so long but I was not blown away like I was with the first.



It would have worked better if Lyka kept blabbing and blabbing, wishing on to the moon and then he watches her amused with a smile… in the end, he silences her with a kiss. I don’t know… something!

Something to take our breath away. Something to surprise. Something with a HUMAN kind of familiarity. Not this cliché kiss, come on!

Good thing Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual know how to kiss right, because if they kissed demurely I would have thrown something on to the TV screen.

I also had qualms about the whole frolicking around the beach scenes as if we are in a sexy magazine catalogue. I know they just wanted to display the great bodies of Angel and Piolo… probably felt the pressure to with the rival shows all about skin and all so we do a remake of Blue Lagoon out of nowhere.



Point being, I’m still asking where the hell they found the bikini and board shorts… unless Noah really expected they will be in for a swim, or they bought such Abercrombie & Fitch swimsuits in the palengke. Such fanwanking is a bit distracting. They should have just skinny dipped… just playing. Haha.

Furthermore, it was also very unnatural as if I’m watching a glossy ad for a beach or a weight loss program.

Lyka has no experience in men, she is an oddball of a klutz we all know and love, and here she is posing quite confidently in the beach like that? Nakapose pa na nakabikini oh-so-like a San Mig ad?

If Noah was leading her to do that stuff, I’d understand. i.e. carrying her, stealing kisses from her as they charge into the water ala the Notebook. But she was pretty much a pro with her comfort zone. Did they sleep together beforehand? Because if they did such nonchalance could be explained.

Also these are one of the points that I wish the soundtrack features something else but Martin Nievera’s song or instrumental. Only one time did I hear another song here and that was the “Boom Ti Yaya” song that Lyka danced to. If there was a lighter love song would be more suitable for such scenes. I could feel the bursts of first love with something else, that song is too intense, epic, and weepy for lighter scenes.

I did like the kiss in the water though, that was cute. The first dance near the fountain gave me butterflies in my stomach. When he crawled to her in the shore and tried to lay down on her was WOW.

These scenes are more significant for me than the confusing Abercrombie & Fitch ad. I just think Lobo can do better than that… I felt like it was lovely to see, so hot to see, so hot to wonder… but it lacks substance, most of all, felt so executed, and a bit out of character for Lyka.

There was not even any sense playfulness and spontaneity to it; they were just like models looking hot. Piolo and Angel definitely have unbeatable chemistry but it could be deeper than what is being shown. It is like glossy magazine kind of passion, not the more human kind of passion. Maybe this is a common staple in Filipino soaps and I have been watching K-dramas for far too long but I think LOBO can do better in their romantic scenes,.

Mas kilig pa yung yakap with the white light from a month ago, the wiping of the tuna on the face, or the sudden rush of holding hands. Those were the feeling of passion igniting within… not this confusing beach commercial.

With that said, I thought the dinner scene was the savior of such scenes, the way he looked at her with both admiration and dread over a candle lit corned beef dinner. It was very bittersweet.

Piolo Pascual has the most beautiful set of brown eyes in the Philippine industry. Angel Locsin showed us the Lyka once again who needed love, then once she found it she realizes it has to stop that their fantasies will have to take a halt for the bigger problems. Tears effortlessly flow out of her eyes, and it isn’t just the tears but the kind of mixed emotions she effortlessly evoked.

The plot also thickens with Lady Elle and Selena Argos only the ones believing in Lyka. With Nessa about to meet Mama Clara. And Fetus ruining everything for our couple. While, NOAH’s real identity is revealed… is he a super human who is IMMUNE to Lobo bites? That still has to be seen.

Now that we have all the romance... hope the story moves forward although I would love to see more HUMAN kind of romance next time.

With that said LOBO successfully reintroduced us to Jay-Jay and Ulay but come to love Noah and Lyka, I just want to remind them not to lose touch of their HUMAN warmth they have displayed for the past episodes of Lobo. Do not feel pressured with what others offer, you are better than that. It is with naturalness wherein you excel. Also, less and more, cut the scenes that are far too long it loses some of its impact. Get some other songs too to incorporate the lighter moments and please continue weaving us into the mystery and such a HUMAN story … never lose sight of that. I may have my disappointments for the last episodes, but I am still pulling for you. Big time!

 Happy Birthday, Ulay: The Aftermath

Lobo Episode Review: March 6, 2008


Last night’s episode was an immense and elaborate arc in the story and in fact, it was a lot to take in for one episode. It was HEAVY but I felt like I was SAVED afterwards. The final revelations are shown, and hot damn it was murder and mayhem! The black lobos wreak havoc. Then we have a Waya betraying everyone by joining them. Not to mention that the Lunas are doing their missions. All while all the lobos all over the Philippines transformed, heck, even 80s pop star Timmy Cruz---- except for Lyka. Much to Lady Elle’s near nervous breakdown. Even the usually cold, Mama Clara and General Leon are shown to have heart and tears at this time. But amid all the anarchy (I mean, didn’t it feel like it?), suddenly we reach a state of serenity. When the scene faded into an orange sky we see him, Noah stood there holding on to the moon stone hanging around his neck, and then he whispered a promise. The scene dissolves into a very beautiful Lyka sleeping peacefully by the rusty window. I really wanted to cry knowing that her wish has come true, to be with Noah on her birthday. The theme song comes in and I suddenly felt a surge of hope and love. Which is what is coming to us Noah and Lyka’s love will be the great calm of each storm as this violent battle begins… now if only they both realize it.

Some may see it is all a bit anti-climatic that Lyka did not transform in the whole full moon birthday sequence, I think it is refreshing that she did not transform and makes this anticipation bigger than what it already is.

But the best thing about the last episode was it was all about transformations … I am not talking about their physical aspects from human to lobo, but it is the emotional turmoil that everyone went through as the events catapulted in unexpected directions.

The usually poised and fierce Lady Elle literally broke down (nervous breakdown!) with fear and distress that Lyka was not able to transform. You literally saw her hopes and dreams of this “Huling Bantay” get shattered, she was going quite insane and hysterical. Pilar Pilapil cannot do anything wrong, she has a very Glenn Close aura about her, able to swiftly go through such EXTREMES of emotions and pulling it off quite believably.


Mama Clara played by the remarkable Irma Adlawan displayed her extreme of emotions too as she watched Anton helplessly go through all that suffering as a black lobo. This was the first time I realized how much Mama Clara has a lot of love to give. It is just that she was deprived of it growing up because of the favored sister, Nessa. It is only through her adoptive son Anton that she was able to give love and have it given back to her. Wherein she felt such importance, her loyalty to Anton even at the most monstrous aspect of the person shows that Mama Clara is with heart after all. I believe she is capable of having a soft side for both Nessa and Lyka one day.

However, the most poignant of all scenes was when General Leon Cristobal looked for his son, Noah. When he had a realization that he does not know his son. When he started regretting the way he has treated his son all these years. How for once he wanted to really know his son, outside of military concepts and mission. Dante Rivero showed so much aching here; he was nothing short of brilliant. I actually thought before that he was one of the weaker links of LOBO--- I totally eat my words this time.

With the poignant comes my violent reactions too. How can y’all kill MINERVA?! She was F-I-E-R-C-E! With her wolfish glare and killer pout, how can you kill her? She was so damn entertaining. Damn you, Luna. It is WAR indeed! You killed one of the coolest Waya in there. Just kill like the guy who just sits there and does nothing. Not Minerva! I need to light a candle before I sleep for Minerva, RIP.



And before I go on… so is Gabby supposed to be more intimidating now just because she has a camouflage cap? Where did she buy that? Roxy? Claire’s? Bad Badzmaru? How cute. Shestilllookstwelve.



Okay. Okay. Calm down, Amber. The whole focus of this arc is Noah and Lyka. Amid all this chaos brings us forth our (un)lovers stuck in a small house in an island. And hi-la-rious … Lyka snores like a 60 year old man and she grows scary white hair all over her. And Papa Noah still looks at her with the same admiration… well, not that he actually saw all that 80s Hair Band kind of white hair, I think he would have really ran far, far, far away if he did.




The scene that took place after is one of the most poignant and bittersweet exchange of dialogues in any Filipino drama that I have seen. It worked tremendously not only because of the writer’s sense of realism, but the ACTORS who really seemed possessed with their characters, Noah and Lyka.

Angel Locsin literally showed us an emotional tsunami. Here is Lyka fighting her feelings for Noah, still being able to joke around calling him gwapo and Hollywood handsome, but we all know she is hurting so much. Then, she whams us with a climatic confrontation.
She went from being infuriated, to confused, to quiet anger, to tenderness to masked strength and most of all, lingering pain. Her line delivery this time is impeccable, it is actually with the way she delivered her lines that really showed Lyka’s feelings that time. It is just quite an enthralling experience to witness Ms. Locsin grow more and more as such a deep performer.

What she possesses that other ABS-CBN younger actresses lack is this natural approach to her nuances as Lyka. It is like you watch her and you go, I am like that once or hell, even right now. She is not as “studied” or as acting na acting as a lot of them are.



And my dear, Piolo Pascual, this guy can evoke a thousand emotions and millions of adjectives with just his eyes alone. That confession scene was true to the character of Noah, one who is scared to show much of his emotions, so he tries to explain it to Lyka tactic per tactic. But with each word of disbelief and anger she gives to him, he opens his heart even more and just like a helpless little kid who desperately wants someone to listen to him he reaches out to her.

“Ulay ko…” (My Ulay), I SCREAMED when he said these words.

I just felt for him when he gave his last weapon… the necklace, the last proof he can give Lyka and yet she still rejects him. You can just see the tender smile on his face fade away and sadness wash over him, and drown him. What is MORE painful about this is he does it quietly. His quiet desperation almost seemed like he took his heart out of his chest and threw it to Lyka, he just gave it his all but she did not want it. Much worse, she wishes that he NEVER told her that. That she never met Jayjay again.

I felt like *I* was the one who was rejected. This angst-ridden scene was just one great acting feat. I have seen similar scenes especially in Smallville every time Clark and Lana would fight about secrets… it’s just this time the actors aren’t just pretty –they can ACT. This is what I call acting.

Their chemistry was enough to make me shake, not only did they look good together (the height is so perfect, Piolo Pascual is so tall next to Angel Locsin) but they ignite a certain amount of fervor even when their characters are fighting. This could have been a tiring and excruciating scene but because of the way they chose to “attack” this scene, it was like I witnessed two REAL people really facing these revelations.

I would give my kudos to the scriptwriter for being human, no poetic verses or odd makata wordings, it was just so normal in the best sense of the word. My only qualm is it was a bit long-winded; it would have had more of an impact if it was five minutes shorter. But it was still a very effective scene.

My other qualms are so when the lobos get nekkid… what happens to their clothes? Some seem to just have it around? Some just completely lose it? Eh?

So, we end with these two in such a tranquil and perfect place, but they are SO BROKEN. If only I can glue the pieces back for them, if only I can shake both of them at this point to make them realize that this is not something that should be missed, I would. As Ulay is 21 now, what can we expect now from this love story? I do not know how they would pick up the pieces. I thought one revelation it will be a happily ever after, but they took us out of a cliché and showed us such real feelings that can overpower anyone. It is quite a scary territory knowing that I am completely clueless about LOBO, but really, bring on the angst; I’m willing to get lost in it. I am already too drawn and in love with this story.

I end this review by saying... light a candle and drink wine for Minerva! Even do a little growl--- PARA KAY MINERVA!

Happy Birthday, Lyka: The New Beginning
Lobo Review March 4, 2008


Ok. Holy crap. Did any of you get to breathe? Because I think I will need an oxygen tank after each Lobo episode now. Damn you writers for keeping me antsy and jilted. Okay, I really applaud them for making us feel like we are Lyka who is experiencing this state of bewilderment and it is almost as if I am the one about to experience the new beginning; I wanted to close my eyes at one point in this episode because I was as scared for her. The rush of adrenaline is just so aggressive in this episode all I kept thinking was, “are you sure we only just got started?”

Okay first off… Happy Birthday to our loveable and crazy heroine!

And now, this review is brought to you by MasterCard… I am allowed to think this dollars style because I’m from the US.





1.) Pancake with eggs and bacon, around 7 dollars.

2.) Birthday cake with candles, around 10 dollars

3.) twenty one balloons, plus special delivery around 40 dollars.

4.) Surprise birthday party in creepy haunted mansion… around 7,000 dollars adding the tunnel surprise and all!

5.) Dancing to techno music… around another 40 dollars for the round of cds, plus round of drinks that looks like lots of Hennessey… around 200.


While this? This? This?! Best birthday gift of all!







Noah THINKING about you and greeting you--- all while he’s shirtless….priceless.



Hello! First frame was straight to Piolo’s abs! They are totally listening to our pleas and requests of half naked Noah (I don’t mind all nekkid but I’m demure and innocent, so I won’t type that).

In all seriousness, the way they handled this birthday episode was just filled with lingering intensity, Lyka is surrounded with these bright and fantastic surprises from cakes to a mansion party, but we all know the looming darkness that is underneath it all.





Such examples like her Kuya Anton who gave her these childish gifts, but deep inside he is a little lobo in love with her. Right when he said, “Remember, no man can love you like I do…” totally shudder-worthy.

Or Lady Elle and company, preparing this extravagant and grandiose of a party knowing fully well the amount of pain and suffering Lyka is about to experience not just as a transforming lobo but the strongest of their kind, their own savior. They are simply giving her a consolation for a lifetime of burden Lyka will have to face as their “Huling Bantay”.

Pilar Pilapil and Angel Locsin were both just understated but brilliant in this scene. There was something so maternal and “very wolf” with the way Lady Elle stared at Lyka, patted her head, and stroked her hair. Then, with one look at each other they control their tears; it’s the silent evocation of emotions that made this scene and both women did this so effectively. I felt little goose bumps come out of my arm just in that scene alone. It just stated a lot, all the complexities of the past with the two of them being related to each other and all the fears of the future as Lyka comes to transform tonight.

But this episode is not just about our heroine’s birthday no matter how dark or bright her day is this episode led us to different enthralling stories all connected to her. All going on at the same time! There is Nessa, a mother looking for her daughter. Even unknown faces that we have seen for the same time, brings us such spellbinding stories, different Lobo stories, when the camera panned up to the crowds and crowds of people then slowly we focus on to the gleaming moon. Oh my Goodness just genius… once again, such mesmerizing cinematography, editing and use of music.

Then they push the tension. It’s almost breaking in, such irony amid the happy occasion lingers such a catastrophic time they are all about to face. The eerie chords echoing as Lyka dances the night away, while the Waya council just stares at her. Anton is hiding himself. The black lobos roam around the night freely. Noah and the Lunas prepare for the attack.



And OhMyGod!

AMAZING a little fetus is capable of holding a gun!


Oh wait that was Gabby. Really guys… just ruin such perfect pacing and of perfect thrill by showing me such a skinny teenager move around with a heavy gun--- quite awkwardly so! Learn how to make do with what y’all have. It’s all about angles, Shaina Magdayao is not an action star… let’s admit that so no more odd Tomb Raider sequences because it just looks CONTRIVED as hell. Do more close ups with her, no more long shots with Lolita-esque Tomb Raider.

But what came after was like Blair Witch 2.0 with a tripod. Seriously speaking once again the hand held camera effect was apt for this scene, it is like we are seeing everything with Lyka.

Okay, I was freaking the hell out when Lyka was in the tunnel, just like her we this time are COMPLETELY CLUELESS. I see Noah's stunned expression and I am puzzled! Why am I in this scary tunnel? I would kill my best friend too if she put me in there in my friggin’ birthday. When will she transform? Will she be abducted? Where are they taking her? What the hell is that creepy lobo statue doing? Why are we kept in the dark? Why are there concert lights coming out of nowhere? Where the hell is Noah? Why does Lyka have that face? Why did you end the episode already?!

Tonight’s episode is a director’s showcase, the rapid sense of mixed thrill and tension --this time they showed a different side of Lobo. Lobo so far has focused on mystery, romance, drama and hell even comedy… but this “jolt out of your seat” pace is an introduction to a new take on this drama. Something they have excelled at once again and I see not only a new beginning for Lyka but a whole new beginning for the drama’s tone. I do have a few complaints about some extraneous scenes i.e. Gabby with a gun and Tita being mean again… yada yada we know already; that said this is still one of the top notch episodes we have watched so far.

LOBO with its exhilarating story with such layered characters that are all intricately connected shows this is not just another drama, every single thing is pondered upon here, couple with an acting tour de force, in my humble opinion,this has been the best drama that ABS has shown in YEARS.

 Which Side Are You On? On Rainbow Colored Lobos and Birthdays
Lobo Review March 3, 2008 Episode (sort of rehash of March Feb. 29th)





Tonight’s episode showcased one of Lobo’s main strengths --- that is keeping me in suspense and getting me to scream my head off holding tightly to my TV screen… well, not really that loud. I was left hanging with a whole lot of questions as I try to piece the puzzle pieces yet again, this drama once you thought you figured it all out, you realize the puzzle does not fit. Later on you further realize that this early in the game, the gauntlet has broken in, the danger that causes all this suspense has already lingered, the teams are placed and sides are chosen. They have told this complex launch of twists effectively, keeping everything up to pace and suspense.

Of course before I gnash my teeth with all the anticipation, Lyka cracks me up by the first minute when she says, “RAINBOW COLOR NA LOBO!” this was after a very creepy and stirring encounter with the black wolf, then they change the pace and mood as they brings us into another one of Lyka’s crazy and random moments. Really, a rainbow-colored wolf in the Philippines would really be it! The wittiness of this script is one of the very appealing qualities of “Lobo” and it never ceases to amaze me, this and the Ninoy Aquino joke really shows how much they inject humor in the script without it coming off awkward.

But it is not just the wit that holds the power of the script but it is because of the launch of the different (exciting) plot directions. This episode felt like I was ready for take off. Every single one of them is connected to Lyka’s important day.

Lady Elle is preparing Lyka for her birthday, fully aware this is the last day she will experience normalcy and being truly happy as a human. Her dialogue about how the lobo accepted and embraced the curse that was given to them shows the underlying pride and fears their race experiences. The conversation between Elle and Trixie managed to be touching showing how this girl, Lyka has come to be close to their hearts. They are guilt-ridden that Lyka has to carry this burden of saving their race.

Dimples Romana was very effective in this scene… actually she was astonishing in the whole episode, from her shocked and distressed face when she learned Lyka saw a lobo to her scenes with the godly Ms. Pilapil. She showed us the character’s own struggles with staying on with what is assigned to her but more than anything as Lyka’s friend who sees Lyka Raymundo as the playful and loving HUMAN friend of hers.

The lobos wait for their hero; they all have their lives at stake for Lyka. They all await for this girl to somehow save them. Everyone has their eyes on her… Even Nessa, Lyka’s own mother is also in search of her and now her questions are being answered

Meanwhile, The Luna is now without campy hoodies! YAY! But really, it seems like it is mostly a rogue military organization led by powerful people, among them victims of Lobos. I think this was their first effective scene so far in the series, I actually am never too fond of the Lunas, as compared to the way the Wayas handle themselves with such an intimidating and aristocratic feel, while the Lunas simply just looks contrived. Not until tonight did I really believe this organization, keeping it simpler really is more effective.

But the new characters of Black Lobos, who also await Lyka is a whole new arc in itself and they are quite interesting. Villains filled with anger because they are simply pushed to live that dark life of theirs. Eric Fructuso just chose the most PERFECT comeback vehicle for his career, drugged up Wolverine is terrifying and just filled with force. I also have a feeling that Lyka’s “kuya” Anton is one of them, Ryan Eigenmann is equally as good in this episode, his scenes may be short but it always has a very lingering mix of disturbing and a sensitive quality to it.




Then, there is Noah and Lyka. The push and pull of emotions. She loves him. She hates him. Okaaay, raise your hands if you wanted a make out session when he sexily pulled her into the staircase. Piolo Pascual showed us Noah’s quiet pain every time Lyka rejects him but he still looks at her so lovingly, how can she not tell that this man is so passionate for her? Every time this two are together the screen just ignites, even when Lyka is pushing him away.



But their dreams and wishes always betray them, they may act one way but their hearts practically scream for each other. She could only wish to spend time with him on her birthday, will she get that wish? And what exactly is Noah apologizing for?

The way the episode ended with the dream sequence to Lyka’s first day as a 21 year old was just filled with such grand intensity. Angel Locsin is just astounding in her “Lobo symptoms” scenes it was like literally her eyes were burning, her state of confusion and pain was just evoked so well and this is just the beginning, I cannot wait until she fully transforms.

The focal point in tonight’s episode is the aggressive push of the plot direction matching it with the fast pace and its flawless just flawless editing tonight … a lot happened and it was not overwhelming, in fact, we even wanted more! I am like an obsessive compulsive trying to slam every puzzle piece together---waiting for my own answers.

This is a story about a girl who is in love with a future slayer, a warring of different mythical clans and secret sects… it’s just too much of a fantastic realm if you think about it, but all these characters are just so HUMAN. I relate to each and every one of them even more so than the usual dramas out there that do not even have a touch of fantasy. Each character is just carefully woven for them to be somehow familiar to me, even if they are black lobos or the Waya council or a future savior of a wolf race, they are all just SO HUMAN.

And I end this review by saying, Happy Birthday to Lyka “Ulay” Raymundo. I hope she does have a good birthday, I hope to see the same kind of laughter and quirkiness she used to show us. I hope for the next episode we will be surprised just as she would be.

Keep up the good work, creative team please keep me in here, drowning in your mystery.

This all just felt like a precurser for something WAY BIGGER than all of us, and I cannot wait to witness it all.

Best episode so far. Everything from the pace to the mystery then to light and kilig scenes flowed so well. I also want to say THANK YOU by not playing that theme song over and over tonight. But one word for this episode? Good old fashioned KILIG. This is the genius of Cathy Garcia Molina, she churns out with the most human moments... lingers in it all... and makes a kilig scene out of it.

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Okay, I just caught up with the last episode of Lobo.

Now that is MUCH BETTER. This is what was promised to me and they did not disappoint.



The first few episodes had the touches of FM Reyes with the beautiful, lush cinematography and the sepia style for Nessa's story.

Now we have CGM at helm in the fifth episode. The interlaying cuts, fast approach, and the rather blueish tints are her style. The night close-ups and the emphasis on a kikay and lovable female protagonist are all just tatak CGM.

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