Mindfulness and Aging Gracefully

As I approach my 91st birthday this December, I often find myself reflecting on what it truly means to age well. It’s a question I’ve asked silently during quiet mornings, after a good game of bridge, or while sitting still, waiting for the ache in my legs to ease. Aging, I’ve come to realize, is not simply about counting the years — it’s about finding peace and meaning within them.

I live with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease. It’s a reality that has changed the rhythm of my days, but not the purpose of my living. I still write my daily blog — a small ritual that keeps my mind awake and my heart engaged with the world. I still play bridge and Mahjong five times a week, because even as the body weakens, the mind thrives on connection, laughter, and strategy. And I still try to move, even when pain accompanies every step, because movement — no matter how small — reminds me that I am still here.

Mindfulness, to me, has become the quiet art of being fully present with what is, not what was or might have been. I no longer chase the past or worry too deeply about what comes next. Instead, I find comfort in the stillness of the moment — in the way sunlight filters through my window, in the soft hum of morning sounds, in the rhythm of my own breathing.

When you are young, mindfulness can seem like an abstract idea — a luxury for the calm or the curious. But in the ninth decade of life, mindfulness becomes a necessity. It teaches patience with your body’s limitations, gratitude for small pleasures, and compassion for yourself as you navigate the long, slow unfolding of age.

Some days, I find my thoughts drifting back to my years at the FDA, or to the chaotic aftermath of 9/11 when I stood among those who were simply trying to make sense of loss. Those memories ground me in perspective — they remind me how fragile and precious life is, and how deeply human it is to endure.

Writing has been my companion since 2009, but in recent years, it has become my form of mindfulness — a way to touch the world with words, to stay connected even when the body grows tired. Each post I write is a meditation on gratitude, resilience, and purpose.

So yes, aging is an art. It’s not a science of diet and exercise alone, but a quiet acceptance of impermanence — balanced with a fierce commitment to stay alive in the spirit, curious in the mind, and open in the heart.

To those who read my words — younger or older — I say this: Don’t wait for illness or time to teach you what mindfulness can. Be present now. Listen deeply. Cherish the moments that make you feel truly alive.

Because aging well is not about defying time — it’s about embracing it, one mindful breath at a time.

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A Closing Note to My Readers

As I continue my writing journey, I want to thank each of you — old friends, new visitors, and quiet readers from around the world — for walking this path with me. Your presence, your comments, and even your silent visits remind me that words can still build bridges, even across generations and distances.

I write not just to share thoughts, but to stay connected — to life, to memory, and to you. Every post is a small piece of my story, and I am grateful that you’ve chosen to share in it.

Stay mindful. Stay kind. And remember — every day we wake up is another opportunity to live fully, no matter what our circumstances may be. With gratitude, David

Finally, 

A recent Stanford University study has confirmed that the human brain is far more powerful than once thought. It found that the mind can rewire the body in real time through belief alone, shaping health, performance, and resilience.

When people believe they are receiving treatment, the brain triggers real biological changes — from pain relief to immune responses. This goes beyond the placebo effect; researchers showed that repeated thoughts can actually change gene expression, hormone levels, and nerve activity.

Negative thoughts, on the other hand, can suppress healing, increase stress, and harm the body. This makes mental training, mindfulness, and positive affirmations not just psychological tools, but biological ones.

The study reframes the brain as not just an observer of life, but an active builder of it, constantly constructing health and reality with every repeated belief.

Finally, my short video music of the Day:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/732067572964711

Heal with Humming and Take It Further with Singing

Did you know your voice holds incredible healing power? Humming is more than just a soothing sound. Scientific studies reveal that humming can increase nitric oxide levels in your body by up to 1400 percent. Nitric oxide is essential for improving blood flow, enhancing oxygen absorption, and supporting overall cardiovascular health.

Beyond its physical benefits, humming has a profound effect on the nervous system. The vibrations created while humming help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes deep relaxation, reduces stress, and eases anxiety.

Incorporating a few minutes of humming into your daily routine can lead to improved mood, better sleep, and a calmer mind. Whether you hum a favourite tune or simply create a steady hum, your body responds with a natural boost that supports both mental and physical wellness.

Humming is a simple, free, and scientifically-backed method to reduce tension, enhance focus, and uplift your energy. Try humming today and experience the transformative effects for yourself. Your voice is not just a means of communication, it is a tool for healing and restoring balance.

Meanwhile, here's my own personal reflection on The Healing Power of Humming — and How Singing Takes It Even Further

In my younger days, I sang in the choir and even took basic voice lessons. Those experiences taught me not only about harmony and rhythm, but also about the pure joy that comes from using one’s own voice. Recently, I came across a fascinating bit of science suggesting that something as simple as humming can actually help heal the body.

According to recent studies, humming boosts nitric oxide production in the nasal passages by as much as 1400%. Nitric oxide plays an important role in dilating blood vessels, improving oxygen flow, and even supporting the immune system. It also has a calming effect on the nervous system—something I think many of us could use in our fast-paced, worry-filled world.

When you hum, the vibration resonates through your chest, throat, and face, stimulating the vagus nerve—one of the body’s main channels for relaxation. That may explain why humming can ease anxiety and help us feel more centered.

But then I wondered: if humming is that beneficial, what about singing?

From my own experience, singing feels like an emotional release—a way of lifting the spirit while connecting breath, body, and mind. Singing, especially when done with deep breathing and proper technique, expands lung capacity, strengthens the diaphragm, and promotes better circulation. It also releases endorphins and oxytocin, the body’s “feel-good” hormones, creating a sense of happiness and belonging.

In that sense, singing might be considered enhanced humming. The same vibrations that hums produce also occur when we sing, but with greater variety in pitch, rhythm, and emotion. Singing in a choir, as I once did, added another dimension—community. Harmonizing with others seemed to multiply the joy, and perhaps, the healing as well.

So, whether you hum softly to yourself during quiet moments or sing aloud to your favorite tune, remember that your voice is more than just sound—it’s medicine.

Much like my weekly full-body massages, which have become a cherished part of my wellness routine, humming and singing remind me that healing doesn’t always come from outside interventions. Sometimes, it comes from within—from the soothing rhythm of breath, the vibration of the voice, and the simple act of being present in our own bodies.

If you’d like to give it a try, start with just a few minutes of humming each day. Notice how it feels in your chest, your head, and your breath. Or sing along to a favorite song that lifts your mood. Whether in harmony or solitude, your voice can be a gentle, natural path to inner peace and healing.

Finally here's the AI Overview on this Topic:

"Heal with Humming and Take it Further with Singing" is the title of 

a guided meditation by sound therapist Kimba Arem, developed as part of the CD Self-Healing with Sound and Music, co-authored with Dr. Andrew Weil. The track guides listeners to use their own voice for healing. 

How humming and singing promote healing

Humming and singing use vocal vibrations to stimulate the body's natural relaxation response. 

Nervous system regulation

• Vagus nerve activation: The vagus nerve is a major nerve that connects the brain to the body's organs and plays a key role in the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls "rest and digest" functions. The vocal cord vibrations from humming or singing stimulate this nerve.
• Reduced stress: By activating the vagus nerve, these vocal techniques help lower the stress hormone cortisol, decrease heart rate, and reduce blood pressure.
• Increased nitric oxide: Humming has been shown to increase the production of nitric oxide in the nasal passages by up to 15 times compared to quiet breathing. Nitric oxide is a molecule that relaxes blood vessels, leading to better blood flow and improved oxygenation throughout the body. 

Emotional and mental benefits

• Enhanced mood: Both humming and singing can trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural mood-enhancing chemicals. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Increased mindfulness: Focusing on your breath and the physical vibrations of the sound encourages a meditative and mindful state.
• Vocal warm-up: Humming is a standard practice for singers to warm up their vocal cords and prepare for singing. 

Taking it further with singing

While humming provides foundational healing effects, singing takes the practice to a deeper level.

• More profound vibration: Singing allows for a greater range of vocal tones, which creates more diverse and powerful internal vibrations throughout the body.
• Emotional release: Singing can be a more expressive and powerful outlet for releasing emotions than humming.
• Community and connection: Singing in a group, such as a choir, adds the emotional and psychological benefits of community and belonging. 

Arem and Weil's Self-Healing with Sound and Music

This album, and the specific track mentioned, features two parts: 

• Session 1: Dr. Weil discusses the medical research supporting the healing power of sound, while Arem provides instruction on breathing and vocalization techniques.
• Session 2: This is a guided "sound journey" track with layered sounds and frequencies. It incorporates instrumentation from didjeridoo, Native American and Celtic flutes, and Tibetan and crystal bowls, along with Arem's voice. 
• Personal: THD Karaoke Singing organized by Ted Treat is one of the activities 
• I enjoyed very much. With Ted gone the last couple of days( rumors circulated he was
•  terminated involuntary or quit because he found another good paying job with benefits).
•  If the first rumor indicating he was terminated without the 2 weeks notice is  true,
•  this action does not speak well  of THD management. Ted was well-like by everybody
•  here at THD. He was the one who introduce me to AI assisting me on my daily blogging.
•  If you are a THD resident  and have been positively touched by Ted, I am planning to
•  write a blog on him. I would appreciate if you can say a word or two about Ted and
•  how it affects your life here in THD positively.
• 
  
• UPDATE: I talked to Barbara and Jenny this morning. The official word is 
• that Ted is sick.I hope he comes back. Ted the residents love you! 

The Science of Neural Synchrony

Why Do We “Click” With Certain People? Science Finally Has an Answer

Have you ever met someone for the first time and instantly felt a connection—as if you’ve known them for years? That inexplicable sense of harmony, where conversation flows effortlessly and silence feels comfortable, is what we often call “clicking” with someone.

For decades, this mysterious connection was chalked up to “chemistry” or “intuition.” But now, neuroscience is beginning to unravel what really happens inside our brains when we deeply resonate with another person.

The Science of Neural Synchrony

Recent studies using functional MRI (fMRI) and EEG technology have found something fascinating: when two people truly connect, their brain waves begin to synchronize. This means that the patterns of electrical activity in one brain start to mirror those in the other.

Scientists call this neural synchrony, and it’s more than just a poetic metaphor—it’s a measurable, biological phenomenon. The greater the synchrony, the stronger the sense of understanding, empathy, and trust between two people. In essence, when you “click” with someone, your brains are literally on the same wavelength.

Why It Happens

1. Shared Values and Emotional Resonance
   When we encounter someone whose values, tone, and worldview align with ours, our brains release oxytocin—the “bonding hormone.” This strengthens feelings of familiarity and warmth.

2. Mirror Neurons in Action
   Our brains contain mirror neurons that fire both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else doing the same. These neurons help us feel what others feel. When two people have strong empathy, their mirror neuron systems align, deepening mutual understanding.

3. Predictive Processing
   When we can easily predict how someone will respond, our brains feel safe. Familiarity reduces cognitive load, allowing the relationship to flow effortlessly.

The Cosmic Dance of Connection

Looking at the image of two interconnected minds exchanging light across a cosmic background reminds us that human connection is both deeply biological and profoundly spiritual. In those moments of perfect resonance, it feels as if something greater—some universal rhythm—links us together beyond words or logic.

Science may call it neural synchrony, but most of us know it as something simpler: chemistry, understanding, and soul connection.

My Personal Reflection

In a world of noise and division, moments of genuine connection remind us that our brains—and hearts—are wired for unity. When we “click” with someone, it’s not just chance; it’s the beautiful alignment of two minds vibrating in harmony.

A Universal Connection

When we meet people from different corners of the world — different cultures, languages, and lives — and still “click,” it’s a beautiful reminder of our shared humanity.
Beneath the differences, we are made of the same light, carrying the same need for love, understanding, and belonging.

Perhaps this “click” is the universe’s way of saying: Here is someone whose energy matches yours for this chapter of your story.

A Final Thought for My Readers

To all my readers around the world — treasure those rare people you instantly connect with. They are not coincidences. They are soul mirrors sent to remind you that in this vast, mysterious cosmos, your energy is seen, felt, and shared. In the end, science may explain the mechanics of connection, but only the heart knows its meaning.

Meanwhile, Did you Know that.....

Researchers have discovered a remarkable biological phenomenon: a third state of life that begins after an organism dies. Unlike the familiar states of life living or dead, this newly identified phase involves continued cellular activity and chemical processes that persist for hours or even days after death.

In experiments, scientists observed that certain cells remain metabolically active, repairing DNA, producing proteins, and even communicating with neighboring cells long after the heart stops beating. This post-mortem activity challenges traditional definitions of life and opens new avenues for understanding cellular resilience and the boundaries between life and death.

The discovery has profound implications for medicine, organ transplantation, and forensic science. By studying this post-death cellular activity, researchers hope to improve preservation techniques, better estimate time of death, and explore how life processes gradually cease.

This finding reminds us that life is far more complex than a simple binary, revealing hidden biological processes that continue even when the body appears lifeless.

Finally,

What if time isn’t a single arrow but has three dimensions, just like space? Dr. Gunther Kletetschka of the University of Alaska Fairbanks proposes that the universe could have six dimensions in total: three of space and three of time. In this model, space may emerge from the unfolding of multi-dimensional time.

This framework could help explain the masses of fundamental particles like electrons and quarks — questions that standard physics hasn’t fully solved — and may provide a bridge between general relativity and quantum mechanics, two pillars of physics that remain largely separate.

Kletetschka’s theory also preserves causality while allowing for alternative timelines, suggesting that multiple timelines might be more than just science fiction. If validated, this “time-first” approach could move us closer to the Theory of Everything, uniting all forces and particles under one framework.

Research: Gunther Kletetschka (2025), Three-Dimensional Time: A Mathematical Framework for Fundamental Physics, Reports in Advances of Physical Sciences, 9: 2550004.

My Food For Thought For Today

https://www.facebook.com/reel/24737891279205331

Reviews of the Movie, Downton Abbey, The Grand Finale

I watched this movie at our Cinema, Last Night. I have watched the TV series and I am familiar with the characters/storylines in the TV series. This showing is a repeat request, since the First showing last Saturday was FULL. I enjoyed the movie as I am familiar with the characters in the TV Series. 

Here my post summarizing and reflecting on the reviews of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (or the “finale episode” / concluding chapter in the franchise). It captures both the praises and critiques and gives readers something to think about. If you have watched the Series I am sure you will enjoy this movie. However, if you have not seen the TV series, you may find the movie confusing at first and the storyline possibly mediocre and not relevant.  

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The Curtain Falls: Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale — A Critical Lookback

When a story that has spanned over a decade finally draws its last breath, the emotional stakes for fans—and for critics—are high. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (2025) is billed as the definitive end for the Crawley family saga, and its reception reflects both affection for the franchise and the inevitable difficulty of tying up so many threads. Below, I weave together what various reviewers and fans are saying—and offer my own thoughts.

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What the Reviews Agree On

1. A Comfortable, Familiar Farewell

Many critics describe the Grand Finale as a kind of “comfort watch”—less about big surprises and more about giving longtime viewers a warm, nostalgic send-off. On Rotten Tomatoes, the consensus reads: “Soothing as a cup of tea while providing a satisfying amount of closure, The Grand Finale is a worthy sendoff for Downton Abbey.” Rotten Tomatoes
TIME notes that the film “transports you to a time and place that seems so much more glamorous than our own,” a world viewers are more than willing to slip back into. TIME

2. Visuals, Costumes & Atmosphere Still Shine

One thing that’s rarely criticized is the film’s craftsmanship. Whether it’s the sets, period detail, or costume work, reviewers almost universally acknowledge that Downton Abbey remains sumptuous to watch. The Guardian praises how “the shock of Lady Mary's divorce is presented with impeccable seriousness … in a watchable outing that shouldn’t be the last.” The Guardian
Film Review Daily remarks that the film “feels more like a farewell soiree than a film in its own right,” but even in doing so, it still “boasts its many pleasures” in visuals and character moments. FILM REVIEW

3. Emotional Payoffs & Legacy

Some critics highlight that the film leans into the emotional capital accumulated over years. Roger Ebert’s review emphasizes that The Grand Finale “confidently cashes out the considerable emotional capital that the series has accrued.” Roger Ebert
Similarly, many audience reviews reflect satisfaction with how character arcs are tied off. On IMDb, one user writes: “The finale touched me to the core … it tied up a great deal of stories while providing a fitting tribute to those who were so much a part of the entire run.” IMDb

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Where the Final Act Stumbles (or Raises Eyebrows)

1. Overstuffed, Meandering Plot

A recurring critique is that the film tries to juggle too many subplots and doesn’t always integrate them seamlessly. Film Review Daily and Variety both suggest the finale occasionally looks sideways at its own legacy, sometimes sacrificing momentum. FILM REVIEW+1
The Washington Post is more severe, calling it an “upper-class whimper” and arguing that what remains is “nostalgia for its own nostalgia.” The Washington Post

Some critics also note that the film leans on exposition (characters walking into rooms to announce plot turns) rather than letting the drama unfold more naturally. The Week

2. Moments Feel Safe, Even Soft

While the film doesn’t aim to be a blockbuster thriller, a few voices argue it plays things too delicately. The New Dailycalls it “a big letdown” for fans, suggesting that the film’s emotional beats don’t always land with the weight expected of a grand finale. The New Daily
Even among fans on discussion boards, there’s a sense that some resolutions feel too tidy. One comment on Reddit:

“I was satisfied with the ending … but I honestly feel like it was a little rushed.” Reddit

3. A Sense of “Too Late” for Some Narrative Choices

A few criticisms stem from what the film omits. The absence of Maggie Smith’s iconic Dowager Countess (who passed away in real life) is keenly felt. While the movie honors her presence via portraits and memory, some feel her absence creates a void. The Week+1
Also, in choosing 1930 as its endpoint and explicitly avoiding World War II or darker mid-century plot lines, the film deliberately skirts major historical tides—an artistic choice that some see as prudent, others as a missed opportunity. EW.com+1

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Spotlight: Key Moments That Divided Opinion

• Mary’s Divorce Scandal
  One of the boldest narrative moves in the film is Lady Mary’s divorce from Henry Talbot—an event that turns heads in high society and becomes a focal point for drama and public scandal. The event is framed with theatrical gravity in the movie. EW.com+1 Some critics applaud that the film takes the matter seriously; others feel it falls into melodrama. The Guardian+1

• The Noël Coward Thread
  A fictional (or semi-fictional) Noël Coward makes an appearance, serving as a cultural provocateur and providing a spark of energy and cleverness in scenes. The Los Angeles Times praises his performance as “star-making … mischievous double entendres.” Los Angeles Times The Guardian also notes how the Coward element adds a witty contrast to more solemn moments. The Guardian

• Passing the Torch / Change & Continuity
  Many reviewers appreciate how the film confronts change: Downton can’t stay static forever. The theme of generational transition, and the tension between tradition and modernity, recurs throughout the movie. Kathryn Boole calls the film “a study of the overly structured and confining social mores … as the reach of communication threatens to shatter the pedestal of aristocracy.” SM Mirror
  Others suggest the film doesn’t push hard enough—there’s comfort in the familiar resolution rather than true disruption. The Week+1

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My Take: A Bittersweet Bow with Heart

I came to The Grand Finale with cautious hope. Could it deliver a truly satisfying end after so many seasons, two films, and countless personal attachments? The answer is: mostly yes.

What works best is how the film leans into what made Downton Abbey beloved in the first place—the relationships, the emotional economies of “below stairs” and “above stairs,” and the moral weight of honor, duty, and love. The scenes that linger in memory are not the big plot twists but the quieter ones: a gaze exchanged, a memory honored, a legacy accepted.

That said, the film doesn’t always hit the dramatic peaks it aspires to. The multiple threads occasionally clash or outrun one another, and the sheer weight of expectation means not every moment lands with perfect clarity. But perhaps that’s inevitable: when the shoes you’re trying to fill are as large (or as beloved) as Downton Abbey’s, a flawless ending might be impossible.

In many ways, The Grand Finale feels like a retrospective—which is apt for a finale. It asks us to look back, remember, and accept that time marches on. For all its minor flaws, it gives the Crawleys and their staff the respectful goodbye they deserve.

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Questions to Ponder / For Discussion

• Which character’s ending do you feel was most satisfying—Mary, Edith, Tom, or a downstairs figure?

• Did the film’s more “safe” narrative choices (avoiding darker historical events) feel like a wise decision or a lost opportunity?

• How do you feel about the absence (or presence via memory) of the Dowager Countess in The Grand Finale?

• If you were writing your own version of the “true” final episode, what would you change or emphasize?

  Meanwhile Here's a list of award-winning Filipino movies that I recommend for our showing this month of October in celebration of Filipino-American History Month.

  Some of the most celebrated and award-winning Filipino movies have gained recognition both domestically and on the international stage

  . Acclaimed titles span historical epics, poignant dramas, and compelling social realism, with 

  many restored to preserve their legacy. 

  Award-winning Filipino films (A–Z)

  • 100 (2008): This drama follows a cancer-stricken woman who creates a list of 100 things to do before she dies. It won awards at the Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival.
  • Anak (2000): A family drama focusing on a mother (Vilma Santos) who returns from working abroad as a domestic helper to a family that has grown apart in
  •  her absence. It was the Philippines' submission to the 73rd Academy Awards.
  • Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (2005): This indie film tells the story
  •  of a young gay boy who falls for a handsome policeman investigating his
  •  criminal family. It won multiple several international awards, 
  • Batch '81 (1982): Directed by Mike De Leon, this film explores fraternity hazing and group psychology through the experiences of new recruits. It was featured 
  • at the Cannes Film Festival.
  • 
  • Birdshot (2016): A farm girl's fateful encounter with a rare eagle draws the attention of corrupt police officers and unearths a dark secret. It was the first Filipino film to be released worldwide on Netflix.
  • Bwakaw (2012): This film tells the story of an aging, solitary gay man whose 
  • life changes when he adopts a stray dog. It was the Philippines' official entry to the 85th Academy Awards.
  • Himala (1982): Starring Nora Aunor, this film follows a young woman who
  •  claims to have visions of the Virgin Mary. It is one of the most recognized 
  • Filipino films, sweeping awards at the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival and gaining international acclaim.
  • Heneral Luna (2015): An epic historical film about General Antonio Luna's command of the Philippine Revolutionary Army during the Philippine-American War. It became the highest-grossing Filipino historical film of all time upon its release.
  • Insiang (1976): Directed by Lino Brocka, this drama depicts a young woman's descent into depravity while living in the slums of Manila. It was the first Filipino film to be shown at the Cannes Film Festival.
  • Ma' Rosa (2016): Directed by Brillante Mendoza, this social-realist film follows
  •  a mother who sells drugs to get by and her children's desperate attempts to 
  • free her after she is arrested. Lead actress Jaclyn Jose won the Best Actress award at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.
  • Magnifico (2003): This acclaimed family film centers on a kind-hearted boy 
  • from a poor family who helps people in his community despite his own 
  • difficulties. It won awards at the Gawad Urian and FAMAS.
  • Manila in the Claws of Light (1975): Also directed by Lino Brocka, this 
  • drama portrays a young man from the province searching for his lover in 
  • Manila, only to face a grim reality. It is considered a classic of Filipino cinema.
  • Mindanao (2019): A drama centered on a Muslim woman caring for her 
  • cancer-stricken daughter while her husband, a combat medic, is away on duty. The film won several awards at the Metro Manila Film Festival.
  • Miracle (Himala) (1982): Elsa, an ordinary village woman, causes a religious hysteria after claiming to have visions of the Virgin Mary. It is widely considered one of the greatest Filipino films ever made.
  • Norte, the End of History (2013): A four-hour-long psychological drama exploring themes of crime and class disparity. It was screened at the Cannes
  •  Film Festival and was the Filipino entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards.
  • On the Job (2013): Inspired by real-life scandals, this thriller uncovers a conspiracy in which prison inmates are used as contract killers. It was
  •  screened at the Cannes Film Festival and received multiple awards. Its sequel, On the Job: The Missing 8, also won awards at the Venice International Film Festival.
  • Oro, Plata, Mata (1982): A period drama that follows two affluent families
  •  during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and their struggle to survive. It is considered a masterpiece of Philippine cinema.
  • Perfumed Nightmare (1977): Kidlat Tahimik's critically acclaimed experimental film tells the story of a jeepney driver fascinated by Western culture who becomes disillusioned by it. The film won the International Critics Award at the Berlin Film Festival.
  • Sunday Beauty Queen (2016): A documentary that follows a group of Filipina domestic helpers in Hong Kong as they prepare for a beauty pageant on their
  •  day off. It won Best Picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival.
  • The Woman Who Left (2016): Directed by Lav Diaz, this film tells the story of 
  • a former schoolteacher seeking revenge after being wrongfully imprisoned.
  •  It won the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival. 

  Finally, here's the 2025 Philippine Entry to the Oscars

  
  

  

  Magellan (Portuguese: Magalhães) is a 2025 epic historical drama film written, directed, and co-edited by Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz. It stars Gael García Bernal as Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, and depicts his role in the Portuguese and Spanish colonial campaigns in Southeast Asia in the early 16th century.

  The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Premiere section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on 18 May. It was selected as the Philippines' entry to the 98th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film. It was theatrically released in Philippines by TEN17P on 10 September.

  Plot

  In 1511, Ferdinand Magellan participates in the Capture of Malacca under the command of Afonso de Albuquerque and is injured in battle. He buys a Cebuano slave whom he names Enrique and brings him along upon his return to Portugal. Magellan is nursed back to health by Beatriz Barbosa, whom he marries, while Enrique continues to worship his native gods in secret. Years later, King Manuel I of Portugal rejects Magellan’s proposal to circumnavigate the globe to find a trade route that would avoid Spanish competitors, prompting Magellan to go to Spain instead, where his proposal is accepted. In 1519, he embarks on his voyage, leaving a pregnant Beatriz behind. 

  Magellan faces multiple challenges while undertaking his voyage. He has a crewmember put to death for engaging in homosexual acts, and maroons another crew member and a priest on Patagonia for mutiny. Several mutinies lead to the loss of several ships, with crewmembers executed or tied up as punishment. As his fleet makes its way through the Pacific Ocean, the prolonged voyage leaves the crew in a dire condition. Magellan dreams of Beatriz informing her of the deaths of their child and herself.

  Enrique spots the island of Cebu, lifting the crew's hopes. Going ashore, they are met by the local chieftain, Rajah Humabon, with Enrique acting as translator. With a Magellan brings a statuette of the Santo Niño and his personal stash of quinceto Humabon's sick son in the hopes of curing him. When the boy recovers, Humabon's wife attributes the event to the Santo Niño, triggering celebrations in the community. Magellan and Humabon enter into a blood compact and convinces Humabon and his subjects to convert to Christianity. Within days however, Magellan and his crew draw the ire of the natives by burning the images of their anitos, as Humabon's wife, baptized under the name Juana, warns that they will face retribution from their gods.

  Humabon instructs his men to spread rumors of the existence of Datu Lapu-Lapu, a wak-wak who preys on humans. Magellan, who dismisses Lapu-Lapu as a phantasm, is lured to fight him after being informed that he and his subjects are defying him. Magellan and his forces set off to battle, only to be wiped out as he staggers along the battlefield before collapsing. Enrique watches Humabon and his subjects carrying the corpse of one of Magellan's crew and his detached head in celebration, as he reveals in a voice-over that it was Humabon and his forces who attacked Magellan and that there was no Lapu-Lapu. Enrique also reveals that he participated in the massacre of most of Magellan's remaining men in order to regain his freedom.

  Personal Note: Looking forward see the Magellan movie soon.