What to expect in Rodina Singh's "Multwoh"

Rodina Singh’s “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)” has not only been a dominating force at the box office; it has also garnered critical acclaim for its playful but hauntingly beautiful tale of queer love, life, and death.

One of the most talked-about films to come out of the latest installment of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, “Multwoh” was recognized with four awards: Always Panalo, Panalo sa Manonood, Panalo sa Production Design, and Panalo sa Brand Intrusion.

Starting October 21, the film will be shown in select Ayala Cinemas across the Philippines. Here are a few things you need to know before catching the movie everyone’s been talking about.

Critical acclaim

Rave reviews have been matched by the festival’s official awards-giving body.

Philbert Dy, a member of the festival’s awards jury and a film critic, wrote fondly about “Multwoh”:

“It’s pretty funny, but what I think it does best is show a variety of people being warm and accepting of the main character and of queerness in general,” wrote Dy on his Letterboxd. “There’s something beautiful in how the movie depicts different kinds of acceptance, each drawn from different kinds of experience. But whether it comes from a father, an older lady, or a best friend, it’s lovely all the same.”

In a five-star review on his website, Saul de Jesus also praised how the film depicts the complexity of queer existence.

“Its queer perspective remains specific without becoming inaccessible, while the craft gives all those ideas enough room to breathe,” wrote de Jesus. “The film has depth without needing to perform depth. It is funny, affectionate, visually thoughtful, proudly queer, and considerably more intricate than it initially appears.”

Surprise cameos

Among the performers joining Sassa Gurl and Joao Constancia are established names in Philippine film and television, including John Lapus, Iyah Mina, Phi Palmos, Mae Paner, Buboy Villar, Migs Almendras, Lui Manansala, Eric Fructuoso, Tart Carlos, and KaladKaren. They are joined by Inah Evans and Christian Antolin, who have also built audiences through their comedic characters and online performances.

The film also features digital creators whose distinctive comedic styles and online personas have earned them followings of their own. Pipay, Gaia Poly, Yani Villarosa, and Arman Salon have developed their presence through humorous skits and character-driven videos, while Chino Liu, known for his Krissy Achino persona, and AC Soriano are recognized for their celebrity impersonations. Sophie Prime, Abby Salle, and Stella Salle are also part of the lineup, adding to the range of creators making the leap from online content to the big screen.

Rounding out the cast are beauty queen Dia Mate, Denzel Chang, Red Dilla, Casey Puo, Alfy Bara, Ice Neo, and Sesable, alongside drag performers Sofia Trazona, Pura Luka Vega, Shewarma, Russia Fox, Tiny Deluxe, and Matiduh. Together, the lineup reflects the different paths Filipino entertainers take to connect with audiences, from traditional screen roles to social media and performance art.

“Multwoh” is showing tomorrow, October 21, in the following Ayala cinema branches: Glorietta, Trinoma, Market! Market!, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Ayala Malls Marquee, Ayala Malls Harbor Point, Ayala Malls Center Cebu, Ayala Malls Centrio, and Ayala Malls Central Bloc.

Tickets are priced at ₱250, with a discounted rate of ₱200 for PWDs and senior citizens. Tickets are now available online for advance booking.