A movie in a movie... well, not really.

Advertisement of Gardens by the Bay of the award-winning film

Last Friday, I stumbled upon an advertisement on one of Singapore's newest attraction-- the Gardens by the Bay. We have visited this awe-inspiring, eco-friendly, and futuristic park a few times before but can never get enough of. 

As soon as they posted that they were screening the multi-awarded, most-raved-about-internationally and most successful Singaporean film, Ilo-ilo, I was ecstatic! Much more, it was going to be viewed at their open space... OUTDOORS... for FREE! I went nuts and hurriedly PMed my wife in Facebook to meet us after work.

Moviegoers brought along mats and picnic baskets waiting for their al fresco movie to start. Perfect for families and friends.

Me and Nina were itching to watch it because of the top-notch accolades it garnered overseas and it's a film directed and produced locally by a Singaporean in Anthony Chen.  We were also intrigued what the story was all about since August last year as it involved a Filipina domestic helper (portrayed by Angeli Bayani) who is a kababayan of ours. She was an actress unheard of in Philippine mainstream media. Hope she gets the recognition and honor back home as she was phenomenal and inspiring. 

I don't want to spoil those who haven't seen it yet so I just want to provide a brief insight of the film. It shed light to the characteristics, nature of work, and relationships locals and foreigners have with each other. It provided me an in-depth picture of the Filipino and Singaporean' culture, morals, upbringing, and way of coping with adversities.     

My wife cried at the end of the show. Also caught us by surprise to hear a Tagalog song playing as the credits of the movie were scrolling. It was comforting to know the director's adventurous, diversified, and open-mindedness approach in embracing other cultures especially the Filipino minority.

If you haven't watched the film yet, Anthony Chen announced they're releasing a dvd copy soon. Keep watch in their website when and grab a copy. You won't regret, it's superb! 

Brilliant director, Anthony Chen, greets the spectators present  

As if the movie wasn't enough yet, this Avatar-ish super tree backdrop comes to life! Millions of glistening, kaleidoscopic lights flash in rhythm with the crisp, clear, and explosive surround sound that resonate throughout the park. The OCBC Garden Rhapsody as it's called, happens daily at 7.45 and 8.45 pm. Did I say it's also FREE? So yeah, we got to be entertained by IT before Ilo-ilo started and afterwards. 

Imagine this: a towering tree evolution against the sky, in real life (note to self: best experienced laying down, hands behind your head and feet crossed, so DON'T FORGET to bring a mat next time!) seems unreal in itself. The whole park seemed like a high-definition LED TV that the projection screen they put up looked like a PIP (picture-in-picture) thus the title of this blog 'a movie in a movie?...' if you know what i mean. Anyways, I already sound absurd. Just go there and see for yourself! Lol. ;)