Ang Lihim Ni Antonio (Antonio's Secret)

I just saw this Filipino indie film, Ang Lihim Ni Antonio (Antonio's Secret), which was recently shown at the Rochester's Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and WOW!!!!

There are so few gay-themed movies that has captured my attention and would actually make me think. "Antonio's Secret" is raw, fresh, daring, honest, and edgy.

So anyways, if you do get a chance to see this, please do so. You won't regret it!!!! Highly recommended.



From the Director of highest-grossing digital film "Ang Lalake Sa Parola" comes a gripping tale of curiosity, love and sexual explorations.

Antonio (Kenjie Garcia) is a 15-year old boy who begins to ponder on the purpose of his life and his identity. For a smart teenager at this stage, he has begun to confront the issues of his personality--- the struggle of acceptance from his peers, his family on the verge of breaking up and the sudden flare of his homosexual urges.

Antonio's mother, Tere (Sharmaine Buencamino), a community midwife is in continuous denial that her husband has left them for another family. Antonio's life begins to take a dangerous turn as his uncle Jonbert (Josh Ivan Morales), a hedonistic and carefree young man, begins to live with them and makes the young boy his sexual plaything. But Antonio is caught unprepared for things that would be , and in a sudden fit of rage, Tere does the unthinkable.

a film by joselito altarejos
wrtitten by lex bonife
Photography by arvin viola