MANILA, Philippines—A docu-drama whose backdrop is the campaign of President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, and a musical on the life of a Filipina who works for an Arab prince, both received an “A” rating from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB).

“This is a delightful accomplishment for Philippine cinema,” CEB chair Christine Dayrit said about the two films—“Noy,” co-produced and co-directed by its lead actor Coco Martin, and Chito Roño’s “Emir,” featuring young actress Frencheska Farr.

A film with an “A” rating gets a 100-percent tax rebate.

“Emir is landmark film that certainly raises the bar for Filipino films,” said Dayrit, who further described the movie as “a musical adventure that is truly impressive and inspiring.”

The plot follows Amelia (Farr), an Ilokana who works in the Middle East as a nanny in the royal household. It is scripted by Palanca winner Jerry Gracio, with music by Gary Granada, Vin and Ebe Dancel, and Diwa de Leon.

Emir Chito S. Roño

Amazing moments

“Emir,” which premiered in theaters on June 9, is produced by the Film Development Council of the Philippines with the assistance of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

“‘Emir’ effectively portrays the plight of overseas Filipino workers in a very positive and encouraging light,” Dayrit further noted, quoting a CEB reviewer.

“No effort was spared in finding the right location, be it the Ifugao Rice Terraces or Marrakesh in Morocco,” another member said. “Amazing moments are enjoyed on screen, which features dazzling production design sets of Moroccan, Middle Eastern flair. The authenticity of such settings is refreshing.”

Some members claimed that “Emir” is Roño’s finest work. “The film successfully reintroduces the musical genre to Philippine cinema,” added one.

“It is an epic musical-adventure that is both entertaining and engaging,” another pointed out. “The musical score is enchanting, it fits the story seamlessly. One will be impressed with [all] 22 songs.”

One more comment read: “The characters are well-conceived, believable and well-developed. One can actually empathize with the plight of the OFWs—their sensitivities, pain and triumph.”

Both Farr and singer Dulce were commended for their “stunning performances, as they acted and sang simultaneously.”

Noy Dondon Santos

‘Very engaging’

Martin and Dondon Santos were commended for being “highly-competent” as co-directors of “Noy.”

The film, which opened on June 2, is about a journalist commissioned to document the campaign of his namesake, presidential aspirant Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

The CEB members found the script “very engaging and credible;” the editing, “crisp;” and the production design, “very good.”

“The film’s musical score is very effective,” said one reviewer. “The sound is excellent.”

Added another, “Coco delivered big time, and so did the rest of the cast.”