Director: Sigrid Andrea Bernardo
Summary
The story revolved how little Anita (Teri Malvar) was able to discover her true self through the beautiful and mysterious Pilar (Angel Aquino). Anita, instead of turning into a fine, young lady as others expected her to be, turned otherwise. In the beginning, adult Anita (Jay Bordon) was shown as a strict cadet officer, living her foreseen life as a child—a military official like her father. It wasn’t much of a surprise how she turned out. The ending was somehow hanging, at least regarding Anita’s relationship with Pilar. Contrary to the usual gay films, Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita talks about the plight of a girl who fell in love with a woman. Also, Anita grew up as a Catholic, with her mother an intense devotee of Sta. Clara. In a Catholic country such as the Philippines, the coming out of children like Anita is still a hard task, yet she was accepted by her family and friends.
Cinematography
Maybe it was for effects’ sake, but I think the lighting is a bit too dark. It seemed that the morning scenes were always afternoon (sunset time) because of the color. Also, although the beginning (when Anita was scolding one of her cadets for being late) was an attention-catcher because of the witty jokes, you’ll fail to understand it unless you remember the whole scene in the end. It was a circle, a flashback, and somehow it had a good effect on the movie.
Production Design
As it was shot in the province (Bulacan, I assume), the usual nipa hut and hills were expectedly present. Also, I commend the use of wooden trolley (as I haven’t seen a wooden one before, only metal trolleys. And I thought it was called scooter). It was good that the film was shot during the real Obando Festival in Bulacan. I’m wondering if the Santacruzan scene was authentic or staged because either way, it is not how I expected it. It was less grand, compared to an ordinary Santacruzan I usually see.
Sound and Music
The sound and music were also good, as it enhances the drama or comedy part of a scene. One of the scenes where music was most essential was the last part, during the Obando Festival. The drums were loud and clear, and it added to the festive theme.
Acting
Little Anita’s acting was superb, especially as a pouting child who was disobedient to her mother. She’s also funny, especially on the scenes where she imagined Pilar did something bad to her (like the choking part). Angel Aquino was an established actress, and I can say that she is good, especially also on the comedy parts. However, I felt like there’s something lacking in her facial expressions during the more dramatic parts, especially when she was confronted by Oscar. That was one cliché moment, and I hoped her acting could make up for it. The supporting actresses were also good, specifically Carmen. I can see a bright future for the kid, as she looks very liberated and “bibo.”
Purpose and message
Probably the most obvious among the messages is the acceptance of lesbians in the community. Also, it shows the hypocrisy of some people through the scene where Lolita and her friends were supposedly practicing for church choir, but there they were, gossiping about Pilar. Also, it seems to show the concern of today’s kids are more mature, such as Carmen’s worry about puberty and of course, Anita’s love life.
Critical response
Has Anita been a more ordinary looking girl (not the cute girl that she is), would the audience’s acceptance of her gender still be the same? Also, had Pilar not been Angel Aquino, but a less pretty one, would a child—a girl, for that matter—love her?
The Catholic Church has always been conservative regarding same sex relationships. I don’t think continuing to connect the religious sect in these kinds of film is as powerful as it was before.
On a less serious matter, I think it is very unusual for a girl here in the Philippines to call someone elder by just his/her first name. In the film, it gave a sense of “maturity” on Anita, employing her mature desire for Pilar.
Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/assets/media//2013/09/ang-huling-chacha-ni-anita.jpg
Watch the trailer here.
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This was passed to Prof. Sari Dalena as a requirement for the Film 100 class during the second semester of A.Y. 2013-2014.
Random Thoughts 
