Ready to Rakenrol?
by Justine N. Dinglasan on October 4, 2011
Photo from the Internet
In Quark Henares’ Rakenrol, the heyday of the Pinoy underground rock scene is shown on the big screen, with a touch of ambition and friendship and in-between.
The film’s premise revolves around the fictional band Hapipaks. Assembled by best friends Odie (Jason Abalos) and Irene (Glaiza de Castro), the band is a fulfillment of a childhood passion for rock music. They come across Mo (Ketchup Eusebio), a punk guitarist-turned Bo’s Coffee barista, and Junfour (Alwyn Uytingco), a bully in need of an outlet for his violent outbursts. Recognizing their potential in music, Odie and Irene recruit them.
Hapipaks scores numerous gigs through Odie’s originals, even attracting an unintended slew of Satan-worshipping fans in the process. With the help of their band manager Matet de Leon (played by herself), they set to carve their niche in the local scene.
It isn’t smooth sailing for long.
Irene is soon besotted by her “all-time super-crush” Jacci Rocha (Diether Ocampo), the heartthrob vocalist of the band Baron Münchausen. Odie, who has always been in love with the oblivious Irene, becomes depressed. Since the relationship of its founding members is in jeopardy, the band’s future is on the line.
What distinguishes Rakenrol from other movies is the way it was produced as a mockumentary on the music industry’s dominant personalities—many of the supporting characters being symbolic of societal stereotypes. For example, the supposed rock god Jacci Rocha, whose only veritable claims are those directed at his rock-hard abs. Or Mo’s non-conformist roommate, whose medium for art is a heap of fresh feces.
Written by Pinoy rock veterans Quark Henares and Diego Castillo, Rakenrol reveals truths about the music industry with comic relief as a welcomed effect. The film, however, failed to impart substantial insight of Pinoy rock music itself and the pioneering bands. Although the band references were adequate, the appearance of an iconic rockista stole the show.
Rakenrol focuses more on the budding romance between Odie and Irene, with less on Hapipaks’ musical aspirations. If Rakenrol aimed to enlighten viewers with a solid background of Pinoy rock and the lives of struggling musicians, it missed the target.
Aside from its comedy, the movie’s greatest appeal is its nostalgic sensibilities. Several OPM favorites and Hapipaks’ own set-lists dominate its soundtrack, while scenes are shot in familiar sets: Saguijo, Music One and the Fort’s Magnet Café. Viewers may start reminiscing when Irene loads a burned CD of Odie’s self-produced song. No flashy I-pods in sight.
Despite its shortcomings, Rakenrol is still enjoyable. Enlivened with quirky personalities and amusing experiences, it keeps you entertained by our country’s very own legendary and budding rock-stars.
