Laughter and applause filled SM North The Block Cinema 3 on August 18, 2025, during the premiere of ‘Mudrasta: Ang Beking Ina’!
The film perfectly blends heart and humor, offering audiences the kind of feel-good entertainment that leaves you smiling long after the credits roll.
Story and Setup. The movie follows Victor “Beki” Labrador (Roderick Paulate), who is stunned to discover that his late high school sweetheart Enrique has left him half of the estate and control of the family business—but with one outrageous condition: he must live in a mansion with Enrique’s orphaned sons and their feisty grandmother. What follows is a series of hilarious, touching, and chaotic moments that test Beki’s patience, heart, and resilience.
Cast Performances. Paulate once again proves why he remains a legend in Philippine cinema. His comedic timing is impeccable, his delivery effortless, and his ability to shift from laugh-out-loud comedy to heartfelt drama remains unmatched. Watching him in ‘Mudrasta’ feels like a throwback to the golden era of Philippine comedy, but with a refreshing, modern twist.
The ensemble cast elevates the film even further. Carmi Martin brings her trademark wit and impeccable timing as “Awra,” drawing nonstop laughter from the audience. Elmo Magalona and Tonton Gutierrez deliver strong performances, grounding the comedy with emotional depth. The chemistry among the cast feels natural, never forced, and enhances the film’s family-centered story.
Direction and Execution. Directed by Julius Ruslin Alfonso, ‘Mudrasta’ is cleanly executed, with thoughtful pacing and editing. The humor never feels forced, and the drama hits just the right emotional notes. Screenwriter Joni Mones Fontanos injects sharp, witty one-liners that had the audience erupting with laughter—lines destined to become instant classics.
What makes ‘Mudrasta’ special is its simplicity. It doesn’t rely on shock value or over-the-top gimmicks. Instead, it offers a warm, nostalgic kind of comedy reminiscent of the 80s and 90s—films that made you laugh hard but also tugged at your heart.
The film also subtly touches on themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and the realities of same-sex relationships, but without being heavy-handed. At its core, it’s about kindness, love, and family.
LionhearTV’s Verdict. ‘Mudrasta: Ang Beking Ina’ is more than just a comeback vehicle for Roderick Paulate—it’s a reminder of his lasting impact on Philippine cinema. Hilarious, touching, and nostalgic, it’s the kind of film that makes you laugh out loud one moment and tear up the next.
It’s a family-friendly crowd-pleaser, the kind of old-school comedy with a modern heart that we need today.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A new Filipino comedy classic.
