When Monaliza Smiled

The film follows the story of Diego, a talented but insecure makeup artist who dreams of becoming a renowned fashion designer. He struggles with his identity and finds solace in his art, eventually being discovered by a fashion mogul. As Diego navigates the cutthroat world of high fashion, he must confront his personal demons and embrace his true self.

When Monaliza Smiled received a mixed to positive reception, with critics often praising its visual style and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Paolo Ballesteros. However, some found the plot to be predictable, though generally engaging.

• Praised for its vibrant aesthetic and strong central performance.

• Noted for its exploration of personal identity and artistic ambition.

• Some reviews pointed to a conventional narrative structure.

Google audience: Information not available.

Won Best Actor for Paolo Ballesteros at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

Paolo Ballesteros, who plays the lead, is also known for his skillful impersonations of celebrities on the television show Eat Bulaga!, and many of his makeup transformations were inspired by his skills in that area.