In a landscape of glossy rom-coms and recycled teleserye plots, VMX detours down dirt roads and river trails with two new Original Movies this April with provocative titles, Habal and Bangkera.
Let’s start with Habal. Directed by Bobby Bonifacio Jr., this film follows Danilo, a motorcycle taxi driver whose quiet life turns chaotic after picking up a mysterious passenger. It’s a familiar setup—loner meets seductress—but what makes it work is the gritty portrayal of desire that doesn’t glamorize but rather exposes the thrill and the cost of forbidden indulgence.
JD Aguas, Athena Red, and Jhon Mark Marcia
As Danilo dives into a world of intimacy and deception, viewers are left questioning: what’s the price of chasing pleasure? And is it worth it?
Bonifacio’s storytelling walks a tightrope between eroticism and introspection. Danilo’s roommates, with their crude humor and bravado, provide a stark contrast to his internal conflict. The film nudges you to examine how masculinity, repression, and societal expectations brew beneath the surface of everyday people.
On the other side of the river is Bangkera, set against the scenic backdrop of Pagsanjan Falls. Directed by Temi Cruz Abad, this film goes beyond the romance between a local boatwoman and a visiting filmmaker. It asks a more pressing question: When love and family duty clash, who do you let down?
Micaela Raz as Ilyana gives a nuanced performance—strong-willed but vulnerable. Her story doesn’t just revolve around a love interest. It’s about her quiet defiance, the sacrifices of the working class, and how women like her carry the weight of generations. Abad’s direction gives us something rare in this genre: a female lead whose choices, however emotional, are driven by more than just affection. They’re anchored in survival.
Taken together, Habal and Bangkera show VMX’s intent to explore the sexy genre without reducing its characters to mere fantasies. These stories push past surface-level seduction. They tap into longing, shame, dreams deferred, and the complicated spaces where lust and love intersect.
If you’re looking for popcorn flicks with pretty people, these films deliver—but if you’re open to a ride with more grit and honesty, hop on. The journey may just take you somewhere you didn’t expect.
Habal is now streaming exclusively on VMX, while Bangkera will be available for VMX fans on April 11.
