Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat

Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat: Friends 4 Lyf and Deaf 4 Eva is a 2007 Filipino comedy film that combines elements of friendship, humor, and personal growth into a feast of laughter, tears, and self-discovery. Directed by Wenn V. Deramas and produced by Viva Films, this movie stars some of the Philippines' comedy heavyweights — Rufa Mae Quinto, Candy Pangilinan, Pokwang, and Eugene Domingo — forming an irresistible quartet that carry the narrative of the movie with finesse and gusto.

The movie’s title can be loosely translated to, "What four can get, four should share," which essentially outlines the film's plot. It throws light upon the friendship among four unique individuals, their lives, and on their shared belief that everything in life should be equally split among them all - both fortunes and misfortunes.

The lead character played by the vibrant Rufa Mae Quinto is Isabel, a good-hearted, simple-minded woman who works as a beautician. Candy Pangilinan as Marilen is a wise-talking, street-smart masseuse at a spa, who brings a zing to the narrative. Pokwang's character, Tisay, is a singer at a local bar with grand dreams of becoming a star someday. Lastly, Eugene Domingo plays as Charity, a hopeless romantic who works as a mover and never stops hoping for the one true love to come into her life. These four central characters form the mighty quartet who have known each other from childhood and share the bond of sisterhood that goes beyond blood.

The quartet's journey is a real roller coaster ride of emotions and laughter. With the four friends finding themselves responsible for a modest lottery windfall, quintessential madness ensues, in accordance with the traditional elements of Filipino comedy, where humor coexists with heartfelt moments, and where survival is often interjected with the pure essence of keeping their enduring friendship alive.

Although the film is classified as comedy, it stretches beyond the typical fun-and-laughter genre of movies, and manages to incorporate and explore the realms of interpersonal relationships, personal desires, and life aspirations. Throughout the film, the four protagonists reveal the ordinariness of their daily lives amidst extraordinary circumstances — matchless in comedic timing, and in showcasing genuine camaraderie.

The director, Wenn V. Deramas, is known for his contribution to the Philippine comedy genre, and with Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat he keeps the predictable zaniness of situational comedy intact while adding in sensible layers that signify friendship, struggles, and the beauty of shared life in its raw form. The quartet brings forth an ineffable chemistry which shines throughout the film, making the audience root for their well-being and the longevity of their friendship.

The supporting cast also contributes their fair share to the narrative, with performances that add more color, deepen the plot, and increase the overall hilarity of the situations. The direction is slick, the screenplay is tight, and the punchlines are delivered with immaculate timing. The comic timing, delivery, and the back-and-forth among the four leads make a lot of scenes memorable.

The friendship of the quartet is the heart and soul of Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat, serving not just as a backdrop, but as an influential character in itself. Their journey, their trials, and tribulations offer valuable insights on friendship and relationships. The film highlights the strength of bonds formed out of adulation, shared experiences, and mutual trust.

In conclusion, Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat is a fun-filled ride that celebrates the beauty of friendship, the humour and often absurd nature of day-to-day life, and the importance of sharing. It creates an aura of a simple yet meaningful narrative embroidered with comedic sequences that will leave you giggling. This charismatic cast of veteran Filipino comedians delivers a punch of fun, laughter, and lots of memorable moments. The movie is a testament to the fact that when seasoned actresses pool their comedic talents together, the outcome is nothing short of a laughter riot with a heart.