Kusina Kings

Kusina Kings is a 2018 comedy movie that revolves around two best friends named Ronnie and Benjie, played by Zanjoe Marudo and Empoy Marquez, respectively. They both dream of owning their own restaurant, but they lack the financial resources to make it a reality. After losing their jobs as cooks, Ronnie and Benjie are left with no other option but to enter a cooking competition with a grand prize of P1 million. They see this as their chance to make their dreams come true.

The movie takes place in Tondo, where Ronnie and Benjie grew up. The two friends are known to be food lovers and always had a passion for cooking. They work in a small eatery called Kusina ni Mama Susan, which is owned by Benjie's mother. One day, the owner of the building where the eatery was located decided to sell the space, leaving the two men without a job. This is when they hear about the cooking competition and they both decide to join and represent their neighborhood.

After much practice and experimentation, Ronnie and Benjie come up with their signature dish, a fusion of Filipino and Mexican cuisine called "sisig burrito". Their dish became a hit, and they were able to advance to the next round of the competition. However, the road to success was not easy for them. They faced numerous challenges, from lack of resources and equipment to their lack of formal training in the culinary arts.

Adding to their struggles is the fact that they are not the only contestants in the competition. There's a group of snobbish chefs who look down on them, and a romantic tension between Ronnie and one of the fellow contestants, Stephanie, played by Nathalie Hart.

The movie also explores the themes of friendship, perseverance, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams. Kusina Kings highlights the struggles of ordinary people who are trying to make it in the food industry, which is often dominated by the elite and the well-trained.

What sets the movie apart is its humor. The comedic timing of Marudo and Marquez is impeccable. The jokes are not only limited to the usual slapstick but are delivered in a way that is relatable and natural. The film also boasts an ensemble of supporting characters, from the eccentric neighbors of Tondo to the judges of the competition.

Overall, Kusina Kings is a light-hearted comedy that celebrates the resilience of the Filipino spirit. It is a feel-good movie that will make you laugh and cheer for the underdogs. The movie is directed by Victor Villanueva and produced by T-Rex Entertainment. It was released on July 25, 2018, in Philippine theaters.