This morning was nice as we were able to talk to Pepe Herrera, famed actor and theater persona, starring in his film called BANTAY BAHAY under Regal Films. This is directed by Jose Javier Reyes who also joined via zoom during the mediacon.
Direk Joey said "I already had so much admiration for Pepe since I do see him in his previous projects and in theatre. I was working on this material for a while now and I did intentionally make this character for him.. he was always in our mind even prior to shooting this."
Pepe said "Direk Joey made me realize how it was possible to work within a specific time, his system was the best I've ever experienced among those that I've made in the past. We start at 10 and stop at 10pm, sometimes even earlier, and use the time to bond with the rest of the crew. I was prepared to be scolded initially, but turns out he only shouted once and it was funny. It was the best experience with him, and if there's a chance I'd love to work with him again."
The film was shot in a mansion in Sariaya, Quezon. They saw how naturally scary it was especially the basement. The house according to owners was a pre-war property and they put women and children in the basement in case Japanese would come. They didn't get to shoot in the basement because it was also claustrophobic. To give you an idea, they have posted a tour of it on the Regal Entertainment YT channel too.
Here's our interview with PEPE HERRERA during the mediacon
If you want to watch the film, it will be out in theaters nationwide this May 1st. Pepe is a very talented actor, and I hope in some way, you get to know him a little better in the video as he talked more about his personal life.
The excitement over the Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards movie "Family of Two" is but a good measure of the caliber of actors they have in the film. The accolades they have would probably have filled a room or two from their previous projects and having them in the Metro Manila Film Festival was just fate, we could say, well deserved.
Their trailer alone garnered millions of views when it was released a few weeks ago, and the strong show of support on the premiere night probably have stamped reasons why people should watch it on Christmas Day.
Ms. Sharon proudly says "Not everybody becomes my son or daughter, a few really I could say have got close. I could say Alden is one, and Coco the other. We grew even close with this project. My kids even told me that he's like me, even more than them. I totally agree, we have so much in common than what I do with my children. It is weird in a good way. It only took us two workshop dates to get acquainted. My staff even told me that he talks like me, a bit scared about the similarities. I think that's the big factor why we do get along. He's the boy version of me."
Ms. Sharon adds "I wish this Christmas, Alden gets his hearts desires... because he deserves it. He has given so much for his family and to other people. And he's a good boy, a good son. I want my son to grow up like him. I appreciate what my Mom did for me, I need her now, and I think about it. Those conflicts won't matter, spend time with them, because you cannot bring back time."
Alden says "Back in 2019, I was asked who to work with. Ms. Sharon was one of those, and I told myself, I wish to be able to work with her with this kind of theme. Like a mother and son, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do this. I will really regret if I didn't do this project."
"When I was growing up, I remember my Mom prepping my lunch boxes, waking up way ahead of me. When we were young, we often get a bit shy when parents get clingy. Some are expressive, and my character was much like me. It kind of hurts that when the time comes, you'll look for that. And that's the message of the film, you take for granted things, when I lost my Mom, I wanted to do things for her, but I couldn't anymore because she's gone. Everyone will leave us in this world, let's not be too shy showing our feelings, let's not wait for that to happen because most of you are so lucky to have family with you. This film teaches us those family moments, you need to value getting together as a family. Kids should be given roots and wings, let them fly, like Maricar and Mateo, know when to let go. When this presscon ends, call your Mom or Dad, tell them you love them, because I envy you, that I can't."
Here's our red carpet video and the actual mediacon in full.
Cineko Productions has really a good entry this year, I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes a top grosser because of the sheer star power this has. Aside from that, a topic that is current, something that every son and daughter can relate to. This is what we need, it's about FAMILY. Feedback from the people who watched the film warned me about this being a cry session, I expect that and more. I love Family Matters and since this is Directed by Nuel Naval, it would certainly be full of emotions. They are going to be a giant, and from the looks of it, people are looking forward to watch this first amongst the 10 entries in the MMFF 2023. I know with both of them in the film, this will become a classic. Perhaps, this could be perfectly sent to festivals abroad, to hopefully have them cry about it too.
This is written by Mel Medoza-del Rosario.
Congratulations and I love you Ms. Sharon and Alden!
Had fun watching the movie The Hopeful Romantic by Regal Entertainment. It stars Ritz Azul and Pepe Herrera who did a really good job playing Jess and Veronica, it felt genuine, endearing. Love has definitely a lot to do with this story, when you give your all, when is it okay? When is it called love?
Here’s some reasons why you should watch the movie:
1. It’s time to prove or unprove if the only virgins left in the world are the UGLY ones.
2. Pepe Herrera is such a great crooner. You’ll melt your knees listening to him sing.
3. The two leads have comedic timing. You’ll never see a use for whitening lotion the same way again.
4. See opulence, lifestyle of the rich and famous. Big things by Hashtag Niko.
5. Lies, deception, you’ll learn where it takes you. You’ll see why you should always be yourself and see why it shouldn’t be something to start a relationship:
6. The movie is fun, there are a ton of funny scenes which are not shown in the trailers.
7. As a bonus, you will learn a lot about how to love, how to face your fears and pray for the film. Hahaha. You’ll see why I said that when you watch this on theaters starting September 12 on theaters nationwide!
Good job on the film Topel Lee!
Congratulations Pepe Herrera and Ritz Azul, you’ve done a good job on this one. It’s well made for a Filipino comedy film, I hope people get to see this because it’s really nice. Kudos also on Beverly Salviejo, get her a bonus!
Now go to theaters nationwide on the 12th and find your one and only true love!
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