KIKO ESTRADA and SARAH LAHBATI on TV5's "LUMUHOD KA SA LUPA"

Got the chance to watch the pilot episode of "LUMUHOD KA SA LUPA" yesterday through the advanced press screening arranged by SariSari Channel, Viva Studios and TV5. It's a series based on the comics and movie made by Carlo J. Caparas, and will now be part of the Caparas Universe.

For those who don't know, the film came out in the 80's with Rudy Fernandez, Jackie Lou Blanco, Eddie Garcia and Mark Gil. It was a huge project, and seeing it be done as a series on free to air TV (right after Eat Bulaga) will certainly be monumental, possibly catapult the career of Kiko Estrada who almost quit the industry a few years back.

Sarah Lahbati also has not been doing any projects in the past 8 years. Her last one was also a Carlo J. Caparas masterpiece and reckoned she's been doing only Caparas projects by fate. Needless to say, she's been doing a lot of projects recently and a few endorsements too. She was absolutely gorgeous that afternoon, and her role is an important one for the story since they will have a pairing in "Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa" too.

Aside from Kiko and Sarah, the series also include Sid Lucero, Rhen Escaño, Gardo Versoza, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Andrew Muhlach, Phoebe Walker, Andre Yllana, Ashley Diaz, Annika Co, Rose Van Ginkel, Jeffrey Hidalgo and Jeric Raval. You can officially say this is their attempt to put Kiko Estrada into the "action star" game. The series may have some small flaws, but the thing is made like a movie and quite fast paced. You'll have to watch it from day 1 so you get to see how Norman changes over the course of the series and also know why he had to become a force to be reckoned with later on in the story. Ultimately, this is about family and seeking justice... but just like what the two directors said, none of the characters would be useless. They all had a part to play in the life of Norman.

Here's the interview we had with them after the screening

"Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa" will be shown right after EAT BULAGA on April 8th, and will be shown 8pm the same day at SARISARI Channel in the evening. This is part of TV5's Hapon Champion block and the throng of summer shows they will be releasing. Go like their social channels to know more about the show because they will be posting updates about this more there.

ARJO ATAYDE Praises JULIA MONTES in Action Film TOPAKK

 

This has been under the wraps for quite a while since they've been looking for an international release for this film a couple months back. They've secured it but kept mum about who had the rights for distributing this new action flick called TOPAKK starring Congressman Arjo Atayde, the very elusive Julia Montes, very talented actor Sid Lucero. This is Directed by Richard Somes who also did several films and TV series on ABSCBN.  We sat down with them after a grueling shoot that afternoon while marveling at their real cuts and bruises which they got from the scenes they did that day.

 Arjo says "JM was supposed to play this role but he wasn't available because of a series he's involved in. TOPAKK is about a guy who has PTSD, in a nutshell, he's a little crazy. But really, if you have this condition, it doesn't automatically mean you are crazy, because there might be reasons why you act a certain way which will be shown on the film. This also talks about how there might be no support system in the military. This is quite a very well thought out concept by our Director Richard Somes, I just feel so lucky to be on board and able to work with some of the best actors and actresses in the country."

 

@kumagcow Some behind the scenes look at TOPAKK with @arjoataydeofficial #JuliaMontes and Sid Lucero #tiktokshowbizreporter #EntertainmentPH ♬ Tuwing Umuulan - Moira Dela Torre

With Nathan Studios, Arjo adds "We do talk about it with the whole family. Before the pandemic, my Mom was really looking forward to putting out quality content by having a production company of our own. This was born out of passion, and Nathan Studios was already involved in Catleya Killer before this project, and much of the projects are under post production, hopefully they will all come out soon. As much as possible, we want to tap the international market first before showcasing it locally. Because I'm in public service, Nathan Studios is handled more by Mom. For creative inputs, suggestions, we try to come up with that. It's a blessing to also work with great directors because they also do that. Richard Somes is a brilliant Director, and he's so intense! He doesn't just do lip service, as you can see during the shoot he's doing everything including stunts and shows us how its done. You'll see him on set and getting wet too, he's not all talk, he knows what he wants and if he sees it on screen that a punch is awkward, you'll have to do it again."

 

Sid Lucero and Director Richard Somes for TOPAKK

He also talked about working with Julia Montes and says "Some actors often say that you'll see a different person here, but you will see a different kind of Julia. The character was specifically made for her, and she had to do a lot of new things in this movie. She really brought her A game, I have worked with her in a series before and I can say, she's going to blow your mind when you watch her in this movie. There also won't be a romantic angle between us, which is something new because it doesn't rely on a love story which is often seen on Philippine cinema. I'm telling you, what she's done in this movie is just over the top. We're so lucky to have Julia in this film!"

We also got to talk to Director Richard Somes and brilliant actor Sid Lucero, who gave us more insight about how this film was made. Listen in!

We also had the opportunity of watching the raw trailer for the film after the shoot, and I must say, you will get quite exhausted on how they tied up the story and action scenes. Hopefully, when this comes out this year, Filipinos would get a glimpse of TOPAKK and see how these fine actors did justice with their roles. Arjo didn't get those Best Actor trophies for nothing. And Julia Montes is just starting to get her face seen on the international stage, people will definitely love her acting prowess because of how genuine she is to this day. Here is also our talk with Arjo that evening.

 

This film also stars Bernard Palanca, Enchong Dee, Kokoy de Santos and a lot of other actors. It's time we get a taste of the action genre once again in cinemas!

The Millionaires Wife: Sid Lucero

 This is the first time I'm interviewing Sid Lucero. He's an award winning actor, very animated when you see him. He's not that tough guy you see on screen and you can feel how much he's engulfed so hard to put his passion into work, more so in The Millionaires Wife. He plays the character of Jared Montecillo, the son of Jacklyn Jose in the series. He's a little deranged to put it lightly, because when Stella puts her magic to this guy right here, he goes beyond it and kills his own Grandfather. He's been heavily influenced by his Mom hence the way his character ends up like that on the show. Yes, he rapes people!

Here's our interview on video:

Sid didn't really think much about getting a Best Actor award at the 19th Los Angeles Comedy Festival, but even wanted to use that to further his cause for the Philippine Movie and TV industry. He wanted his voice to be heard, with good purpose and I was impressed by that. His countless indie films, tons of shows, all of that felt like it didn't matter because he had a more endearing cause to support, I was so happy there are people like him in the industry. 

He also got lauded by Ms. Jacklyn Jose, equally impressed at how he works and says if there's one thing she would want to do is to work again with Sid Lucero. He was the one person that convinced Ms. Jacklyn Jose to accept this project in the first place. She's really got reason why, because Sid is brilliant. Underrated yes, but I hope he gets to be noticed and given more projects because of his caliber of acting.

Thank you for the opportunity to talk to you Sid and I hope people get to see the finale today!

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