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!

Filipino Film TOPAKK (Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes) Gets Hollywood Sales and Distribution

After making a huge impression on MIPCOM Cannes weeks ago, Nathan Studios Inc. just secured the nod of Raven Banner Entertainment which is a Candian production company for global sales and distribution. After successfully doing the screening for Cattleya Killer in France, this adds another great acheivement for the new production company of the Atayde Family (also Sir Art and Ms. Sylvia Sanchez), not surprised by the amount of talent in that.

This is an action thriller film starring Arjo Atayde and lovely Julia Montes, furthering their craft and foray to the international film market. Also in this film is Sid Lucero, fine looking Enchong Dee, and the gorgeous Ria Atayde.

This film is co produced Wilfredo Manalang of Fusee, Director Richard Somes of Strawdogs Studio Production and Fernando Henna of Toronto based Theo and Atlas Productions Inc.

Director Richard says "This is different as Topakk discusses violence which we see in reality in any part of the world. More of an action picture, and this is a Filipino take on the genre made for the cinema. I want to showcase the talented throng of Filipinos especially the very talented Julia Montes and Arjo Atayde. We are also doing the legwork for next year to see what we might possibly do in continouation of this setting. They'll also see stunts, and several ailments people get mentally. You'll see how he's going to rescue while going through hardships in life. You'll see them perform in an entirely different level, apt for local and international audiences worldwide!"

This is just the beginning and hopefully, as we get more interest with the films we make in the Philippines, it'll be better for the industry. Stay tuned for more updates about this and future film projects on this site.

MEGASTAR Sharon Cuneta Joins FPJ's ANG PROBINSYANO on their 6th Anniversary!

If you've been hooked with FPJ's ANG PROBINSYANO all these years, the biggest MEGA twist will be happening very soon as the MEGASTAR Ms. Sharon Cuneta joins the action drama series.

Ms. Sharon sat down with Gretchen Fullido and said "This was an easy decision for me, when they sent me messages, Coco pitched the story to me and it was a no brainer. I was just a little nervous because I had to be there everyday. Aside from that, this is the biggest series in the country. My family is equally excited to see me in the show. I am so thrilled to be part of this. I've worked with the cast previously, so it's a big factor to be part of this especially when FPJ is my best best friend in the business. This is my tribute to him. I accepted it right on the spot, it was really a dream come true. I'm in the position to say just rest, but it's an honor for me to be part of the cast. The concept was just something Coco had dreamed of one early morning, I was informed when I was in the US and he requested I appear. He was just coming out about the story and he's excited. It's connected, I'm grateful for that and I can't wait to be in Ilocos for the locked in taping. I have experience in doing in bubble tapings, and this is a lot like it because when I made the movie revirginized, this was something like that. I think I'm older, wiser, the character has really good twists and turns, I can do anything just as long as it's not bold (she jokes). We'll have flashbacks, it's different in TV, I have yet to find out what'll happen in the smaller screen, it's just a different platform. I had to cram in shoots because it's how Olivia Lamasan, I'm easy to work with especially if we have reliable scripts. I'm okay with changes and it'll be more drama for me this time. This is more mental than physical, I wake up really early and the preparation took weeks, we're gearing up for a bigger challenge in our life. FPJ and I used to call each other clatput, it's a term of endearment when I was wearing a wedding gown in the middle of a field. He taught a lot of things to KC, the late night phone calls was memorable too. He called me one night just to brag in a sari sari store he used to go to. I miss that, I learned a lot talking to people because that's what he does in real life, it's why he's called King. The biggest stars I've worked with are the most humble, the ones with air, are not here anymore (she kids). He was a good person, humble, kind, very funny. When he drinks beer, I was running off but he would catch me. FPJ also talked to Robin, Daboy, and told the leading men to be gentlemen with me. I had a Father, a Friend, a protector... he was a knight and shining armor in showbiz."

 

She adds "Coco had a different touch. I am very proud for honoring FPJ in this series. I think it'll be a really long back story, I can't confirm what relationship we'll be having. I will be starting taping very soon, and this will be different because Coco will also be directing. He's got a really good creative team, it's a different way of telling the story because earlier in the story conference, it surprised me, surprised all of us! I used to do MMK but it was super hard to do a morning to morning shoot and the stress of memorizing and crying in long hours was crazy. Osang told me they've worked in best situations in FPJAP, I'm glad they implemented this change of working 12 hours max. I will give my best, I will work hard for this. To Coco, my cast members, Julia Montes, they've got a role to do. They've amazing to see how dedicated, very young, but this show has been number one for 6 years and he's doing very well. He dreams about the show, and to see how committed he is exciting. I can't wait to discover what else is in store for the viewers of the show."

Ms. Sharon Cuneta will be in FPJ's ANG PROBINSYANO really soon. She was also welcomed to the show by Creative Director Coco Martin, ABSCBN COO of Broadcast Ms. Cory Vidanes, TV Prod Head Laurenti Dyogi, and Dreamscape's Entertainment Head Deo Endrinal. These are really exciting times!