Big Screen Dreams: Coco Martin, Matti, and Monteverde Team Up

When I got invited to this event, we weren't told about who's coming on stage but pretty much got clues with the shirts of the people filming it, they all had CCM printed which makes us believe it's a Coco Martin event. There were 3 chairs in front though so just seeing that made me realize it was something big, and true enough they came out with guns blazing.

One is an iconic director, of OTJ fame, Erik Matti, the other is a big producer from the Monteverde clan, Mr. Dondon Monteverde and of course, the biggest action star of this generation, producer and director Coco Martin. They plan to do 2 huge film projects for Coco particularly "MayPagasa The Battles of Andres Bonifacio" and "OTJ: Maghari" which will be under Reality Studios and CCM Productions.

Sir Dondon told us that this was sealed on the sidelines after some talks happened at the death anniversary of Mother Lily Monteverde a few months ago. He says "The death anniversary of my Mom started all of this. Losing my Mom was a huge blow to the industry. We always wanted to work with Coco and we've met in events with it behind our minds. It was just an opportune time to start talking, showing him other projects. He didn't like what we presented him at first, but when he knew about these two films (not included in the discussion, he just wanted it to happen!"

Direk Erik Matti had huge success with the OTJ franchise and Coco always wanted to be part of it. Direk Erik shares "Maghari is the story of Joel, the Tatang of OTJ. It's a 90's themed movie of him protecting his family. MayPagasa The Battles of Andres Bonifacio is a historical bio, and it is scary to do because it is based on that. Ours is different, we're bringing it to the future and shooting it in a modern way. It's all about what is happening now in the country." 

Coco was smitten with the thought of doing an OTJ installment and told us "When I watched OTJ, I honestly was waiting, waiting to be cast in a film like it. I required my staff to watch it (before doing Batang Quiapo) and I hoped they notice me. I asked myself and said maybe I wasn't enough, because they weren't calling me. I was silent, and thinking they were not considering me because I didn't have potential, so I tried to do one myself (his shows) but got so busy with my series. One day, they informed me that they wanted to talk about it, I told them I was waiting for this to happen. I know how folks have been appreciating Filipino films that they made, they pitched a few projects with me but I told them I was a fan of OTJ and Buybust. After that, I talked about a historical film, then they talked to me about a project they wanted to do about Bonifacio. They thought I was a fit in these two projects they didn't talk about initially."

He added "Now that we're together, we just needed to make it bigger for a global audience. This will make a mark in the Filipino film industry. I'm also working with the best, and this IS an answered prayer! We can't wait to release this in 2027!"

Here's the whole press conference on video:

Giants Coco Martin, Direk Erik Matti and Dondon Monteverde actually has plans to do more, so this is just for starters. When I asked about challenges, Coco was severely optimistic that all these projects are possible, he's always had that positivity in all his projects since he's successfully done it. He attributes most of it because of this optimism, and since they plan to release this internationally, they need your support once it comes out locally. With an internationally acclaimed actor (tons of indie films on his belt), Director (familiar with Filipino film projects released worldwide) and the best production outfits this country, these projects are pretty much a done deal. 

I just can't wait to see it! 

Industry Friends Host Bong Revilla Comeback

He was in jail for 4 and a half years, he feels 6 years of losing his life in all the mess that is, of the cases and accusations filed against him. Today I went the press conference hosted by his industry friends, a luncheon hosted by Mother Lily Monteverde the matriarch of Regal Films. 

Manay Ichu Maceda “I want to welcome Bong and I want him to know that the real friends are still in showbiz. His father used to work in Sampaguita, when Gina was born it was him who went to the hospital. His dad was a charmer, but Bong did good on making tax exemptions in the industry and I hope he continues that in the Senate.”

Mother Lily Monteverde says “People will always say what they want to say and especially nowadays people have always something to say. Everything we do has some shade of color, I feel we have lost the joys of being spontaneous, lost the right to make choices without people having opinions about them. But this afternoon, I don’t care what people think or what motives they think I have for this gathering. As far as I’m concerned and from my heart I am simply welcoming home a dear friend whom I have missed. Bong Revilla is a dear friend and we are happy you are back! There is no greater treasure than appreciating the blessing of friendship that has been given to us. Good afternoon!”

Senator Bong Revilla and Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado Revilla

Bong Revilla says “I want to thank Mother Lily for hosting this welcome. Manay Ichu too. To everyone in TV and movies, entertainment people, the people whom I started in this industry, thank you. For almost 6 years that I lost, I am now 52 years old, but this will make me a better person, a better leader and a better husband to my wife. I have seen who my real friends are, those who care, I missed you all. Lots of tears, it hurts, it’s like I’m alive but almost feel dead with the suffering my family has endured over the years. My Dad still advised, I should forgive them. When I heard that, it’s like I heard God, I instantly forgave people who did this to me. I cannot convince everybody, I want to move forward, I went through the process and I faced these all because I believe I didn’t do anything wrong. The truth came out, and I am so thankful for the people who didn’t let go of the hope. I promise to even do more for the industry.”

He has been going to different places already “I have gone to provinces and I get a little sentimental about how warm the people have been. I am happy about the surveys even if I haven’t gone out, I guess it hasn’t sunk in yet the whole acquittal. It felt like divine providence, I have been doing good in surveys and seen how people have held on and loved me still. It’s one of the reasons I filed for candidacy, I decided after my birthday and all this I have prayed for. I was only asking for my freedom but I want the Lord to use me for his purpose. I believe in God. If we based it on equal judgement, I wouldn’t be worried but it has always been political, at the very last minute some papers also came out with preposterous stories. My life is an open book, showbiz has been good to me, I only want to give back to serve people. I have been working hard with hospitals, our industry, the poor, the bullied, I felt all that. I spent Christmas out but still in the hospital because Dad needed to be attended to. During New Year I got to do gift giving which my Mom started a long time ago. Lessons? I still have trauma with politics, but the good thing was I felt the love of my wife, she’s outstanding, I saw how she has been good to my kids. Getting jailed is like a nightmare you wouldn’t want others to feel. My life is colorful, like a film, it’s a lot for a book or a movie. This was the most horrible experience but I hope in some way it would be something people would learn from. I still know how many corners my cell had, how much cockroach flew to me or how much webs there were in each corner. I still have trauma when I see cops, I hope it gets out of my psyche. I wanted the truth to come out, to clear my name, my family, it was all I asked for. When I was being hit all throughout the years, I felt so much self pity, I felt I didn’t deserve it. What kept me hopeful was my wife, my family, what kept me busy there was worship, working out. I’ve been a Senator for terms, I chair public services, public works, mass media and others, I had 200+ laws passed and I want to focus on things that affect the lives of Filipinos. I was surprised about traffic, inflation, hunger, work and TRAIN law (must be revisited). That is what I want to do this time.” 

KUMAGCOW

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Eric Quizon, Billy Crawford, Kean Cipriano, Martin Escudero and Angeline Quinto in "That Thing Called Tanga Na"

A film done as a tribute to the LGBT, "That Thing Called Tanga Na" is said to be Mother Lily Monteverde's gift to the community. She promises this to be an entertaining film full of all kinds of love as she believes it's going to be relateable for all kinds of genders. The film outfit has produced "Petrang Kabayo", "Kumander Gringa", "Bala at Lipstick", "Manat Po 1 & 2", "Happy Together" and a couple of other themed films, they have steadfastly made these funny ones to showcase how colorful their lives are. These are just a few box office hits and they want to tell the story that no matter what gender, they are still human too, they are still capable of love and they also makes mistakes. 

Here's a short video of them telling us about their characters:

Eric Quizon portrays Papa Chui, a gay man from a very conservative Chinese family who's actually in a relationship with a younger guy, and sponsors him for all his needs. Martin Escudero on the other hand plays a transexual woman who wants to adopt a kid and have a family. Billy Crawford meanwhile plays a closeted gay who's got a relationship with a guy who's mother is going to cause problems for them. Kean Cipriano here has a really professional career as a fashion designer and gets who he wants because of it. Little did soon to be married Angeline Quinto in the film that the guy she's marrying also slept with Kian's character. This will be a riot, a test on how Eric, Billy, Kean, Martin and Angeline would still be able to maintain their friendship despite their circumstances. 

"During the first few days I was really hesitant because it's hard to play the character in the film, it was a challenge for me. I'm a rocker but I find the extreme difference between my real personality, the tone of his voice and walking with heels. We had to make CC be experienced and the challenge was how to balance his vibe, how to dress up, how to wear a night gown and embrace how his journey as a gay person is. It's so fun to be gay and you'll see how their lives are eventful. It won't be experienced as straight people. My take is we all make stupid decisions falling in love no matter what gender, form or shape we are. It's one great equalizer. I grew up going to all boy schools and I admit I pass some subjects because of gays, homophobie is passe and odd living a life fearing a person with that gender, that's a problem. It's challenging to take out simple things as a man, and the tone of my voice, I enjoy saying words and converse with fellow actors like that, it's fun!" says Kean Cipriano.

Here's an interview we did a couple of months ago during a set visit

Similar to Kean I was hesitant and I don't want to offend anyone doing the role. We had negative impressions in the past with things we did in skits of Showtime. This is my comeback film in Regal so I was excited, a bit skeptical because it was Joel Lamangan. We wouldn't be able to do it withour him and we enjoyed how he shaped each individual character. Mine was easier because I need to also be a little strong, I didn't have any guides and Direk was really strict about that. There are gays that when you see them, you see them really fun, but you really have to know their story and the things that they are going through. You make mistakes but you move on." says Billy.

Lawrence Yap says "I'm the husband of Angeline in this film and I had to really convince myself sometimes that I have to play him funny. In terms of gender, love doesn't really choose who to do it with. No hate, just love."

"I brought Korean food and cooked in the set so we could get really bonded. It was fun and that's what I ultimately wanted to happen. A lot of people tell me I am "Babaeng Bakla" even when I was still living in Sampaloc and I think that title alone is fun. Everyone is capable of being an idiot especially when it comes to love, I learned a lot in this film because of what they go through in life. I know a lot of people who are in this industry, some even marry off and it's not a bad thing." adds Angeline

"I feel this movie would really help understand how to handle situations and gay relationships. I've met homophobic people but I tell them when I do hear things like that." says Paolo Gumabao.

"From the bottom of my heart, I am thankful that gays have built Regal what it is right now. This one is for you, I made this film for my friends and I have a lot of them in my circle. This is to thank you!" says Mother Lily.

The film also stars hunks Albie Casino, Ken Alfonso, Timothy Lawrence Yap, Paolo Gumabao, Luke Conde, Jerald Napoles, funny vixen Shine Kuk, Nikki Valdez, and a lot more. Again this film is directed by Joel Lamangan for Regal Films. Premier night will be on August 9 at SM Megamall's Cinema 7. It will be shown on theaters this coming August 10 nationwide!

KUMAGCOW
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