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! 

JOHN ARCILLA Pleased as OTJ Streams on HBO GO

Looks like OTJ (On The Job) is still reaping awards and recently, they just announced that they are now going to be streamed on HBO GO starting September 12.

John Arcilla who played Sisoy in the series was there during the presscon and he says "When it comes to popularity, salability, it's a little hard for Filipino films to have that formula to get the interest of other nationalities and even local viewers to like it. Some think it's a little cerebral, but no, it's actually easy to understand. Now we have platforms that are presenting it like HBO GO. Since I was young every time I step on stage, I think about it like it's for the Filipino people. That's my perception, to liberate people from hangups they have. I don't consciously choose, it just comes but one of the best films I did is like Heneral Luna, it's historical and entertaining at the same time. It's what I want because it's what connects to people. Kids and professors approach me and tell me how they appreciate it. When they call me Heneral, that means a lot because they knew the character. The same with OTJ, with his gray areas, now he's a good guy. For now I want to be a global actor, I want to be seen on the world stage, we have proven a lot of times that we can do the roles as early as Rizal's time. We showcase what Filipinos can do, and it is significant. Whether in New York or different cities, I want to hit that niche so I can do projects globally. I have a few lined up, I have film projects that will happen soon but is preempted because of the pandemic. I can't wait to do that. Filipino films have been traveling around the globe, I've done representations of the Philippines and Southeast Asia since 1986. We've done the most famous film festivals, it's not new to them and we are in main competition. HBO GO has a wide reach, we are ready for the global audience. Our film makers are really good because these companies are not taking chances if there's no quality seen in it. It's just a proof that we are already there. I am so honored to be part of that."

Sisoy and his idealisms saved him. This time, he's going to be seen in HBO GO will also reach a huge audience, to hopefully learn from his life and the others that may touch on social injustice. We got to ask him a few questions during the media conference, so please enjoy!

You can download the app on the App Store and Google Play in the Philippines, the same goes if it is available in your region elsewhere in the world.