Joshua Garcia
Whereas “Ang mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan” director Chito Roño and producer Roselle Monteverde stated they’d initially deliberate for the mystery-thriller film to be proven on the massive display screen, they each admitted to being conscious of the drastic change within the viewing habits of the Filipino viewers after the pandemic.
“This was why we opted to have it launched by way of a streaming app,” stated Roselle, co-CEO of Regal Leisure, throughout a latest particular screening of the film starring Joshua Garcia and Angie Ferro.
The movie, based mostly on the 2010 thriller novel by Bob Ong, has been streaming on Prime Video since Could 18.
Garcia (left) and Jewel Phiona Raymundo
“The native viewers’s habits and habits modified on account of the pandemic. They now choose to simply keep at residence. This was why streaming apps have change into widespread since 2020,” Roselle identified. “One other benefit of it’s that it caters to a a lot wider viewers. All of us thought it’s a greater possibility as a result of individuals from different territories will have the ability to watch the movie, too.”
In the meantime, Chito stated he regretted that his masterpiece wouldn’t be proven in cinemas, “However I don’t thoughts that it didn’t make the lower of the final two MMFFs (Metro Manila Movie Festivals). I nonetheless choose for individuals to observe it in film theaters, it’s simply that I don’t have a say the place it could be proven. I’m simply its director,” he stated.
Easy accessibility
Scenes from “Ang mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan”
Joshua, who performs the lead character Galo, added: “I’m happy with our producer’s resolution to launch it by way of streaming. It means quick access to those that wish to see it wherever they’re. Should you’re at residence, you possibly can simply flip in your TV. You too can use your devices in case you’re on the street,” he defined.
Chito then recalled the challenges they needed to face whereas capturing the film in 2020, through the strictest implementation of the pandemic lockdowns. “We truly began filming earlier than the pandemic so we had been in a position to shoot crowd scenes in a faculty. We first inquired a couple of location in Bataan province. Once we returned there, the native authorities unit (LGU) stated it was now not permitting outsiders into its city. We needed to search for one other place that might accommodate us,” he stated.
“The home of Mama Susan needed to be modified, too. This was as a result of the FDCP (Movie Growth Council of the Philippines) demanded that we inform them of our capturing schedules. Let’s not even speak about different LGUs we contacted and had already stated ‘sure,’ solely to show us down after a while. Taking pictures was nonetheless so tough again then,” the director added.
Scenes from “Ang mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan”
Chito additionally took observe of two solid members who had already shot most of their scenes, however later died of COVID-19 an infection. “They each died in April and we resumed capturing in June. In the event that they’re watching now, I hope they like what they’re seeing,” he instructed reporters.
Chito additionally stated he and novelist Bob Ong needed to make needed modifications to the story. “The novel’s ending felt missing. Whereas this proved efficient for the novel, it left terrifying ideas to its readers. Bob determined to make a unique ending for the screenplay, and this had a unique impact, too,” Chito stated. “It’s scary to assume this was written some 10 years in the past. However it’s just like the e book predicted what is occurring now.”
The story revolves round Gilberto “Galo” Manansala, a university scholar who’s tasked to make a journal by his professor. In his entries, he describes how each day situations mysteriously flip into scary conditions, and the way he will get deeply concerned in them and, ultimately, is unable to flee them.
The movie is Joshua’s first mission as a solo lead star. He stated he tried feeding off the feelings expressed by veteran actress Angie Ferro, who performs Mama Susan. “I’d prefer to assume that she additionally drew vitality from me. We needed to work carefully on this mission,” he identified. “I’ve modified rather a lot since I began engaged on this film in 2019. I used to be simply 22 then. Bagets na bagets pa. It was additionally my first time to work with Direk Chito,” stated Joshua, who would later collaborate with Chito on Mars Ravelo’s “Darna.”
Easier life
Director Chito Roño
“They stated Direk Chito is such a terror at work, however he wasn’t to me. He did make me take off my shirt for this explicit film. He didn’t have a tough time convincing me to do it. I agreed as a result of it knew that it was wanted within the scene, despite the fact that I didn’t have an ideal six-pack to indicate off. On the time, I nonetheless beloved consuming a lot,” he stated, laughing.
“I’m simply pleased with how my profession is steadily shifting. I’m merely having fun with the method. I’m going the place it takes me. I don’t flip my again on any job provided to me. It’s an honor to have labored with Direk Chito underneath Ms. Roselle. Earlier than this, I had lengthy been interested by what it’s prefer to make a mission with Regal,” he stated.
At this level, Joshua was requested to distinguish his “2019 self” from that of his “2023 self.” To this, he stated: “I’ve modified rather a lot. I used to be very emotional then. I can’t say that I’m extra mature now however, sure, there’s progress. I now choose to stay life merely. I’ve realized the significance of caring for the individuals I worth essentially the most—’di kasi lahat might care sa ‘yo.”
Joshua lately offered his luxurious autos, his Triumph Bonneville T150 bike and his two-door muscle automotive Dodge Challenger. “I’m extra sensible now. Mas easy, mas OK,” he defined.
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