Jean Garcia finds another meaty indie role

The first time that Jean Garcia read the script of “Sitio Camcam,” written by Palanca-awardee Jerry Gracio, she already fell in love with it and the character she was set to play. An added incentive for her to accept the project is its director Joel Lamangan. That’s the reason why after reading the script, she immediately informed her manager, Manny Valera that she wants to do “Sitio Camcam” even if it meant making an adjustment in her already busy schedule.

The last indie film that Jean did was “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” for which she won the Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role (Drama) from the Golden Screen Awards. That is why she is excited to do a new movie.

“Kakaiba ang role ko kasi nakatira kami sa squatter’s area at medyo may pagka-palengkera ang dating ng character ko,” said Jean on Sunday at the story conference of “Sitio Camcam” held at RJ Bistro at Victoria Tower’s located along Timog Avenue.

Aside from falling in love with her role, Jean is also excited working with Direk Joel, as well as with fellow actresses Sunshine Dizon and Charee, who will play the other wives of Allen Dizon, the tough guy in the Sitio Camcam neighborhood.

“I really love the script and the character that I am portraying, that’s why I told myself, I really have to do this movie. I miss doing movies and I am just waiting for the right project that will appeal to me,” said Jean, who plays the mother of Kylie Padilla in the GMA series “Adarna.”

Jean had been kept busy making teleseryes, that is why she hardly had time to do a movie. Each time she finishes a teleserye, another one comes her way. Thus, she has regular income that puts food on her table. But this doesn’t mean she has forgotten acting in movies. She loves acting and if there is one thing that she misses, that is acting before the movie cameras. “I love acting in movies because I get to do a variety of roles,” said Jean.

“Sitio Camcam” is produced by BG Productions, owned by businesswoman Baby Go who said that she continues to do movies because she wants to do relevant projects. Plus, she wants to help the members of the film industry by giving them job opportunities.

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Also making a screen comeback is award-winning actress Sunshine Dizon. It’s been four years since she made a sabbatical in showbiz and she says it’s a good opportunity for her for to do a movie comeback in a Lamangan-helmed film.

Sunshine had fond memories working with Direk Joel who handled her in several TV dramas and memorable movies like “Sabel” where she played a tomboy. When asked if Direk Joel is really a terror on set, Sunshine immediately came to his defense.

“Direk Joel just wants his stars to come to the set prepared. You should know your lines and understands what he needs to do on the set. You should be a professional and know what is expected of you,” said Sunshine.

Also featured in “Sitio Camcam” are Kapuso young stars Lucho Ayala, Joyce Ching, Hiro Peralta, Rita Iringan and the grandslam Best Actress winner, Elizabeth Oropesa.

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With the success of the first season of their widely-followed socio- experimental television show, fans of Juan Direction will be delighted to hear that the five Fil-Brit hunks are now headed to a newer, bigger and crazier adventure as they star in the weekly sitcom, “One of the Boys,” which will soon air on TV5.

Having been YouTube sensations prior to being collectively known as Juan Direction, Daniel Marsh, Henry Edwards, Brian Wilson, Charlie Sutcliffe and Michael McDonnell all admit that while they are no strangers to the camera, their inclusion in “One of the Boys” is still their first foray into the world of acting and comedy.

“We are quite nervous about acting, but what is comforting is that the show’s director, Robert Quebral, encouraged us to just be our normal selves because that is how we were cast here in the first place, and how our followers came to love us,” shares Daniel, who plays group leader Daniel Lennon in the upcoming sitcom.

Henry, who plays the role of race car champion driver Henry Potter, adds, “We are very thankful to TV5 for making us part of this great sitcom! This is a whole new side to Juan Direction that we are definitely excited to share with the viewers.”

“One of the Boys” is also top-billed by veteran comedian and host Joey de Leon, who plays Daddy Jerry or ‘DJ’—the father figure of the whole cast in the sitcom. TV5 drama princess Eula Caballero plays Gabi Silang, DJ’s only daughter who grew up in the company of boys.

Daniel adds, “I am sure that I speak for Juan Direction, and the whole cast really, when I say that working with Mr. Joey de Leon has been a great experience. We know that he is such a legend in local showbiz already, but the atmosphere in the set has been surprisingly fun since our first day of taping, thanks to him! And you know, we are actually learning a lot from Mr. Joey too—in delivering our lines, and in acting in general—and that is one more thing why we are really thankful for being part of One of the Boys.”

Rounding up the cast are Nadine Samonte (Jana Halliwel), Empoy (Aga), Benjo Leoncio (Marvic) and BJ ‘Tolits’ Forbes (Sunny).

Aside from the laughter and kilig viewers can look forward to in “One of the Boys,” the sitcom will also highlight the unique Filipino culture and values—something that is not often seen on TV shows nowadays.

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The Comikera Comedy Bar presents The Misstress, a finalist of “Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4,” in a special Valentine’s show titled A Funny Valentines. It will be held at the Comikera Comedy Bar, located at 8440 Lecheria (Halang) National Highway, Calamba City of Laguna.The Misstress is composed by Angel, Mariko, and Mia. The show will be held on Feb. 14.