The story of Elijah’s discovery could itself be a feature film concept. "Ipinaglihi at pinanganak ‘yan sa teatro," proudly says Grace Castillo, Elijah’s mother. Working at the costumes department of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Castillo would bring Elijah backstage even while he was just little. "Kaya bata pa lang siya, tumutulong na siya sa pagdadala ng maliliit na props. Kabarkada rin nya ’yung mga stage managers and assistant stage managers," she continues.
From being a little assistant backstage, Elijah took centerstage in 2003 via an acting workshop at the CCP. Since then, Elijah has acted as Crispin in Gantimpala’s production of Kanser, performed as a guest artist in the College of Saint Benilde Dulaang Pilipino’s production of Macbeth, and appeared in the Magnifico stage production during the Film Academy of the Philippines awards night. Yet it was his role as Nestoy in Himala, where he would cross paths with Del Mundo, his future director.
Doy del Mundo isn’t Pepot Artista either. "Mga one percent lang," laughs this critically-acclaimed scriptwriter and now director, when asked if he was the character. Pepot Artista, the movie, was actually Del Mundo’s first screenplay. However, it was his second work, an adaptation of the novel Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag, that would be filmed and garner critical acclaim. His writing contributions for Kisapmata, Batch 81, ‘Merika, Mulanay and Bayaning Third World are equally renowned.
Del Mundo entered the screenplay for Pepot Artista in the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Winning as finalist, he received a grant amounting to P500,000 that would allow him to pursue his dream of becoming a director. Serendipitously, it was during his search for an actor to play the lead role that he came across Elijah.
While Del Mundo and his line producer Michael Kho Lim were auditioning talents for the lead role, a colleague of theirs, Oliver Oliveros, gave the name of Elijah Castillo. Elija was then acting in the stage production of Himala. With this cue, Del Mundo and Lim went and saw the Himala theater production. It was lead role at first sight. "Doon pa lang, nakita ko na si Pepot. Si Elijah talaga si Pepot," shares Del Mundo.
Del Mundo and Lim then quickly set into motion the series of calls leading to Elijah’s casting. "Pero pinag-audition pa rin namin siya," shares Del Mundo, "Natatakot kasi kami na baka mataas ang talent fee kung malalaman agad na siya ang gusto namin," laughs Del Mundo.
Seeing the movie, the line between reel and reality is definitely blurred. Elijah is a gem of an actor as he convincingly portrays the lovable and heart-breaking role of a young boy desiring to be a film star.
So, why isn’t Elijah a Pepot Artista? Well, unlike his character’s dazzled perception of fame, Elijah sees himself as a student first, before an actor. He shares, "Nagkataon lang ang pag-aartista ko, nag-start ako sa stage plays." There’s palpable pragmatism in his words, too. When asked if he wishes to pursue acting full-time, he answers, "Hindi naman po. Nag-aaral pa po kasi ako ngayon, kaya estudyante muna ako bago artista."
Quite endearingly, young Elijah has an almost fatherly relationship with Doy del Mundo. He notes, "Direktor po talaga siya. Pag matanong ako masyado, sasabihin niya ‘O, tama na, start na tayo,’ Elijah also appreciates Del Mundo’s gentle style of directing. He shares, "Hindi po siya sumisigaw o nagagalit." When asked about Elijah, Del Mundo has similarly kind words, "Magaling ’yang batang iyan at saka marunong magtanong."
For both, working in this movie has been a dream come true. For Elijah, it has put him in the enviable status of "lead actor." For Doy del Mundo, this movie has given him the coveted title of "Director."
Elijah relates, "Opo, dream come true. Dati po kasi hindi ako nangangarap nun. Tapos biglang may tumawag na kailangan ng bata para maging talent sa isang pelikula. Tapos nagtuloy-tuloy na."
So, who really is Pepot Artista? To find out, watch the Cinemalaya screening until July 17 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. You never know you might just be him.
(For inquiries, call 0917-7940216)