An indie celebration for Edgar Allan

Edgar Allan Guzman (Philippine Entertainment Portal’s newest Indie Prince) who celebrates his fifth anniversary in showbusiness, is starring in two important Cinemalaya films: Bisperas written by Paul Sta. Ana and directed by Jeffrey Jeturian (Director’s Showcase) and Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me, the first Cinemalaya film based on a popular novel written by Jerry Gracio and directed by Erick Salud (New Breed).

Last year, he starred in a difficult two-character film Magdamag opposite the multi-awarded Rita Avila which was part of the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema section of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2010.

In Ligo na U, Lapit na Me, Edgar Allan plays Karl Vladimir Lennon J. Villalobos, a.k.a. Intoy who is secretly in love with his friend Jenny (portrayed by Mercedes Cabral), the most beautiful girl in the campus. Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me, based on the bestselling novel of Eros Atalia, and a screenplay by Palanca award-winning writer Jerry Gracio, is an examination of post-modern love and relationship and the way this generation deals with love and fear. It is produced by Noel Ferrer with the help of Lightscape, Inc. of the Tuvieras & Total Entertainment Inc. of Ryan Enriquez and Joven Tan.

  Aside from Edgar Allan and Mercedes, the film boasts of a strong supporting cast led by Mel Kimura, Simon Ibarra, Tolyts “Shalala” Reyes, Evelyn Vargas, Malouh Crisologo, Joseph Bitangcol, Lucky Mark Mercado and direk Jojo Saguin; introducing Victor Medina (son of Pen Medina) with a special guest appearance of Luis Alandy.  

 Ligo na U Lapit na Me had its gala screening yesterday at the CCP Main Theater. Screening schedules are tomorrow, July 23, 12:45 p.m. at the CCP Little Theater; and on July 24, 11 a.m. at the Greenbelt 3-Cinema 5.

Tao (Isang Tagumpay)

Theater actor Romeo Ed Abaigar plays the title role of Diablo in Tao at the Clamshell in Intramuros today. Tao (Isang Tagumpay) is a Frank Rivera opus inspired by Cecile Guidote Alvarez’s musical play Tao based on the medieval morality play, Everyman. Frank’s Tao features Migui Moreno who plays Angel de la Guardia. Romeo has been dabbling in theater for more than a decade.

Among his favorite roles are Haring Alibaba in Florante at Laura, Jose Rizal in Country In Search of a Hero, Anton in Ambon, Ulan Baha, and Stripe in Hope for the Flowers. He has also done television acting and some TV commercials.

“Theater trains you to be disciplined. I like the immediate feedback I get from the audience. It gives you a different high. I like instantaneous audience reaction.” He has done roles on television like Maalaala Mo Kaya, Pieta, The Last Prince, Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo, Beauty Queen, Mara Clara, Little Star, Bantatay, Captain Barbel, Futbolilits, among others.

On the side, he plays African Djembe (percussionist) and designs and crafts djembe drums. “I stayed for a long time in Indonesia where I mingled and communed with djembe players. Coming home, I set up my own workshop and I carve djembe drums.” Romeo who has set up workshop at the basement of his house for his djembe playing gets his supply of wood from Pampanga.

“It takes about a month or so to make just one drum. Djembe is still not popular in the country, but it is getting its fair share of audiences. You now see djembe players in malls, and in schools.” Romeo and other djembe players have set up a community of Djembe players called Kayumanggi Drums.