Allen aims to do more drama projects

MANILA, Philippines - After getting identified with indie films (Dukot which is about extra-judicial killings; Sigwa, which looks back to the Martial Law regime of strongman Ferdinand Marcos; Deadline: The Reign of Impunity, a take on media killings and warlordism; and Patikul a treatise on the illiteracy problem in the country’s trouble spots in the South), Allen Dizon has declared not to go back to what used to be his comfort zone: doing sexy films of various leanings/persuasions.

Starting out as a sexy actor, Allen has since then won six acting awards and garnered numerous acting nominations, including those from the Urian. And he made good his promise not to do sex-oriented film anymore.

“No, I am not ashamed having done sexy movies before. But an actor must grow. I’m not getting any younger, my eldest daughter is already nine years old. I want to do films that my children can be proud of. I’d rather pass on the sexy projects to newcomers. Honestly, I’m done with such stuff,” Allen enthuses.

When not doing advocacy films, Allen is taping for the new suspense-mystery soap opera of ABS-CBN Primetime Bida, Nasaan Ka, Elisa? Allen is now very visible on television being one of the major characters in the series based on a top-rating Chilean telenovela.

Allen clarifies that while he’s in the Kapamilya network, he’s free to accept any offer from other stations.

“I’m indebted to the Kapamilya Network for this role they entrusted to me. But that doesn’t make me an exclusive to ABS-CBN. Matter-of-fact, my previous soap was with GMA 7, the afternoon soap Tinik sa Dibdib, where I played Ara Mina’s lover.

“I also did guestings in TV5 shows before I signed up for Nasaan Ka, Elisa? When Nasaan Ka, Elisa? finishes airing, and if it’s a good role and project, I can accept any offer from other networks. Meantime, I’m enjoying my role in this current soap,” Allen clarifies.

Allen considers his role in Elisa as daring. In an episode, he has a shower scene with Vina Morales, bed scenes and a casual one where he struts around in a very sexy boxer brief.

“Beforehand, we were told that Nasaan Ka, Elisa? is for mature audience. Be that as it may, daring in Philippine television has its limitation. Directors Jerome Pobocan and Richard Arellano’s execution of the sexy scenes is always in good taste. This is not your typical tearjerker. It has plenty of dramatic twists worth looking forward to,” Allen proudly sums up.

In the upcoming episodes, Allen says he’d become a suspect in the mysterious disappearance of Elisa. His skeletons in the closet will surface so-to-speak. His long-time friendship with Mariano Altamira (Elisa’s father, played by Albert Martinez) will be jeopardized.

“I have plenty of dramatic moments in the series which I prepare for. I won’t allow myself to lag behind acting stalwarts Albert, Agot (Isidro) and Vina. From start to end, my character (Nick Perez) stays on. I wish the viewers would enjoy the series and my portrayal,” Allen prays.

Allen will soon start his newest indie advocacy movie about Overseas Filipino Workers, Migrante (The Filipino Diaspora),” to be produced by XITI Productions. Some scenes will be shot in Israel.

 “I’m grateful to director Joel Lamangan and writer Sir Boni Ilagan. They opened my eyes to socio-political issues, which have to be shared in an art form we know well. I play the role of Andy, an OFW who has weaknesses that will wreak havoc on his family. Guilt-ridden, I’ll initiate the search for my missing OFW-wife (Jodi Santamaria) who has become a fugitive in Israel,” Allen relates.

Allen is working out his taping for Nasaan Ka, Elisa? before he flies to Europe on the third week of November to attend the European screenings of Deadline: The Reign of Impunity in Amsterdam, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Austria and London.