Maryo tackles ‘traditional drama’ this time

MANILA, Philippines - Film directors are definitely folks of different strokes. Some use their narratives as social commentary, while others intersperse slices of life in the name of realism. Many stage big melodramatic scenes that appeal to pity. But there are those who show their heart to render a touching tale of life.

Director Maryo J. delos Reyes belongs to the latter. Proof is the award-winning Magnifico, whose surprising, unpredictable and “ironic” turn of events still lingers in one’s mind. (The death of character Magnifico is against the so-called cycle of life.)

Direk Maryo is bent to bring his signature stamp in the GMA Afternoon Prime soap titled Magkano Ba Ang Pag-ibig? premiering Sept. 30 and starring Sid Lucero and Heart Evangelista.

“This is a traditional drama,” says the award-winning director of the Kapuso soap. “It has the main protagonist and antagonist. The plot is not overly convoluted. It is glossy, soap and a comics drama that is being translated into television.”

Televiewers will get their fill of “tarayan,” confrontational scenes and comedy (light moments) as the “the rich and the poor” meet and cross paths to understand their own realities. This is a Filipino and traditional drama, says Maryo. The acting is very soapy but he doesn’t let the actors over do it. “It is still within the confines of reason,” he adds.

Magkano Ba Ang Pag-ibig? is Maryo’s TV outing after Bamboo Flowers, his entry to the recently-concluded Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival All Masters Edition. Although he has crossed over to film and TV and vice versa, many times, Maryo is in the adjustment mode.

“I have difficulty transitioning. I came from doing a movie, Bamboo Flowers, which is natural realism,” he shares. “But I’m used to it and I know how to shift… Even your passion is so strong, your body resists it.”

Like in his movies such as My Other Woman, Sinungaling Mong Puso, Saan Darating Ang Umaga and Magnifico, Maryo will touch the heart in Magkano Ba Ang Pag-ibig?. “I usually want to discuss lifestyles,” he says of his statement as director. “I want to speak for the youth because I believe in them… when you see that the good is trampled upon and when you miss (it), that’s when you get hurt. So, you cry and you have catharsis (the purgation of emotions). In my films, I want to celebrate what is good and what is right in the world.”

Maryo is Bohol-bound to discuss the private screening of Bamboo Flowers with the place’s governor, archbishop and mayors. After all, Bohol, the home of Chocolate Hills, is the film setting.

“The selling point is, it is an inspirational film that will touch people,” he shares. “It tackles all problems that beset young people — problems of uncertainty of the future, career planning and bullying among children.” Moviegoers are also being asked to answer if they are willing to sacrifice their love for their own improvement and growth. It’s a film where they will see in the characters those people close to them. “You can easily relate to it. It may have happened to you, to your father, to your mother, to your brother, to your sister, to your children, to your neighbors, to your friends.”

Asked why Filipinos have a penchant for drama, Maryo replies, “Our society is more matriarchal. And the ones left at home are mostly women. Filipinos are highly-emotional.” And watching drama is part of our Asian traditions.   

(Magkano Ba Ang Pag-ibig? also stars Alessandra de Rossi, Ana Capri, Dominic Roco, Isabel Oli, Katrina Halili, Luz Valdez, Pen Medina, Shamaine Centenera, Vangie Labalan, Angelo Ilagan, Mariel Pamintuan, Nicky Castro and Celia Rodriguez.)