MANILA, Philippines – One of the indie films showing in theaters for the ongoing QCinema International Filmfest under its Circle Competition category is Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B which stars Ryza Cenon in the title role.
Ryza recalled that she couldn’t help but cry when she learned that she nabbed the female lead role. “Yes, I cried because I was nervous (and afraid) that I would not be able to pull off my character and it was just my way of releasing it. I cried not because I didn’t want the role. And I cried in private because I didn’t want the production team to see me like that para hindi rin sila ma-awkward or ma-tension.”
Ryza shared that she was supposed to audition for the character of a friend but instead she was asked to try out for the lead role and Ryza eventually got the part.
Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B centers around the life of a mysterious woman named Jewel who lives alone in the city. She holds a deep secret that makes her avoid the crowd. Her quiet world turns upside-down when she meets Nico (played by Martin del Rosario), a man who feels empty and unloved. As they start to fall in love with each other, Jewel fights her feelings to save Nico from imminent danger. The question is: Will they have a happy ending or will it hurt them instead?
Directed by Prime Cruz (who described the film as “rom-gore” or dark romance because it has more romance than scare) and produced by The IdeaFirst Company of directors Jun Lana and Perci Intalan, the film is Ryza’s biggest break yet. It also shows her tackling a mature role that requires her to show some skin and do a love scene with co-star Cholo Barretto.
“Yes, it’s about time na rin po. I’m blessed to be given this break and be able to show what I can do,” said Ryza adding that she doesn’t mind playing a manananggal. She also said that her character has sexual urges, which she had to act out in one scene. “Hindi naman ako ma-o-awkward kasi hindi naman as Ryza Cenon yung andun but as Jewel. So, whatever feedback moviegoers will have — whether good or bad — I’d still accept the role,” explained Ryza.
When asked about expectations that she will go for sexier roles in future projects, Ryza stressed, “It doesn’t mean that after I’ve done one daring role, I’ll be doing the same thing in the future. I want to be clear about that. I don’t want to be ‘boxed’ in one role because I want to try other characters as well. It will still depend on the material. Hindi naman ako basta oo na lang nang oo.
“I want to experiment any role given to me and it’s good to be challenged. But the most important thing is I’m still blessed kasi hindi ako nawawalan ng trabaho,” concluded the GMA Artist Center talent.
(For more screenings, catch Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B tonight at Trinoma Cinema 1 [8:30 p.m.]; Oct. 19, Gateway Cineplex 1 [3:30 p.m.] and Robinsons Galleria Cinema 7 [6 p.m.]; Oct. 21, UP Town Center Cinema 3 [1:30 p.m.]; Trinoma Cinema 1 [3:30 p.m.]; Gateway Cineplex 3 [6 p.m.]; and at Robinsons Galleria Cinema 8 [6:30 p.m.]. Tickets are priced at P150.)