'Write About Love' director defends Yeng Constantino for winning MMFF 2019 Best Supporting Actress

MANILA, Philippines — “Write About Love” director Crisanto Aquino revealed that Kapamilya singer Yeng Constantino was outstanding among the singers who auditioned for the role for the TBA Studios entry to the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival.

In a recent interview with the media during the movie’s thanksgiving lunch, the director said Yeng captured their attention that's why they chose her to take on one of the lead roles.

“Nagulat ako kay Yeng, kasi nga 'di ba ang dami kong reference na mga drama at romcoms love story? No'ng si Yeng ang nagdrama, para siyang hindi nagdadrama. Para siyang nandon lang mismo sa eksena. Hindi ito 'yung masyadong dramatic sa pag-arte eh. She's so very natural. Nagulat talaga ko kay Yeng,” Crisanto said.

The director added that Yeng was serious about doing the movie and she was really willing to learn.

“Sobra talaga kong nagulat kay Yeng at si Yeng sobra niyang seryosong artista. Nagtatanong siya, 'Direk tama ba to?' Sobra siyang willing to learn,” he said.  

According to the director, Yeng didn’t undergo workshop in this movie because he knew Yeng can do the role based on what she showed on the audition.

“Parang 'di ko na siya kailangang idaan sa workshop. SInce dumaan sila sa audition at nakita ko 'yung capability nila compared sa ibang nag-audition, na-assess ko na hindi niya kailangan ng workshop dahil kaya niyang gawin 'yung role na ibibigay ko sa kanya."

The director, however, refused to name the other singers who auditioned for the role.

“Parang ang hirap namang sabihin. Para sa kanila na lang 'yon,” he said.

“Write About Love” was not Yeng’s first movie as she also starred in the 2018 movie “Eternity Between Seconds,” and the 2013 flick “Shift.”

"Write About Love" tells the story of a young female writer (played by Miles Ocampo) who is paired with a seasoned indie film writer (Rocco Nacino). They are forced to collaborate and rewrite the script of an unfinished love story (with characters played by Yeng and Joem Bascon).

“TBA Studios is confident that ‘Write About Love’ is going to be a success because aside from it being the only romantic, feel good entry at the 45th MMFF, the film was made in honor of the 100 Years of Philippines Cinema,” said Ting Nebrida, President and Executive Producer.

“We are thankful to the MMFF Selection Committee. This is also our third time at the MMFF after 'Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo' (2014), 'Sunday Beauty Queen' (2016) and now 'Write About Love' (2019),” he added. 

At the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal, Constantino won as Best Supporting Actress for "Write About Love," while her co-star Joem bagged the Best Supporting Actor title. Aquino also won for Best Screenplay and Special Jury Prize for Full Length Film.

Aquino received the award for Yeng, who was abroad for a holiday vacation. During his speech, he again stressed that Yeng deserves the award. 

"Masayang masaya po s'ya ngayon... Hindi po ako makapaniwala," Aquino enthused.