After 5-year wait, ALV Films' 2nd venture gets theatrical run

The young cast of the director Philip King’s youth-oriented film, “Go! La Union” or popularly “G! LU,” really waited for the theatrical release of their project that has been in the backburner since 2019.

Now that the barkada film is finally showing, they cannot be thankful enough for seeing the scheduled playdate this April 24.

“Thank you to our producer, Arnold (Vegafria) for trusting me with my first feature, ‘G! LU,’” said direk Philip of Rein Entertainment. “This is about the life I previously went through with my own barkada, who became my inspiration.”

Interestingly, direk Philip’s sophomore outing, “Elevator,” with Paulo Avelino and Kylie Verzosa, will be shown on the same playdate.

“I didn’t know how that happened, but since I am Chinese, I believe 24-24 is lucky,” direk Philip said. “Hopefully, swerte naman talaga.

“That makes me really proud to work with the guys in the cast,” direk Philip added. “When we first did ‘G! LU’ five years ago, I was really new in the business.”

“G! LU” stars David Licauco, Teejay Marquez, Kiko Estrada, Enzo Pineda, Derrick Monasterio and Ruru Madrid.

“We had so much fun making this film,” Enzo offered. “Finally, our film will come out already. We know that LU is one of the popular destinations in the Philippines. After this film comes out, we encourage people to visit LU.

“At the same time, ‘G! LU’ is a barkada film. We are six guys here dealing with different challenges in life. We decided to visit LU one last time before going to college and settle our differences and to have fun.”

Enzo’s character in “G! LU” is Bryan. “Kami ni Derrick ang cousins dito. We are like the Dynamic duo, B1 and B2. Nagmamahalan at nag-aaway kami sa movie. I do hope you can spread the good news. The movie is really good, storytelling-wise.”

David plays Patrick. “Each and every one of us have his respective problems in the story, from love to family to gender issues and mental health issues,” David granted. “So I believe the Gen-Zs and the millennials will be able to relate.

“I’m very excited that this will finally be shown. This is the second film that I completed after ‘The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin’ (2014) and I think I became close with Derrick (Monasterio) and Enzo (Pineda) in ‘G! LU.’”

Miss World Philippines 2018 Katarina Rodriguez is making her big0screen debut in “G! LU.” “This is the film that sparked my desire to act,” she said. “It was so much fun working with everyone and being on the set. The cast were all good-looking.

“We shot in the surfing capital of the north (La Union). So many millennials and Gen-Zs will relate to this barkada film. The storyline is very relatable. My character’s name is Alfie, the love interest of Carlos, the character of Kiko Estrada.

“I represent the female barkada of the film. I hope this is the first of many movies that I’ll be doing.”

Derrick plays Ryan in “G! LU.” He is thankful that he does not only got to work with his fellow actor but close friends. “This film reflects on how Gen-Zs are and their experiences. There are many conflicts in the story and major plot twist in the end,” he said.

Teejay essays Raymond in the “perfect barkada film” that is relatable. “Not every one plans to go to LU,” asserted Teejay. “This is not just a coming-of-age film. We had a great experience at LU. Nalibot talaga naming lahat.

“You will realize there are really beautiful places in the Philippines. Hopefully, panoorin ng lahat lalo na ang kabataan.”

“G! LU” is the second production venture of ALV Films, following director Adolf Alix Jr.’s “After All,” with Beauty Gonzalez and Kelvin Miranda, shown last February.

Third on Arnold’s line-up is “My Stepmother’s Lover,” starring Sunshine Cruz, Kiko Estrada and Martin del Rosario, expected to hit the big screen in June.

Other stars of “G! LU” are Michelle Dee, before she joined Miss Universe Philippines, Chanel Morales, Maureen Montagne, Sophia Senoron, Kimi Mugford, Ali Forbes, Carl Guevarra, Ken Anderson, Denver Hernandez and veteran actress Pinky Amador.

“G! LU” revolves around the adventures and misadventures of a group of hunks and babes in their well-chiseled abs and bikini-ready bods. Direk Philip also wrote the story for Rein Entertainment.

The film captures La Union’s breathtaking beaches and rustic scenery as its backdrop. Moreover, “G! LU” serves as a travelogue, giving a timely nod to environmental awareness and ecotourism promotion.

Arnold thanked GMA 7 for the support they have accorded his film. “I’m very grateful for the trust and support the Kapuso Network given to “G! LU,” to the extent that they even acquired the TV rights for the movie,” shared Arnold.

“The local movie industry is definitely on an upswing and we plan to keep it alive by continuously creating relevant and meaningful content.

“Hopefully, we at ALV Films can come up with truly unique storylines and maybe even collaborate with some foreign productions who share our vision for movie magic.”