I can’t decide if Cesar Montano is better as my BFF (best friend forever) or as an actor because he excels at being both. BFF Buboy is more than ecstatic that one of his iconic movies, “Muro-Ami” (“Reef Hunters”), has been remastered and digitally restored by GMA Films. It opens on June 3 in selected cinemas.
Aside from bagging many awards, “Muro-Ami” is also critically acclaimed. It is directed by the late National Artist for Film and Broadcast, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, with a screenplay by another National Artist, Ricky Lee. What a formidable duo.
After 27 years since “Muro-Ami” was released, its message about illegal practices and child labor remains relevant. It swept the awards at the 1999 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Now in its digitally restored format, “Muro-Ami” proves that the best can get even better, bigger and become more.
Here’s my chat with BFF Buboy:
How did you feel watching the remastered version of ‘Muro-Ami’?
“It was a deeply moving experience. Para akong nanood ng bagong pelikula. Seeing the visuals and sounds restored in such clarity brought back the intensity and raw emotion of the story in an even more powerful, unimaginable way.
“It felt like reconnecting with a part of my own journey — there was definitely a sense of nostalgia, but at the same time, the enhanced quality allowed me to discover new details and emotions that I hadn’t noticed before. The impact of the scenes is undoubtedly stronger now; the struggles and sacrifices portrayed feel even more immediate and real. It was both sentimental and eye-opening, like revisiting an old friend with fresh eyes. Gusto ko sya panoorin ulit (laughs).”
What is your fondest memory about the shoot of “Muro-Ami”?
“My first day of shoot. Ang feeling ko na prank ako kasi I was underwater watching some fishes while waiting for direk’s call to say, ‘Sar, ready, take na tyo.’ Bigla na lang talaga may nagsalita beside me, malinaw. ‘Ready na, Sar!’ I freaked out. Akala ko kinausap nako ni Lord. Nobody told me na meron na palang underwater speaker. They were laughing at me when I resurfaced.”
What’s your fave line and scene?
“Line: ‘Aryaaaaah!’”
“Scene: When I confronted Botong (played by Jhong Hilario) and punched him because I know he was the one who helped Susan (Amy Austria) to leave the boat. And also, the scene when I was alone in the room while I was in pain thinking of my family. I was crying while hugging their photo.”
How did you prepare to portray such a physically and emotionally demanding role as Fredo?
“Physical preparation was the most difficult. I had to go to the gym and work out six times a week. My diet was no salt, no sugar, no oil and no meat. I did that for six months. I had to maintain a lean physique while doing the movie.
“Emotional preparation was easier kasi maraming beses na akong nasaktan, matiisin lang ako. Madali akong nakaka-move on.”
The VAA x ALV collab
The collab to end all collabs has finally happened. VAA (Viva Artists Agency) and ALV Talent Circuit (founded by Arnold Vegafria) have joined forces to elevate a new generation of promising talents in the entertainment scene.
To kick things off, the two powerhouse agencies are launching 10 remarkable women from the pageantry world. These beauty queens have that certain “je ne sais quoi.” Make way for Zia Ainhize Arboleda, Nikki Buenafe, Meridith Bobadilla, Beatriz Angela Ocampo, Tracy Maureen Perez, MJ Suarez, Carla Jane Torcido, Erika Marie Davis, Keylyn Pan Trajano, Alyssa Geronimo and Margarette Briton.
With the combined Midas touch of VAA and ALV, the 10 beauties are en route to stardom.
Here are quotes from Boss Vic del Rosario and Arnold Vegafria:
Boss Vic: “I’ve known Arnold since he was 16. I’ve seen how he has grown in the biz. The time is ripe for our partnership. Arnold and I are aligned in the business aspect.”
Arnold: “Partnering with VAA is a strategic alliance. Viva was the first one to penetrate the digital platform, so that makes them a game changer. Endless possibilities beckon.”
Boss Vic: “These 10 women are the first batch. We will go beyond talent management. We’ve got all bases covered.”
Arnold: “I want to put up our own international pageant, just like Thailand. Since the Philippines is a powerhouse in pageantry, it’s long overdue for us to launch a beauty pageant that will go global. Boss Vic and I will make it happen.”
‘Love, Ngo’
Jerald Napoles captured hearts as Ngongo in the top-streamed film, “Ang Babaeng Walang Pakiramdam” (ABWP). The lovable character is back with his own movie, “Love, Ngo.” Directed by the inimitable Darryl Yap, it opens on June 3 in cinemas.
Find out what Ngongo’s life was like before he crossed paths with Tasha (played by Kim Molina in “ABWP”). The prequel also stars veteran actress Gina Alajar and influencers Malupiton and Jack Argota.
Although Ngongo’s condition is considered a disability, it does not lessen his ability to love. The touching movie will make us understand what people with cleft lip and palate are trying to say. Since they cannot speak clearly, their hearts do the talking.
Here are quotes from Jerald and Darryl:
Jerald: “Our movie has shock value. It makes people curious and interested. Our trailer elicited mixed reactions, but it garnered 60M views. It means they have embraced my character, Ngongo.”
Darryl: “I hope people will give our movie a chance. I would like to believe that Pinoys are now ready for topics that used to be taboo. It’s not meant to make fun of people with cleft lip and palate. It shows that they are fun to be with. I think their story needs to be told. Even if we are not ngongo, what we say is also misunderstood sometimes. So, what Ngongo’s going through we also experience in a different way.”
Jerald: “Comedy na may kurot sa puso ang movie namin. It will make you reflect sino ba talaga may diperensiya, mga ngongo or the people who pass judgment on them.”
Darryl: “To show respect for people with cleft lip and palate, the subtitles in our film are verbatim as delivered. Through our movie, we hope to uplift those with cleft lip and palate. It’s a reminder for all of us to practice self-love.”
Jerald: “Our movie is a love letter to PWDs and marginalized people trying to blend in. Everyone is fighting their own battles. So, we just show compassion.”
Darryl: “I welcome negative and positive comments. What counts is the effectivity of my work. What bashers say has no gravitas.”