MANILA, Philippines — Award-winning director Brillante Mendoza revealed that Coco Martin replaced Aljur Abrenica in his Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry "Apag."
In an interview with the media in his Mandaluyong home, Brillante said Aljur backed out of the project.
“Pero at the same time, parang ano, e, matagal din ang mga usapan namin ni Aljur saka alam kong Kapampangan siya. So, parang… ayun. Pero siguro it’s not really meant sa kanya 'yung project,” Brillante said.
“Ayun, tumawag at nag-back out a few days before pull out. Hindi niya sinabi at all. Wala na siya. Pero according to the manager, parang natakot siya. At saka ano, nung nag-Kapampangan daw siya sa kanila, sabi, sabi nung manager… pinagtawanan daw siya ng mga kapatid niya saka nung tatay niya. 'Yung parang… alam mo 'yun? Hindi authentic. Siguro na-insecure siya,” he added.