Spanish actors praise Romnick, Ruru in ‘Los Salvajes Bravos’
MANILA, Philippines — Spanish actor Andreas Muñoz described an almost effortless working relationship with Filipino actors Romnick Sarmenta and Ruru Madrid in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Los Salvajes Bravos.”
Directed by Paolo Dy and co-written with Juan Ekis, the historical drama tells the story of Filipinos brought to Spain for the 1887 Philippine Exposition.
Romnick is Ismael Alzate, an Igorot former soldier loyal to Spain who leads a group of fellow Igorots, including Ruru’s character, the schoolteacher Purganan, to Madrid for what they believe is a cultural showcase, only to face humiliation and exploitation.
Andreas portrays Señor Guerra, a Spanish writer and explorer who helps organize their journey, hoping to introduce Filipino culture and traditions to Spanish society.
The film was shot both in the Philippines and in Spain (Ciudad Rodrigo and Valladolid).
In an exclusive virtual interview with The Philippine STAR, Andreas, who previously played the title role in the Filipino-produced “Ignacio de Loyola” (2016), had nothing but praise for his co-stars, especially Romnick.
“I love them. I love the guys. With Romnick, I developed a special relationship, I’d say. I called him my utol (brother) and he called me that as well,” he said.
“Because we were very similar, and on the same trip and on the same pace, working on the film together.”
Their rapport was such that Andreas recalled not even needing rehearsals for their scenes.
“The thing is that we didn’t even have to rehearse anything. We just looked into our eyes, and the truth was coming out. No more than that.”
Having also started his acting career as a child, Andreas recognized a similar level of experience and understanding of the craft in the Filipino actor.
“Obviously, Romnick has been like me, working since he was a child. I could see that. I could feel that.”
As for Ruru, Andreas expressed confidence in the Kapuso star’s “great future” and admiration for his strong screen presence.
Fellow Spanish actress Marta Codina, who plays Queen Maria Cristina in the film, shared Andreas’ appreciation for the two Filipino stars.
Although she had fewer scenes, Marta was pleased to have worked with both of them.
“I have to say that my character has not that many scenes, but fortunately, I was able to play with both of them,” she said.
“And what Andreas says is right. They both have a lot of truth in their eyes and the way they express themselves.”
Marta said she could understand what their characters were going through just by looking at them, making it easier for her to respond during their scenes together.
“That’s super beautiful when you see an actor like this… because you don’t have to do much, you know, just be there,” she added.
Both Spanish stars previously appeared in “Ignacio de Loyola,” another historical film directed by direk Paolo and produced by Jesuit Communications (JesCom).
For Andreas, returning to a Filipino production brought back fond memories of his visits to the country a decade ago for the filming and promotion of “Ignacio de Loyola.” According to him, those earlier encounters with Filipinos proved helpful in approaching his role, as Señor Guerra had similarly spent time in the Philippines.
“I’m gonna tell you why it wasn’t that difficult because when I went to the Philippines in 2015 and 2016, I (already) felt warm and I felt very cared by the Filipinos,” he said when asked about the challenges of portraying his character in “Los Salvajes Bravos.”
One difficulty, however, was speaking the local languages for the film.
“I speak in Tagalog and, well, four different dialects and that was, yeah, I trained a little bit with one of the actors and that was a challenge,” he revealed.
Meanwhile, Marta, who has yet to visit the Philippines, was particularly happy to reconnect with familiar faces from their previous collaboration.
Describing the experience of working anew with the Filipino production team as “very enriching,” she said, “To always work with another language, with another country, another culture, it’s so beautiful because you discover so many things, you know?”
“But to me, it was extremely beautiful to think that they count on me again, you know, and to see them all again. So many people from the crew were there. The production from ‘Ignacio’ was there. Also cast, like Andreas, you know, was there. So to me, it was so beautiful to work with all of them.”
The two Spanish actors also shared the differences between filmmaking practices in their home country and the Philippines.
Andreas found Filipino productions generally more relaxed than those in Spain.
“Like, the way Filipinos work, I think we’re not used to it in Spain. Meaning like, sometimes everything is more chill and calm and...” he noted.
He also found Filipinos as friendly and approachable on set, often ready to engage in conversations.
“The way of working is relaxed,” he reiterated, “which is a good way of working many times. Because when you’re relaxed, many good things happen.”
Marta agreed, saying, “It’s true that in Spain, we go faster.”
Both actors also hoped to find their way to the country for the festival itself come December.
“Los Salvajes Bravos” marks another historical project for JesCom, whose previous productions include “Ignacio de Loyola” and the 2023 MMFF film “GomBurZa.”
It opens in Philippine cinemas on Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) as one of the eight official entries in the 52nd MMFF.
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