Vic Sotto feels very positive about his 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Meant to ‘Beh, a joint production of OctoArts Films, APT Entertainment and M-Zet Productions.
“I’m certain that we have a winner in this project,” he avers. “For one, it holds various firsts which is refreshing for the viewers. It’s my maiden silver screen team-up with Ms. Dawn Zulueta, my first movie under the helm of Direk Chris Martinez and it’s also my first MMFF entry in recent years, which does not border on the fantasy-comedy-action genre. It’s very exciting!”
Since 2003, the ace comedian lorded the MMFF box-office race with films like Lastikman, Fantastic Man, and of course, the Enteng Kabisote series which were all official top-grossers. Considering that his latest starrer is not a fantasy-comedy-action material, many ask if he is still confident that his followers will give it the same amount of support just like his previous offerings.
“I think the freshness of the material is one strong come-on. Personally, I’m excited to do a genre like this. It’s a welcome thing for me: a family movie sans the fantasy and special effects. It’s a breather, actually. This is the perfect movie date for every Filipino family come Christmas day.
“When we were conceptualizing the project, we saw to it that it has something new to offer the viewers…not the same stuff I’ve done in recent editions of the MMFF. We carefully brainstormed together with Direk Chris and I’m so glad and proud with the outcome. For sure, the viewers can relate to the characters in the story.
“We’ll be presenting conflicts that surround contemporary families, like the relationship of husbands and wives when they feel they’ve already outgrown each other after being married for quite some time, how parents handle the challenges and difficulties faced by their children at present and how kids play a vital role in bringing back their parents together. It’s really a heart-warming story that the public will love!”
Interestingly, this is his first full-length film with Dawn as leading lady.
“Yes! Would you believe? The last time that I worked with her was on television—during my Okay Ka Fairy Ko! days. That’s ages ago. I’m glad that finally, we were given the chance to be paired on a grand silver screen project like Meant to ‘Beh. I’m sure the viewing public will find our screen pairing exciting since it is fresh. In fact, I’m grateful that Dawn accepted the offer right away when it was first pitched in to her.”
Regarding Chris Martinez as the director of the movie, the charming comedian-TV host is very enthusiastic and excited as well.
“All of us in the team really wanted to work with a new director for this family movie. In the course of our initial discussion, the name of Direk Chris popped out. I’ve watched his films in the past and got impressed with the way he handled them. I can say that he’s perfect for the project.”
Apart from him and Dawn, the movie boasts of a star-studded cast.
“That’s right! We have Daniel Matsunaga, Andrea Torres, Sue Ramirez and my three children in the story: JC Santos, Gabbi Garcia and Baby Baste. The thought of working with these young stars is simply thrilling. As you can see, they come from rival networks but we’re happy to be collaborating for this movie. Anyway, we’re here to work and give our viewers quality entertainment!” ends Vic.
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Opposite his real-life sweetheart Roxanne Barcelo, Will Devaughn is proud of his upcoming movie titled, I Found My Heart in Santa Fe under Blu Art Production.
“Oh yes! This is our first time to do a major project in which the two of us are the lead stars. I’m glad that our director, Mr. Bona Fajardo and his wife producer Ms. Lyn Fajardo really has us in mind to top-bill this beautiful love story,” he says.
The movie was entirely shot in Cebu.
“It aims to explore the beauty of Bantayan Islands. What’s good with Direk Bona is that he wants to complement the movie’s beautiful story with a breath-taking backdrop. Santa Fe is just perfect. Apart from the plot, I’m sure the viewers will love the film’s cinematography. People will really take notice of its natural beauty!”
Many ask how it was working with Roxanne in a silver screen project considering their off-cam relationship.
“Well, it’s fun. We shot the film in two weeks’ time. Yes, it helped that we’re real-life sweethearts, especially in the sweet scenes, but when we shot this, it was the peak of summer. There were moments when the humidity irked us on the set but at the end of the day, we saw to it that we delivered in the scenes we’ve done. Ha-ha-ha! By the way, Roxanne and I are co-producers of this project.”
Maybe I Found My Heart in Santa Fe will pave the way for him to become the next important rom-com leading man.
“Wow! Hopefully. All of us did our best to come up with a lovely movie. I really hope the public will support it,” Will state.