“I could not let go of the script, I was laughing and crying deep inside when I was reading the story. The story is so appealing, ” singer and actor Ogie Alcasid told Manila Standard when he shared the good news that Kuya Wes, one of Cinemalaya’s gems, is finally having a nationwide commercial run.
According to the 51-year-old Alcasid, apart from the script and the film’s superb cinematography, it’s the music and the combination of witty dialogue, and punchlines that really got him into starring in and partly producing the movie.
“I really love the music. I don’t have anything to do about it. Everything was done by Spring Films. Also, one of the strengths of the film is the performance of the cast. It’s great that I was able to work with great and talented people,” he shared.
Alcasid was raving about the cast especially his co-star Ina Raymundo who recently tied with another Filipino actress, Ai-ai de las Alas, for Best Actress in a film festival in Portugal.
The movie, directed by James Robin Mayo (Kiko Boksingero), is about a remittance center worker (Wes, played by Ogie Alcasid) a seemingly average guy, whose daily routine is as predictable as the daily business in the center.
But, things suddenly make a dramatic turn when one day Wes encounters a client who redeems the money sent to her by her OFW husband. Several transactions more and Wes finds himself smitten by Erika (Raymundo) who operates a small eatery somewhere.
Alcasid is optimistic that the film will do well at the tills. He knows for a fact that most of the films released this year have failed to woo the moviegoing public but he reiterated the strengths of the film, which he hopes people would notice.
“I think Kuya Wes is going to be a slow burn. I hope magkaroon ng word of mouth. The film has an interesting story to offer and it features a brilliant cast,” he said.
The singer and songwriter is obviously passionate about promoting the movie, which he co-produced with Paolo Pascual. But there was a point that he already wanted to drop Kuya Wes. He almost backed out in doing the movie but all the stars aligned to make the big screen project possible.
“I would have to thank Piolo and Spring Films. I felt lucky, Kuya Wes got their interest. Otherwise, this would be just another story sitting on someone’s table waiting for someone’s approval and attention,” he concluded.
Kuya Wes opens in cinemas nationwide today. From the same outfit that brought the blockbuster hit Kita Kita, Spring Films is screening the commercial cut of the indie movie.
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First broadcast journalist awardee of Rotary Peace Award
GMA News Pillar Mel C. Tiangco recently received the 2019 Rotary Annual Peace Award by the Rotary International District 3830, making her the first awardee among journalists. She was also given a Paul Harris Fellow recognition during the organization’s 114th Anniversary.
Tiangco was cited for embodying the Rotarian motto of ‘service above self’ who “excels not only in her professional career as a multi-awarded news anchor and as the program host of GMA’s Magpakailanman drama anthology but also in her inspiring humanitarian work as the Founder and Ambassador of GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF).”
During her stint as GMAKF’s Executive Vice President and COO for two decades, she conceptualized and implemented the foundation’s sustainable programs and projects where she led a team of passionate public servants. Instead of accepting her retirement in 2016, she continued to serve as GMAKF’s ambassador.
“Hindi ko sukat akalain na ako ay magagawaran ng ganitong honor. Kung sasabihin nila na ako ay nakapaghandog ng sarili ko para sa kapayapaan ng ating bansa at ng ating mga kababayan, it is not the same as every other award that I have received,” Tiangco expressed.
The Rotary Peace Award is given by the Rotary International to individuals who represent the ideals of peace, fellowship and world understanding. Some of the notable past recipients of the award were former Philippine Presidents Cory Aquino and Fidel Ramos.
