After appearing as the male lead in GMA’s successful reboot of Marimar, Tom Rodriguez is currently busy shooting for the indie project Magtanggol by Sigfried Barros Sanchez.
“That’s right!” he says. “I’m very happy and proud to be part of a very competent cast that includes Ms. Dina Bonnevie, Mr. Ricky Davao, Mr. Joonee Gamboa, Ejay Falcon, Albie Casino and Denise Laurel. This is the initial presentation of Felix and Bert Film Productions. I really hope it performs well at the tills when it gets shown on April 27 so that our producers would be encouraged to make another one.”
His new screen offering tackles a timely issue.
“Actually, it’s about the sad plight of our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The film poses a challenge to the viewers not only to be aware of the pressing issues concerning our fellow Filipinos working abroad but more importantly, contribute something in their own little way to alleviate the pitiful situation of many OFW’s. Our offering has really something deep to say about this critical scenario.”
For the first time, the be-dimpled actor is playing a politician on screen.
“Yes! My role here is that of a senator. He has a big a shoe to fill in since his dad (Gamboa) is also a senator during his prime. I’m being groomed here to become the country’s next president. It’s something new for me.
“Breathing life to the character made me realize how hard it is to become a public servant. You have lots of constituents to take care of. I just couldn’t imagine the pressures they face every single day. It’s really an eye-opener. I’m simply happy to be part of this ensemble. This is my first action-thriller indie project so I’m excited what its turnout will be.”
Considering the weight of his role, is he expecting to win an award for his portrayal here?
“As I always say, any role I’m assigned, I always give it my best shot. I always find challenge in it. For me, there are no small roles. When it comes to awards, honestly, I’m not that concerned if I’ll bag one or not. I’m here primarily to work and not to compete. I want to have fun while doing my job so I don’t want to be under pressure when it comes to awards,” explains Tom.
How does he feel doing an indie project?
“All I can say is that it’s refreshing. In an indie, you can really explore and go out-of-the-box, so to speak. It’s liberating, unlike in soap operas when you really have to portray your character in such a way that it would be endearing to the viewers. It’s simply predictable. In indies, you can play with your role.”
Speaking of roles, what does he dream of portraying in the coming days if given the chance?
“Honestly, I’d like to try action. Yes, I like the action genre. I hope I’ll be given the opportunity to do it in the future. Of course, I’m ready to get de-glamourized if the scene call for it.”
Among his fellow actors, the handsome Kapuso points to one familiar name as one who has his admiration and respect.
“Dennis (Trillo) is such a very good performer. You can feel his intensity in every scene he’s present. I’m hats-off to him,” ends Tom.
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Andrea Torres reveals that she has an intimate love scene with Mike Tan in their new soap over at GMA titled The Millionaire’s Wife.
“Yes! And funny, I was the one on top. Ha-ha-ha! But it’s not being aggressive. The script calls for it because we must project on screen that we are madly I love with each other. One more thing, the scene was done in good taste. It was artistically shot,” she avers.
It’s also the first time that she will breathe life to a mother in the story.
“A young mother! In fact, there’s a scene where I will breastfeed my baby. It’s kind of mature actually, but I’m ready for it!”
It’s good she accepted the part.
“Why not? The story is great. My role is challenging. I don’t see any reason why I won’t accept it!” Andrea states.