Tonix and Hi-C, the characters given life by Benz Sangalang and Azi Acosta, are definitely not as juvenile as Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet.
The place where they lure and rule, the maddening and sickening world of Sitio Diablo, the sayings “survival of the fittest, elimination of the unfit” and “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” are the governing laws, Sangalang and Acosta, fight for their right to be the resident alpha male and female in a place where drugs, sex, and violence are everyday staples.
“The story of Sitio Diablo is as timely as today’s headlines,” the hunky Sangalang begins. “We are not glorifying anyone here, just presenting a slice of life of the so-called people who inhabit the laylayan ng lipunan. Essential ang survival skills sa isang lugar like Sitio Diablo and as an actor, giving life to Tonix, is challenging and daunting at the same time. I had fun playing him. It is in a way a liberating experience to do a role that is totally opposite of me. Alam kog kakaiba talaga itong movie.”
“Rarely do we see the lives of gangs and the slums, their friendship, the concept of loyalty, who to trust, who they are willing to bet their lives on, kaabang abang ang societal dynamics in Sitio Diablo na capture dito sa movie. Of course, the action sequences, are top-notch, grabe ang adrenaline high,” Sangalang carries on.
Tonix to Benz is: “Maangas siya sa harap mg kanyang mga tauhan at kalaban pero when it comes to his family, he becomes a little softie, mushy even. Mahal niya talaga ang family niya at grabe siyang magmahal.”
Speaking of his lady love in the film, Azi Acosta who plays Hi-C, Sangalang is all praises: “She is a fast learner. Emotionally intelligent. What I like about her is that she listens well. She is not afraid to ask questions. Hindi siya nagpapapanggap na she knows all. And I know at first, medyo nahihirapan siya pero dahil sa nakikinig siya sa mga instruction ni direk Roman, kuha niya agad.”
Azi Acosta’s take on Sitio Diablo: “It is not just about violence and drugs, there are also life lessons like what you do to others will eventually happen to you and always be grateful for what you currently have, that’s what I learned from it. And iba ang sense of family, love and loyalty ng mga tao sa Sitio Diablo.”
“Hi-C is a determined woman. Once she sets a goal, she’ll do her best to realize it,” Acosta describes her character. “She’s an Alpha female, she’s not a damsel in distress, which I like.”
“Physically, nag diet ako kasi skinny siya. Gusto ko yung almost famished yet grungy look for her,” says Acosta about fleshing out the character. “Also. I added more angst to the way she speaks.”
Acosta describes Sangalang as a partner and co-artist, and she feels how much he respects her.
“He is aware of my restrictions, especially when we do love scenes, and he abides by them. Walang chancing-chancing. Lahat pinag-uusapan at kung ano ang napag-usapan yun talaga yun. He is fun to be with. No dull moments.”
Benz Sangalang and Azi Acosta are indeed two refreshing and talented faces in showbiz now. To actually hear how dedicated they are to their craft, and how much love and commitment are they giving to the characters assigned to them, hope springs eternal for Philippine show business.
Sitio Diablo, which also stars AJ Raval and Kiko Estrada, is directed by Roman Perez, Jr. It streams live on August 26, on Vivamax.