Director Nuel Naval and writer Mel Mendoza-del Rosario are artistic collaborators behind the family drama Family Matters, a movie produced by Cineko Productions that has been receiving so much love and praise since the debut of its official trailer.
Noel Trinidad, Liza Lorena, Nonie Buencamino, Agot Isidro, Mylene Dizon, James Blanco, Nikki Valdez, JC Santos, Ana Luna, Ina Feleo, Ketchup Eusebio, Roxanne Guinoo, and introducing, Ian Pangilinan are the all-star ensemble in this much-anticipated motion picture.
In the Raval-directed and Del Rosario-written Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Nonie Buencamino portrays Kiko.
“I am the eldest son of Francisco played by Noel Trinidad,” he begins, “Agot plays my wife, Mylene, and JC and Nikki play my siblings. I am a contractor and engineer like my father. We siblings are already taking care of our parents.”
With regard to the role, Buencamino enthuses:“ It is well written as all the roles are. My character undergoes a big change, a big realization in the story.”
The emotional hurdles of Kiko, explains one of the most successful actors from the theater who crossover to mainstream entertainment, “There were sibling arguments, quarrels in the story, moments where I realize I was mistaken, and times I feel embarrassed. I realize guilt too.”
His methods of preparation, Buencamino comes clean: “I prepare by knowing my lines, cues well, knowing my blocking, and finally by relaxing to allow myself to tap my own life experiences to make the situations truthful.”
“I was very much inspired to work with them both,” Buencamino’s eyes turn misty, as he speaks of the joy of working with seasoned actors Noel Trinidad and Liza Lorena. “When we are older, we cut the crap and go directly to the point to communicate with each other. That was the way it was for us. It was so much fun. We laughed a lot in between scenes.”
Buencamino had a great time learning much from the experiences the senior actors shared with him.
“Tito Noel and Tita Liza are very genuine, sincere, truthful actors. I was blessed with the opportunity to act in scenes with them. I learned not to stop acting so long as I can remember my lines. They’re both still very sharp because they both have continued to stay in physical and intellectual shape. I am now inspired to keep fit myself.”
Playing his wife in the movie is Agot Isidro and for Nonie, it is always a breeze working with her given that they have starred in a few television series in the past.
People opine that he is a shoo-in for an acting award because of his emotionally truthful portrayal of Kiko.
“People say that? Wow! Thanks,” Buencamino smiles. “I hope they feel the same way after watching the whole film.”
Buencamino believes that an award is a bonus. He feels “very happy” when he gets an award and feels the same way when people in the industry – whom he respects very much – see and commend his work.
“Thank you for thinking that I have had an outstanding career. If an award comes along the way, what a gift. In my younger years, I had hoped to receive some awards for some projects I did but I didn’t. Now, I am already happy if I get good roles for good projects, with a reasonable rate.”
Buencamino believes that Family Matters is a must-watch because everyone can relate to it. It brings forth some good lessons but doesn’t preach hardcore.
His biggest takeaway from the film, the extraordinary Nonie Buencamino imparts: “Life is so short, especially our time with our parents. We should continue to respect them, treat them well, enjoy their company, and never be burdened by them. We should also hold on to nuggets of wisdom that they share with us. Those who still have their parents are very fortunate.”
Family Matters is an official entry to the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival, which begins its cinema runs nationwide on December 25.