From his debut single Gayuma, Raymond Abracosa known as Abra is now conquering the movie screens with his first movie break Respeto, a 2017 Cinemalaya’s official entry.
The movie won the top honor (Best Picture) at this year’s Cinemalaya.
Respeto is the story of an amateur rapper and a veteran poet whose paths cross after a stand-off between the authorities and illegal settlers.
In this interview with Abra, he admits that he never imagined how big this movie was.
“Kinakabahan ako kasi mayroong major role na nakapatong sa balikat ko and nakaka excite din on the other hand kasi lahat ng aspect ng movie from Cinematography, yung execution and yung mga co actors ko lahat sobrang lapit.” He said during the celebrity block screening at Rockwell Cinema.
The Respeto lead star also added that his team was not after winning the award from Cinemalaya.
“Kahit wala naman yung prize ng Best Picture parang panalo na yung film e so plus plus plus talaga yung feeling ng kasiyahan ko tapos sobrang blessed talaga ng feeling namin regardless kung may award or wala,” he says.
Since he already experienced acting, will Abra consider doing future acting projects?
“Miss na miss ko na din kasi mag music e, Baka mag dwell muna ako sa music world pero pag may ano[offer] na magandang concept game tayo diyan,” he explains.
Aside from this recognition from Cinemalaya, Abra is also thankful for the positive reviews he received from both critics and netizens for this movie.
“Opo grabe! pag bukas ko ng social media ko umaapaw at nakaka gaan ng loob. Hindi ko po expected na gusto pa nila ulitin at i share pa talaga nila kaya nakakataba ng puso,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abra also believes that this movie is timely for this generation of movie goers especially for the millennials.
“Ang kuwento ng Respeto parang makikita mo yung kabuuan ng sitwasyon ng Pilipinas sa kasalukuyan sa film. Bukod sa surface na Rap Movie siya, yung depth ng film is malalim talaga may kinalaman pa sa history ng Art at yung appreciation nating mga Pilipino pagdating sa Art andoon tapos may contrast din ng paano nag re-reflect ang past at yung present na same pero iba. Parang balagtasan and rap andon din yung contrast kaya talagang dapat panuorin kasi ako mismo na impress sa daloy ng story,” he adds.
Aside from his award winning movie, Abra is set to continue his craft as a rapper and musician.
Treb Monteras directed the film that also stars Dido de la Paz Loonie, Kate Alejandrino, Chai Fonacier, Ybes Bagadiong, Brian Arda, Thea Yrastorza, and Nor Domingo.
It screens in cinemas beginning Sept. 20.