It is a distressing truth that some parents resort to exploiting their own children as a means to combat poverty as if there are no other alternatives available. What may be perceived as a solution often leads to even more significant problems.
But life continues to offer opportunities for redemption as shown in Bugaw, a movie directed by Yam Laranas.
The film transports the viewers to a secluded town – inhabited solely by men – 22-year-old Dolores (Alexa Ocampo), is led into prostitution by her own father to be able to provide for the needs of her siblings, Isaac (Clifford Pusing), and Gloria (Juharra Zhianne Asayo).
Dolores learns to accept this job wholeheartedly and does not feel damaged by it. But something happens that will prevent Dolores from doing it.
Isaac then gets into the business of selling his body as he becomes their family’s breadwinner. By this time, he has discovered that their father paid bribes to the town’s corrupt chief of police they call “Ser” (Jay Manalo), and he has no intention of doing the same thing.
But Isaac cannot avoid Ser for too long. And when he fails to pay him, he is thrown in jail. There he meets Lydia (Ataska), a 16-year-old girl who has been kidnapped by Ser, and plans to make her the town’s new prostitute. Isaac finds himself suddenly in charge of the girl’s fate. Can he redeem himself by helping her?
While Vivamax viewers may have already enjoyed the movies of Alexa and Clifford, Bugaw is Ataska’s first Vivamax movie where she plays a more mature role (she was also part of How To Love Mr. Heartless). She describes her character as “a fighter” and calls it her “dream role come true”.
Ataska, who became a Viva artist after The Voice Kids, says that she’s “happy and thrilled” that her first Vivamax movie is directed by the award-winning and awe-inspiring Yam Laranas. She shares that even before she was offered this role, she already did a lot of research by watching foreign, local, and Vivamax movies.
She says, “During my research last year, I was able to watch Balahibong Pusa. It’s now one of my favorite films of all time. So when I found out I was going to work with Direk, and even Kuya Jay, ang saya-saya ko. Then, during the days leading up to our shoot, we had a Zoom table read and Zoom acting workshop. The one-on-one with Direk Yam was really helpful. He also sent acting tips and recommended movies to watch.”
As part of her preparation, she also made a playlist inspired by her character.
“As a musician, it just feels absolutely integral to incorporate music in everything I do.” Ataska also expresses her gratitude for the support of her co-stars. She describes Alexa as an “ate” to her, Clifford as “fun to talk to”, and Jay Manalo gave her advice not only in acting but in “buhay-artista”.
Ataska concludes, “Working on Bugaw is an unforgettable experience and this project has a special place in my heart.”
Bugaw will be available on Vivamax on July 7.