‘Halo-Halo X’: The Cult Director persists with sexy, meaningful works

“Lahat ng sobra, masama. Lahat talaga ng bawal, masarap.” (Anything in excess is bad. Everything forbidden is truly satisfying.)

With that final thought bubble from VR Relosa’s titular character in the first episode of Vivamax’s newest anthology series, it speaks volumes about ‘Extra Rider’ as an opener and provides a glimpse of what ‘Halo-Halo X’ is all about.

In ‘Extra Rider,’ a clever wordplay combines extra service with delivery riders.

The synopsis reads:

Desperate to make ends meet, a rider offers extra services to customers who book him for a ride. The sex means nothing to him until he becomes entangled with his client’s maid, a quiet woman who will change his life.

During the media conference at Viva Cafe, Vivamax’s Cult Director Roman Perez, Jr. shared that they were inspired by an actual group on a social media platform where riders can be hired — not for delivery or transportation — but for extra services on the side.

The premise, penned by episode writer Roni Benaid, is easy to grasp: an anguished young father joins a secret group on social media where riders offer “extra service” to their passengers, regardless of gender, in pursuit of extra income.

Victor is well supported by a talented cast featuring Denise Esteban, Audrey Avila, Yda Manzano, and Mon Mendoza in prominent roles.

As always, Denise delivers yet another powerful performance as a vulnerable woman who becomes his “side chick.” Later on, she receives a much-needed boost from Victor’s knight-in-shining-armor demeanor. Her expressive eyes and her ability to convey emotions are sure to captivate the audience.

The intimate scenes are tastefully presented, leaving no unpleasant aftertaste. They are crafted in the artistic style that Roman Perez, Jr.’s team has consistently established throughout their library of titles. He has truly cultivated a unique brand that he continues to refine and experiment with.

Audrey Avila has room for improvement, but her dedication to her role as Jeremy’s partner, Grace, shines through. Her sexy performance in this episode leaves no doubt that she may become a fan favorite in Viva’s upcoming projects.

Yda Manzano exudes elegance on screen, defying her age. She shares a captivating chemistry as Madam V that makes one forget about age or social standing.

On another note, Mon Mendoza may not expose any skin in this role, but he plays a crucial part as a friend who preserves his pal’s sanity. His character serves as the bridge in Victor’s awakening and pursuit of “extra.”

It’s worth noting Hurry Up Tingson and Mark Renel Grabador, who portray some of the show’s customers. Hurry Up’s portrayal of a married character exposes the various risks of moonlighting as a sex worker. Similarly, Mark Renel’s representation of a gay character adds a surprising element for viewers who witness a rather despairing choice to say “yes” to anyone. These choices highlight how Jeremy, portrayed by Victor, is a family man willing to sacrifice everything to provide.

However, it’s essential not to overlook the fact that the protagonist, Jeremy, also embraces the web of circumstances he finds himself in. Ultimately, this medium-format material exemplifies how humans can come into conflict with each other — and, in this case, how he confronts Dahlia, played by Denise, in the final moments, could have been a challenging path to navigate. Nevertheless, while excess may not be beneficial, craving more can also be harmful in its own way.

Other key production staff members worth mentioning include sound designer Dale Martin and musical scorer Emerzon Texon, who create an atmosphere perfectly suited for tension, passion, and despair. Director of photography Neil Bion captures the unforgettable ‘halo-halo’ vibe with tasteful visuals. Production designers Sigrid Polon and JC Catiggay craft scenes with depth and purpose, effortlessly immersing the audience into the story. Special mentions go to editor Aaron Alegre and assistant director Mary Ann Perez for their outstanding contributions.

A job well done for a sexy, meaningful work in Halo-Halo X. Can’t wait to see what’s next!