Bentria Productions, headed by Engr. Benjamin Austria, is set to embark on its sophomore film project after the internationally acclaimed debut of ‘Broken Blooms,’ featuring Kapuso star Jeric Gonzales alongside the late Jaclyn Jose and multi-awarded teen actress Therese Malvar, among others.
The passion-fueled production company recently held its story conference at a five-star hotel in the heart of Manila for the romantic drama film ‘Huwag Mo ‘Kong Iwan,’ borrowing its title from Ogie Alcasid’s single of the same name. Leading the ensemble are three of the most reliable actors of their generation: Rhian Ramos, Tom Rodriguez, and JC De Vera.
Also part of the cast are Rita Avila, Pinky Amador, Emilio Garcia, Jim Pebanco, Simon Ibarra, Lloyd Samartino, Tanya Gomez, Nella Dizon, Felixia Crysten, Ricci Jereza-Chan, Marcus Madrigal, and Caramel Rave Obado. The screenplay was written by Eric Ramos, and the production is line-produced by Dennis Evangelista.
After having the multi-talented filmmaker Louie Ignacio helm ‘Broken Blooms,’ their next project falls into the hands of yet another formidable industry player, Direk Joel. Engr. Austria, as the executive producer, had this to say about his dream director and lead actress: “Happy ako kasi before pinangarap ko lang na si Direk Joel ang magdirek sa isang istorya na ipo-produce ko, so very challenging naman. Thank you, Direk, maganda yung prinesent mo sa akin. When it comes to casting naman… actually, yung babae, parang nahirapan yata silang maghanap. A lot of times, naghanap sila ng pinakabida. Thank you, Rhian, in-accept mo yung offer ng Bentria.”
Regarding the three lead stars, ‘Huwag Mo ‘Kong Iwan’ serves as a multi-way reunion for them.
Is Tom here to say? He strongly answered, “Yeah,” followed by a thunderous applause by the audience. He is definitely back in Philippine showbiz after a couple of years of hiatus.
When asked what made him say yes to this project, which ultimately serves as his comeback vehicle on the big screen, he answered:
“Of course, it’s a Joel Lamangan film. I trust naman—I was so excited when he asked Popoy [his manager] kung pwede ako sa role na ‘to. ‘Significant Other’ was an honor for me to work on, it’s one of my favorite movies that I’ve done. It’s a no-brainer, especially when I read the script, ang ganda ng kuwento… Ngayon lang ako nagkaroon ng chance na i-compliment sila kasi ang ganda na sina-subvert niya yung mga typical trope at expectation kung saan pupunta yung kuwento… I think mas magugulat pa kayo pag nakita n’yo yung actual movie.”
Rhian shared, “I believe this is my first movie with Tom. Nagkatrabaho na kami before sa soap opera, dalawang beses. I was so excited kasi komportable naman ako kay Tom. We have a great working relationship on set, even as friends, so I was happy na we get to do a movie together. And that he’s back!”
Rhian has two upcoming TV projects: the Japanese occupation-set period series ‘Pulang Araw’ with Alden Richards, Sanya Lopez, Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, and Dennis Trillo; and the ‘Encantadia’ sequel ‘Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre.’
Meanwhile, JC had this remark about reuniting with Rhian. The two led the Philippine adaptation of the Argentine hit telenovela ‘Lalola’ when he was still with the Kapuso Network.
“After a long time, ngayon lang ulit kami nagka-work… Mga 16 years… Siguro, sa tagal-tagal na ng panahon, di ba? We are both mature and we both have our respective partners in life. Marami talaga kaming pinagdaanan sa careers namin, so I don’t think so [na magkakaroon kami ng ilangan].”
On another hand, Tom and JC first worked together in the romantic comedy film ‘So It’s You,’ under Regal Entertainment, with the former’s estranged partner Carla Abellana.
Direk Joel noted that Rhian’s role is meant for her. “Namili kami ng totoong karapat-dapat doon sa role at napili namin si Rhian. Kasi mahirap yung role. Kaya kailangan mo talaga ng isang aktres para doon, kaya napili namin si Rhian. Mahirap mamili ng artista… Bagamat ito ang kauna-unahang pelikula ko with Rhian, I’ve seen her works, at mahusay siyang artista. Gusto ko talaga siyang makatrabaho.”
Rhian gleefully responded, “Sa lahat naman ng ginagawa ko, it’s good pag medyo ninenerbyos ka. I find it to be a good sign. I’m so grateful to be part of this project and to have this role and to have this opportunity to work with everyone here… especially Direk Joel. Imagine sa 18 years ko in the industry, hindi kami nagtagpo, hindi kami nakagawa ng pelikula o ng show man lang. I was really surprised when I had the phone call from my manager na nakakuha kami ng inquiry… Nagulat talaga ko; hindi ko in-expect. Tapos, sobrang madaling-madali ako sa pagbasa ng script, I wanted to know na kaagad everything about the movie, about the role. So, I can just say I’m very excited and I’m going to do my best.”
Principal photography is expected to start in the coming weeks. “Inaayos pa namin ang schedule dahil napakaraming artista,” explained Direk Joel. “We have to fit in all the schedules of the actors. Hindi lang naman isang artista ang ifi-fit in mo. Marami!”
TATAK MNL 
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