Topel Lee: Next big name in RP cinema

In less than a year, young director Topel Lee has made three movies: “Yaya” episode of “Shake Rattle and Roll 8,” the Rated-A horror movie “Ouija” and Regal Entertainment’s upcoming family romantic comedy “My Kuya’s Wedding.” Before 2007 is over, Topel would have completed another project, the MMFF entry, “Shake, Rattle and Roll 9.”

These are nice achievements for the 30-something director, an alumnus of the UP Diliman and a graduate of the Mowelfund workshops where he trained under cinematographer-turned Hollywood director Yam Laranas.

“Brilliant and intelligent” is how Mother Lily Monteverde describes Topel. “He’s full of patience, very tolerant. He’s very detailed in editing and very focused. Hindi pa showing ang ‘My Kuya’s Wedding,’ hinihiling ko na sa kanya na pumirma ng three-picture contract sa Regal,” Mother Lily reveals. “I predict that he will soon be an international director!”

“He’s one of my favorite directors,” exclaims Regal Entertainment producer Roselle Monteverde-Teo. It was Roselle who immediately recruited Topel for “Shake… 8,” after watching “Dilim,” a project that he did for CinemaOne Originals.

“Doon ako na-in love kay Topel,” says Roselle. She speaks of how Topel artistically captures simple gestures and turns them into memorable scenes. “He really knows how to tickle and ‘fatten’ the hearts because he adds flavor to the scenes that are unthinkable. Ramdam na ramdam ang kanyang directorial touches! Madadala ka iba’t ibang emotion while watching the movie. Mapapaiyak ka, mapapatawa ka sa kuwento at eksena,” Roselle adds.

Stars of “My Kuya’s Wedding” disclose how Topel works quietly but diligently on the set. “Nandoon siya sa isang sulok, may hawak na santambak na bond paper at nagdo-drawing ng storyboard,” says Maja Salvador.

“My Kuya’s Wedding” holds a special place in Topel’s heart; it’s his first love story. He points out that guys like him can be very effective directors of romance movies. “Mas observant kasi kami sa mga kinikilos ng girls,” he reasons.

“My Kuya’s Wedding,” written by Alan Tijamo, stars Maja Salvador, Ryan Agoncillo, Pauleen Luna, Dominic Ochoa, Say Alonzo, Frank Garcia, IC Mendoza, Ethel Booba, Janus del Prado, Dick Ysrael, Ryan Yllana, Debraliz, Kitkat, Chenna, Raquel Villavicencio, and many more. The movie opens in theaters nationwide on August 29.