Eddie Garcia learns life lessons from a dog in

CEBU, Philippines - Jun Robles Lana’s critically-acclaimed first independent film “Bwakaw” is set to be released by Star Cinema in cinemas nationwide on September 5 (Wednesday).

Rated ‘A’ by the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB), “Bwakaw” is a drama-comedy about growing old, and everyone’s fear of growing old alone.

It shares the life of Rene, played by veteran actor-director Eddie Garcia, a 75-year-old man who thinks that at his age it is too late for love, even companionship, and that all there is to look forward to is death. But Rene’s life suddenly turns around when a stray dog named “Bwakaw”—a Filipino street slang for greedy—suddenly teaches him a lesson about life.

Distributed by Star Cinema, “Bwakaw” made headlines recently as it earned nods from globally renowned movie fests including the Toronto International Film Festival and New York Film Festival. It was also awarded at the 8th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival with Best Actor (for Eddie), Audience Choice, and Netpac Awards in the Director’s Showcase.

According to Garcia, “Bwakaw” is a heartwarming tale of a unique friendship. “Istorya ito ng pagmamahalan ng aso at isang 75 years old na bading na pinaghahandaan na ang kanyang kamatayan,” explained Eddie who topbills the film that tackles about friendship, missed opportunities, second chances, fears of growing old and being alone.

Meanwhile, Lana shared that his indie-turned-mainstream film “Bwakaw,” was a break to go back to his roots. “I decided to join Cinemalaya this year because I thought it was time to return to my roots. It was not an easy journey, but worth every moment. Writing, producing, and directing ‘Bwakaw’ was quite liberating. For the first time, there were no templates. All I had to focus on was the story and how to best tell it visually,” said Jun, who gained popularity for writing his string of highly-acclaimed commercial films like “Jose Rizal,” “Muro-Ami,” and “Bagong Buwan.”

Aside from Garcia and Princess, the dog, “Bwakaw” also stars Rez Cortez, Gardo Versoza, Bibeth Orteza, Soxie Topacio, Allan Paule, Joey Paras, Beverly Salviejo, Soliman Cruz, Bibeth Orteza, Luz Valdez, Jonathan Neri, May-I Fabros, and Ms. Armida Siguion-Reyna.

“Bwakaw” hits cinemas nationwide on September 5, 2012.