For Boyet, Banal is a dream come true

Like a first-time mother, Ina Alegre can heave a big sigh of relief now that her “baby” has been safely delivered.

“I’m happy,” said Ina, producer of Banal which is an official entry in this month’s Metro Filmfest (showing starting on Jan. 1 next year), “even if I realize na dere-derecho pa pala ang gastos until after the showing. We didn’t go beyond the production budget, though. But I have no regrets.”

Well, how can a “debuting” producer regret it if she was able to get the likes of Christopher “Boyet” de Leon, Alfred Vargas and Paolo Contis to play the lead roles as cops (both straight and, well, “crooked”), never mind if the movie is directed by a neophyte (GMA 7 field reporter Cesar Apolinario)?

“I got much more than what I expected,” continued Ina who breaks her extended vacation from showbiz by playing one of the characters (along with Paolo Paraiso, Leo Martinez, Pen Medina, Evangeline Pascual, Cassandra Ponti and Pepe Smith). “There was no delay in the shoot and, thank God, the weather cooperated.”

Done docu-style, Banal dissects police work under extreme circumstances, such as when the cops uncovered a plot to assassinate Pope John Paul II during his last visit to Manila in 1995 to grace the World Youth Day. It’s an unblinking look at the men in uniform, presenting “an uncompromising picture of Philippine society where demons and saints easily exchange places, with nobody able to tell the difference.”

Banal was scripted by Cris Lim from an original story by Mac Cruz. Boyet (as Major Miguel Sagala) plays a SWAT trainer who forges a friendship between Alfred (as Jason Cruz, legman/frontman doing high officials’ dirty work for a price) and Paolo C. (as Cris Marcelo, the honest cop). Twists and turns during The Pope’s visit put the two men’s friendship to the test, exposing who the “sinner” is and who the “saint” is.

Direk Cesar, whose directorial debut is getting rave reviews, focuses on this situation with the keen, probing eyes of an investigative journalist.

“Are the characters true-to-life? Is the story more fact than fiction?” asked direk Cesar, himself giving the answer, “Well, almost!”

Asked how different Banal is from his previous (award-winning) films, Boyet said, “You know, I have been dreaming to play a trainor of soldiers.”

When he read the script, Boyet was so excited to do the movie that he hardly bothered to ask about the talent fee and disregarded the fact that it was being produced by a newcomer and directed by another newcomer.

“What matters to me now is the role,” he said. “It has to be good, something I’ve never done before.”

The movie’s ad carries this blurb: Thou shalt not kill. But Boyet said it should read: Thou shalt not murder.

He explained: “If you are a soldier, during an encounter you have to kill if you have to because that’s how you are trained...that’s your duty — to kill the enemy. Done in line of duty, it’s not murder at all.”

The movie’s shoot coincided with what Boyet described as “a little crisis” when the doctor discovered that the kidney ailment of his wife, Sandy Andolong, has recurred. (When Sandy was ill four years ago, she submitted herself to a faith-healing by Fr. Joey Faller and she did “miraculously” recover.)

But being the professional that he is, Boyet didn’t let Sandy’s condition get in the way of his work.

“Thank God, she’s okay now,” said Boyet whose little sister Melissa de Leon is in remission from breast cancer. “Melissa is as good as healed and, again, thank God for that.”

The Hapag ng Pagasa in your pocket

Up to now, readers (like Mon Panal of Arizona, USA, has just left after a brief homecoming) are asking where they can get a copy of Hapag ng Pagasa, artist Joey Velasco’s modern interpretation of The Last Supper with street children taking the place of the 12 apostles around Jesus. (Note: Those interested may get in touch with Joey at 0917-8417260.) It’s a perfect gift for Christmas. I myself have given away only to very few friends who, I believe, will appreciate and treasure it.

Anyway, Joey has issued The Hapag in pocket-calendar form, with the following wordings at the back, entitled Poor Kids in My Pocket:

I carry this picture in my pocket,

a simple reminder to me that

no matter where I am,

Jesus and the poor kids are always

in my midst.

This simple card is not a claim stub

to withdraw some blessing in return.

It is not a ticket to free me from guilt

nor a good luck charm to protect

me from harm.

It’s not even to tag me as a man of charity

for all the world to see.

It’s simply an understanding

between Jesus and me.

When I put my hand in my pocket

to bring out my wallet,

it’s not for alms-giving.

This picture just makes me remember

that I must have a heart to share

that a part of me has to be offered

in simple service and deeds

to the countless little children

whose future is obscure,

who suffer and shiver in the dark,

whose voices are unheard,

whose nightmares come at daytime

and whose monsters are real.

It’s a symbol of my nearness to God.

So, I carry this little piece in my pocket,

reminding no one but me,

that I can give hope

if only I care.

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