Rocco plays Ilocano hero

MANILA, Philippines - Saridandan Films, Inc. formally launched its initial offering, a film based on the Ilocano epic Lam-Ang, with the announcement that Rocco Nacino (photo) will play title role.

Rocco bested other aspirants in an audition, said its director Ana Agabin who also headed the panel that oversaw the screening.

“I didn’t choose Rocco for the title role… The film chose him. He looks the part. He has the comic timing, appeal, good attitude and the right presence. He acts well and is good at improvisations. He was third among those who auditioned, but before the night was over, we knew we already had a Lam-Ang in Rocco,” the Ilocana filmmaker said.

Rocco will soon undergo training for the film’s fight scenes. Principal photography begins before the Holy Week. The young actor’s regular taping schedule for GMA 7’s teleserye The Good Daughter had to do some adjustments to make room for the Lam-Ang shooting schedule.

“It’s a role of a lifetime. I’ll give my best to be worthy of the honor,” Rocco said.

Lam-Ang is a historical-fantasy based on the Ilocano epic written by Pedro Bukaneg. It is a depiction of Ilocos during the Spanish regime.

Agabin and the film’s executive producer, Ilocos Sur Vice Gov. DV Savellano hatched the idea of doing Lam-Ang to showcase Ilocano culture and history in the 1600s.

“We will show Lam-Ang in schools and institutions in Ilocos. It will also have its regular theatrical exhibition so that it can be watched by the young people who hardly know about the Ilocano hero,” the vice governor also said.