Althea, Neri handpicked for Katiwala roles

MANILA, Philippines - DMV artists Althea Vega and Neri Naig couldn’t be happier when informed of their inclusion in Ang Katiwala, a Cinemalaya entry (New Breed), written and directed by Aloy Adlawan.

“I feel very lucky to have passed the audition of direk Aloy when he was looking for the leading lady of Dennis Trillo. Playing his wife, I did my acting best. It is good that Dennis supported me in all my scenes with him. Matiyaga siya sa mga baguhan tulad ko,” says Althea.

Direk Aloy adds, “I specifically asked for Althea Vega to audition. I needed an actress who is fresh and raw and has a natural beauty that can really be credible as a provinciana. I am glad that I got Althea. As expected, she delivered. Magaling!”

He continues, “Our movie, Ang Katiwala, is about Ruben (Dennis) who leaves his wife (Althea) and family in Zambales to work as a caretaker of an abandoned property in Quezon City. Ruben finds out that the previous owner of the house is an important figure in the country’s history.”

Come-backing Neri plays a lesbian’s lover. “It was easy to cast Neri because I know her as good actress already,” says direk Aloy.

“I really hope that I do good in my comeback. I miss acting. I want to even better my acting so I can work with more directors and producers. I’m glad to be part of DMV Entertainment. I believe that more projects are coming!” says Neri.

Althea Vega and Dennis Trillo (left) in the 2012 Cinemalaya entry

Althea is also featured in another Cinemalaya movie Diablo directed by Mes de Guzman. This year, she also gets her biggest break in an international film as the lead actress opposite Jake Macapagal in Metro Manila, directed by Oscar-nominated Sean Ellis.

Ang Katiwala is direk Aloy’s second Cinemalaya movie. His first was Roomboy that starred Polo Ravales and Meryll Soriano in 2005.

Others in the cast are Ronnie Lazaro, Louella de Cordova, Angelina Canapi, Miggs Cuaderno, Ernie Zarate, Shyr Valdez, Richard Manabat, Aileen Lota and Dado Jose.

Gala premiere of Ang Katiwala will be on July 24, 6:15 p.m. at the CCP Main Theater.