Another mesmerizing performance from TJ Trinidad

After his Best Supporting Actor win in the 9th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival for “Sana Dati,” TJ Trinidad gives another mesmerizing performance in “Mga Anino ng Kahapon,” an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival New Wave Section (Full Feature Category). The film presents the challenges of a patient with schizophrenia and how her family supports and cares for her.

TJ considers himself fortunate to be in the cast of  “Mga Anino ng Kahapon” which was the first film he shot before his award-winning performance in “Sana Dati” that was directed by Jerrold Tarog. In this new film, TJ is reunited with director Alvin Yapan whom he first worked with in the movie “Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe” which is also a Cinemalaya entry.

“It feels good to work with a good team,” says TJ who admits that one variable he considers before accepting a film offer is the script and the director. “I read the script first and if the role interests me then I’d accept it. But I also give premium to the director and the team that handles it.”

“It’s good to work again with Direk Alvin. I enjoy working with him. He’s a fast worker, comes to set prepared and is very organized,” said TJ.

On why he accepted the role, TJ said, “The story is powerful… When I also found out that the film aims to raise awareness about what schizophrenia really is, in order to remove the stigma attached to patients with mental illness, it was another reason for me to work on this project.”

The versatile actor, former model and band member plays the role of  Ed, husband of  Irene (Agot Isidro) and father of Brian (Carl Acosta). Ed would have gone into the military if he followed the wishes of his general-father (Ku Aquino in a special role). But Ed opted to be a nurse to save lives. He chose to work abroad to give his family a better future. Little did he know that this decision (which is supported by Irene) would trigger his wife’s schizophrenia.

“Mga Anino ng Kahapon” is written by Yapan and produced by Alemberg Ang under their Vim Yapan/Alem Chua Productions outfit. The film was made in partnership with Janssen Philippines.

The Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB) which gave the film a grade of  “A” also commended the actor in its summation, saying,  “…TJ was superb as usual, continuing to grow and mature as an actor. Both TJ and Agot essayed their roles with quiet power and conviction.”

“It’s the story of how I cope and how our family copes with the disorder that befell my wife. It’s quite a challenging role because the disorder has no cure. You feel hopeless but you know that you should not give up but it’s hard to see your wife spiraling in a world that only she understands,” said TJ of his role.

“Mga Anino ng Kahapon” is his first project with Agot, whom TJ described as very good actress, someone who is very dedicated to her craft. “Working with Agot made the job easier because she’s very good. I was just basically reacting to how Agot acts. And she’s really very good.”

TJ feels fortunate and blessed that he is getting good projects. “It is really the luck of the draw. A script may look good on paper but you won’t know how the movie would turn out. There are many things that could affect the filming of the movie like the editing and other production concerns that’s why it is important to work with a good team,” he said.

Winning an award, says TJ, is definitely a confidence booster. “It feels good to win an award because it kind of reaffirms that you are going on a right direction.

See TJ’s fine performance In “Mga Anino ng Kahapon” which is showing at SM Megamall and Glorietta 4 from Dec. 18 to 24. Groups such as high school/college classes, student organizations, medical associations, medical facilities/hospitals and the like are invited to watch the film for free during the MMFF New Wave run. For the complete schedule and details, ‘like’ “Mga Anino ng Kahapon” Facebook page or text 0917-8110217 or 0999-8496000 or 0922-3313010.

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Michael de Mesa reunites with Robin Padilla in “10,000 Hours,” another entry to this year’s MMFF. His past movies with Robin were “Barumbado” and “The Grease Gun Gang,” done during the glory days of action movies in local showbiz.

But while Michael agrees that “10,000 Hours” is of the action genre, he describes it as not the typical Pinoy action flick which has gun fighting and blasting effects. “There are chases and tension but the movie is about intelligence and gathering information. It’s something deep that can be likened to the ‘Bourne Identity’ series of Hollywood,” said the actor at the presscon of “10,000 Hours” last Monday at Anabel’s restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

“I am playing the role of a principled police officer. I was going after Robin (who is playing a role inspired by Senator Ping Lacson). We are friends but I was trying to catch him because it’s my job. Even if I believe he is innocent, I still have to run after him because that is my job,” says Michael.

The actor also happily revealed that he is back in TV directing. He is directing the special Christmas episode of “Magpakailanman” which stars Eula Valdez, Nova Villa, Rommel Padilla and Ruru Madrid.

He is set to start his new soap opera for GMA 7 by January. He hopes to leave by Friday (if he gets a booking) for the States to spend Christmas with his dad and mom, and son AJ who recently got married. It’s going to be a family reunion for the Eigenmanns who are spending Christmas together with Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil after a long while.