Michelle passes acid test

MANILA, Philippines - The idea of seductively pretty Michelle Madrigal wishing to get pregnant is in itself an obviously sexy thought. But seeing her convincingly portray the role of a childless wife desperate to have one refocuses the mind to something deeper than skin showcase.

The movie Bacao, which she stars in, embraces the metaphors surrounding issues like fertility, backward society, masochism, romance and the vulnerability of human instincts. That these are set against the backdrop of nicely-formed cornfields make for a beautiful contrast, with the awe-inspiring plantation serving as mute witness to rural people’s struggle to break free from tradition and obsolete practices.

Directed by FAMAS Hall of Famer Boy Vinarao, the film tells the tale of Mayet (Michelle) and Abel (Arnold Reyes) — wife and husband enjoying the romantic stage of their marriage, but worrying about their seeming incapacity to bear a child of their own.  

Bacao, blessed with a soundtrack ably orchestrated by music expert Mon del Rosario, is one of the entries to the Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival 2014 to be exhibited by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). It is the maiden production of Oro De Siete Productions, Inc., organized and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission just last June.

Mayet, in obvious desperation, seeks the help of a quack doctor played by Leo Martinez. The latter, of course, tries to cure Mayet with herbs and massages — delivered with suspiciously malicious intent. The albularyo often effectively utters the word, “mahusay,” which breathes through a naughty implication when he uses it in front of his pretty patient who just undresses.

Michelle recalls her reaction upon learning of this project that put her in a starring role. She said, “Kinabahan po ako nung una pero magaling na direktor si direk Boy Vinarao at inalalayan niya ako sa maraming eksena.”

The actress has done her homework, delivering just the right punch during emotionally-charged scenes.

Bacao is a term for corn used by tribal Yogad in the remote province of Isabela. The community in the movie speaks a lot about life far from the fast-paced city. Irma Adlawan plays the character of a “lonely housewife” torn between her “boring” husband and her poorly-groomed, take-advantage neighbor.

But no one is more villainous than one of Abel’s friends — a wife-beater who impregnates his partner “any given Sunday.”

When the battered wife quips about giving one of her kids to Mayet, one can see the jaw-dropping irony in the expressive eyes of Mayet.

The director himself says nothing but praises for Michelle’s work, “May lalim ang acting niya. She is professional at wala akong naging problema sa kanya. Maaga pa nasa set na siya at memoryado ang linya.”

The love scenes between Michelle and Arnold are done in good taste, empowering the essence of matrimonial lovemaking instead of mere steamy sex. The well-sung (by Mon himself) theme, as if recorded by Basil Valdez, adds up to stressing that pure love.

Bacao screens at all SM outlets starting today until Nov. 4.