Oliver Aquino praised for braveness on controversial film 'Walang Kasarian ang Digmang Bayan'

MANILA, Philippines — Director Jay Altarejos praised his prize actor Oliver Aquino for being brave to portray his role in the “Walang Kasarian ang Digmang Bayan,” a controversial movie that tackles President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war. 

In an exclusive interview with Philstar.com, Jay said his movies during the last six years would not push through if not for Oliver. 

“Yung mga pelikula namin noong nakalipas na anim na taon, hindi magagawa kung hindi si Oliver ang bida. Hindi lang yon tapang e. Buo ng loob. Gagawin niya pag nagustuhan niya kahit gaano pa kakontrobersyal,” Jay said.  

“Sobra yung restraint na pinakita niya. Alam niya kung kailan eksena niya at alam niya kung kailan ibibigay sa mga kaeksena niya. Yung parang 'pag bida, aagawin nila bawat eksena,” he added. 

Oliver was nominated for Urian Best Actor for “Jino to Mari” in 2020. He won Best Actor Gold at FACINE in California for the same film. This year, he won Best Actor Silver at FACINE for “Love and Pain in-between Refrains.”

“Si Oliver akala mo hindi siya nagpe-prepare. May attitude siya e. I mean, attitude na marunong siya. Alam niya rin yung pagtataya niya sa pangkalahatan. Nagsimula siyang child actor sa ABS e. Kumbaga bata pa lang alam niya na,” he said.  

When asked why Oliver is always his lead actor in every movie he does, Jay said his production loves Oliver. 

“Kasi mahal namin siya e. Ako kasi pag nakikipagtrabaho, don sa mga kaibigan at kakilala. Maraming beses kaming nagtatalo niyan ni Oliver pero ang dulo’t dulo, magkasama pa rin kami. Magkaibigan pa rin kami. Kahit gaano kahirap yan, gagawin niya yan,” he said. 

“Walang Kasarian ang Digmang Bayan” premieres on KTX on November 30.