Network talents conquer Cinemalaya X

CEBU, Philippines -  A number of GMA Artist Center talents will make their way to the indie arena, as they are set to appear in some entries featured in the 10th year of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, billed as Cinemalaya X.

One of Kapuso Network’s top leading men Rocco Nacino had the honor of working alongside Superstar Nora Aunor and multi-awarded director Joel Lamangan in “Hustisya.” In the entry, the award-winning actor breathes life to the character of a scheming lawyer, who impacts the life of a probinsyana portrayed by Aunor.

At the heart of the film #Y (“Hashtag Y”) is young star Elmo Magalona. The 20-year-old takes a dark turn in a film that features the young and the reckless. The movie will show Elmo’s transition from a teen heartthrob to a mature young actor.

Chynna Ortaleza, who plays kontrabida in the Afternoon Prime drama “Dading,” adds two indie movies to her glittering resumé, as she was tapped to take part in “#Y” and “Hustisya.”

Also featured in “Hustisya” is Protégé Male Grand Winner Jeric Gonzales, who portrays the son of Aunor’s character in the said Cinemalaya entry.

“The Half Sisters” star Barbie Forteza found herself juggling small screen pursuits and an indie film, after landing a role in “Mariquina.” Also enlisted to take part in the movie is Kapuso actor Kenneth Paul Cruz.  “Mariquina” features the story of a shoemaker’s daughter. She was tasked to find the perfect pair of shoes for her father upon learning about his death. In the process of looking for the perfect pair, she also finds herself.

Julian Trono landed a major role in “Ronda,” where he also earned the privilege of working alongside Comedy Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas. In “Ronda,” Julian plays the lost son of Ai-Ai, a policewoman. Moral dilemma arises when Julian’s character turns out to be the killer of his own lover.

Starring in “Dagitab” is Kapuso actor Martin del Rosario. “Dagitab” explores the story of two professors whose marriage is on the rocks. To make things worse, the woman is linked to a scandal involving a young student. The man, on the other hand, falls for his case study—a supernatural being depicting a former flame.

Rafa Siguion-Reyna will showcase his acting prowess in “Hari ng Tondo,” a film under the helm of his father, award-winning director Carlos Siguion-Reyna, and written by his mother actress-scriptwriter Bibeth Orteza. Rafa stars alongside veteran actor Robert Arevalo, in a film that revolves around a grandfather who is on the brink of losing his wealth and decides to revisit the community that molded him.

LJ Reyes, who’s currently busy with the upcoming drama series “Yagit,” is featured in “The Janitor,” a film by acclaimed director Michael Tuviera. The entry revolves around a suspended cop enlisted to eliminate suspects involved in a bank robbery/massacre.

Miggs Cuaderno, Jak Roberto, and Rita de Guzman also landed roles in “Asintado,” a masterpiece by renowned director Louie Ignacio. The film is about a young man who becomes a drug courier and his mother’s attempt to save him.

Cuaderno also stars in “Children’s Show,” a film patterned after real-life experiences of children involved in underground wrestling manned by a syndicate.

Meanwhile, Enzo Pineda was enlisted to play a role in “Sundalong Kanin,” a movie about four friends exposed to the realities of war, as they aspire to become soldiers during the Japanese Occupation.

Completing the list of GMA Artist Center talents participating in Cinemalaya X are Coleen Borgonia and Ken Chan. They flexed their acting muscles in “1st ko si 3rd,” a movie about a woman who sees her first love eye to eye again, after more than four decades. (PR)