Film helped Ryza Cenon overcome suicidal struggles

Kevin Poblacion is excited with the forthcoming release of his indie film “Adik” directed by Neal “Buboy” Tan under BJP Film Productions.

According to Direk Buboy, Kevin did well in his role as a drug addict and passed his acid test as an actor with flying colors.

“He really has the potential,” said Direk Buboy who convinced Kevin’s parents, Bernardo Poblacion (a property custodian at Burnby School Board) and Jean Lopez Poblacion (a registered nurse who works as a private nurse) to produce the film for their son.

Kevin says it is really his dream to become an actor and the reason why he came home to the Philippines is to give acting a try. He is thankful to his parents for supporting his dream of becoming an actor by producing his first starring role. He is hopeful that “Adik,” which is an advocacy film on drugs, will gain the support of the local audience.

He considers doing “Adik” a learning experience. “I watched documentaries on addiction before we started filming the movie.  I also did a workshop with Direk Buboy to prepare me for my role,” said Kevin who enrolled himself in an acting workshop at ABS-CBN’s Star Magic to hone his craft as an actor under the guidance of Direk Rhyan Carlos.

He also brushed up on his Tagalog. He acknowledges that knowing the language is important to make progress in his acting career aside from allowing him to communicate his feelings well.

“Doing this film made me realize so many things in life. Hopefully, we can show this movie in schools around the country and hopefully, also internationally,” said Kevin.

“Adik” is a film that not only translates the desperation and hopelessness that drugs lead to, but portrays the way that addiction sneaks into existence, without intent or control.

The movie also stars Ara Mina, Rosanna Roces, Liz Alindogan, Eagle Riggs, Gino Ilustre, Miggy Campbell, Daniel Joseph Cruz and Michelle Tomas. “Adik” is coming soon this October, released through Cine Local of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

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Ryza Cenon considers it a big blessing that she was offered the movie “Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B.” It is her first lead role where she co-stars with Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actor Martin del Rosario, veteran actress Vangie Labalan and her boyfriend Cholo Barretto.

“This project is like a blessing from heaven. During the time that I am having struggles with my life and career, ‘Manananggal’ saved me from it. This project saved me and carried me through the hardships. It also enabled me to be noticed by the public. That’s how important this project is for me,” said Ryza who goes daring in this film by Prime Cruz.

For 12 years, Ryza said she contented herself in playing supporting roles in TV dramas. But when “Manananggal” came, it served as her biggest break. And it came at the right time.

Ryza said part of her struggle in life is grappling with the idea of being suicidal. She said there were times she wanted to take her life. She was still a teenager then and won at “Starstruck” when she attempted to take her life. She said she couldn’t handle the intrigues hounding her.

But now she has overcome her suicidal tendencies through painting, praying and the good breaks coming her way as an actress, especially when “Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B” was offered to her.

“I feel I have overcome all my problems. I am very happy. I feel so blessed with my life right now, in my career, in my love life, in every aspect of my life. I guess the struggles I went through was part of a cycle. Now I am ready to start on a clean slate,” said Ryza who vowed never to attempt taking her life again.

She is happy and thankful that “Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B” will soon open nationwide as part of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. The movie is produced by The Idea First Company of directors Jun Lana and Perci Intalan. This is one of the 12 entries chosen at Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino which runs from August 16 to 22.

One controversial part in the film is her masturbation scene, where she needed to convince herself that she ought to do it. She even asked her director if that scene was really needed. When her director said yes, Ryza took some time to think and prepare herself in doing it.

“I know it is one scene that is hard for me to do but since it is vital to the movie, I had to psyche myself up before doing it,” she said.