Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2017
Jericho Rosales and Erich Gonzales star in "Siargao," a movie centered on a colorful twist in the love story of the central characters that gives perfect attention to the majestic splendor and exceptional beauty of the surfing island
‘Siargao’ has romance, environmental awareness and tourism promotion
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HE surfing capital of the Philippines finally takes front and center in acclaimed director-producer Paul Soriano’s first Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry Siargao, starring Asia’s Drama Prince Jericho Rosales and celebrated actresses Erich Gonzales and Jasmine Curtis-Smith.
Deviating from his previous serious projects, Soriano finally dips his fingers into the lighter romance-drama genre with his first travel-themed movie focusing on the story of a woman who is finding, recreating and rebuilding herself in the picturesque island of Siargao. “It was very light. It was very peaceful. I really had the most fun shooting this film out of all my films,” he said. More than showcasing and promoting the beautiful island and its majestic tourist spots, He also aims to create an awareness to match the province’s booming tourism. “Now that we have this voice, we have this media attention, we also want to make sure to create an awareness that let’s take care of Siargao. Let’s take care of the beauty of Siargao, the beauty of
the beaches. Let’s respect the locals and let’s not saturate it,” he explained saying that they made sure to interlace their advocacy into the film’s script and their ongoing promotional efforts. Joining him in this cause are Jericho, who plays the role of Diego, the island-lover love interest of the brokenhearted video blogger Laura, played by Erich and the environmental activist and Siargao native, Abby, played by Jasmine. Although Soriano’s Ten17P Productions produced Jasmine’s indie film Transit (2013), in Siargao he to direct her, Erich and Jericho. “I’ve always thought ‘This girl has it!’ She takes her craft seriously and I’ve always wanted to work with her as a director,” he said of Jasmine. “What was nice
Jericho Rosales also shares the screen with Jasmine Curtis-Smith
about Jasmine was even when we were shooting, she was really immersed to the experience.” Although he’s long been wanting to work with him, Soriano shared that he wasn’t able to get Jericho’s approval right from the get go. “When I was starting to think of my actors, of course Jericho was top of mind. Jericho has
been a good friend of mine for how many years. I pitched it to Echo it wasn’t a ‘yes’ agad it was more of ‘Let’s meet usap muna tayo, kape muna tayo.’ Tapos we talked and talked and we talked and talked more,” he described. Erich caught Soriano’s attention as early as her promising Katorse days. True
enough, he was able to discover Erich’s passion for acting while filming Siargao. “When we went to Siargao, she had a really crash course on surfing and she did it. I mean it’s not easy to get up on your surfboard but she did it. I remember pa when we had our dinner she had cuts and bruises all over her legs and her arms pero go pa rin siya,” he said. Erich couldn’t be any happier that she’s returning to the big screen after four years and with her first-ever title MMFF entry at that. “Well it’s nice to be back to be back and to do a movie na… nakaka-excite ito yung story mismo. And then siyempre yung setting niya, one of the beautiful destinations in the country and swerte tayo na napasali rin siya sa Metro Manila Film Festival,” she said. Erich’s last film was 2014’s Shake Rattle and Roll. The film also saw a lot of first for Erich including surfing, cliff jumping, going to Siargao, riding the motorbike and working with her co-stars and her director. “Nandoon kami for a like a month, I mean balikan naman. Sobrang ganda n g experience namin
dun kasi parang you’re working pero at the same time parang nagbabakasyon ka rin doon,” she said. Erich describes their set as “one big happy family” as she learned life lessons from Jericho, got along well with Jasmine and appreciated the passion of Soriano for his craft. “We all got along, like what I said kami-kami lang and andun eh. Nagtutulungan rin kapag kailangan ng example sa camera or ilaw, tulong-tulong walang diva or ano,” she said. After trying and getting rejected in the Metro Manila Film Festival thrice, Soriano finally made it. But, according to him, he’s looking forward to experiencing one particular thing this coming Metro Manila Film Festival season. “Personally, I’m looking forward to finally having one of my films watched by a lot of people. Yun lang. Most if not all of the films I’ve done in the past, my audiences are very niche lang. It would be nice to see the cinema more than 50 percent full. Sanay ako sa 10 people lang watching my film, 20 people watching my film, 30 people watching my film,” he ended.
Great reasons to watch the largest ‘Disney On Ice’ show By Nickie Wang AT LEAST 50 performers from 13 different countries are going to make the annual Disney on Ice at the Mall of Asia Arena one for the books. According to Producer Nicole Feld, the production that will run beginning Christmas Day until Jan. 3, is by far the largest Disney On Ice show that they currently have as they
bring together favorite Disney characters from Snow White, Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to Elsa and Anna. With great anticipation on the annual live spectacle, we are having a rundown of the best reasons why Disney On Ice, with a theme, “Everyone’s Story,” is a must watch this holiday season: Unforgettable Disney stars Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse, sweetheart
Disney takes Olaf's adventure with Princess Elsa on the ice rink
Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy take to the ice with their friends from beloved Disney movies that span decades from Pinocchio to Frozen. Travel into the heart of Africa with Disney’s The Lion King, come along for an adventure in friendship with the gang from Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story and watch in amazement as Belle breaks the Beast’s curse in the tale of Beauty and the Beast. Guests will also enjoy a special appearance by royal sisters Anna and Elsa from the number-one animated feature film of all time, Disney’s Frozen. Melodious masterpieces With at least 30-speaker enclosure and 16 channels on the sound console, Disney on Ice is going to be an immersive experience. Producer Nicole Feld said that their vision is for audiences everywhere to dance and sing along to their favorite Disney songs, so they have included 30 tunes that they know and love. The collection of Disney melodies includes family favorites like “Hakuna Matata,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “Let It Go.” Rock out with Squirt and his rambunctious turtle friends from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Nemo with the original song “Turtle Rock.” Fall in love with a musical montage of dazzling prince and princess pairs skating to “At Last I See the Light,” and “A Whole
"Disney on Ice" Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse with his friends Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy
New World,” to name a few. Stunning choreography Choreographers Cindy Stuart and Sarah Kawahara created breathtaking production numbers to showcase the magic of each Disney tale. The choreography reflects the individuality of the 14 stories while staying true to the legacy of Disney. Some of the most enticing elements include Aladdin’s comical Genie duplicating before your eyes and the energetic moves of Mickey and Minnie’s marching band. Intricate sets It takes 14 hours to set up Disney on Ice’s theatrical ambiance, which is created on ice with an iconic castle that allows for a smooth transition throughout the narrative. Designed by David Potts and Robert Bissinger, the elaborate set that measures 38 feet and weighs 12 tons (with Elsa’s ice palace being the largest),
also used to aid in the immersive environment like a traditional Chinese dragon in the festival on ice from Disney’s Mulan. Audiences will be awestruck as the set pieces and props come together for a truly mesmerizing atmosphere as seen when Elsa’s ice palace builds itself from the ground up complete with a majestic staircase and icy curtain. Beautiful costumes Complementing the fabulous skating sequences are gorgeous costumes designed by Scott Lane and Greg Poplyk with the help of around 40 people worked on them. Some costumes weigh as little as a couple of pounds while others are as heavy as a grownup person weighing 50 plus pounds (Elsa’s cape alone for example, already weighs 20 pounds). The astounding designs range from the citizens of Arendelle to the stars of Finding Nemo.
The bright colors and minimal structure in the underwater creature costumes allow the characters to move freely in order to mimic the natural movement in water, whereas the attire for the citizens of Arendelle provides a seamless transition from summer to winter. The best in the business To put together a captivating show with a cavalcade of Disney characters, the father-daughter producing duo of Kenneth Feld and Nicole Feld called on the best and brightest in the business. With Director Patty Vincent leading the way and a creative team of choreographers and designers, Disney On Ice celebrates Everyone’s Story is sure to be a timeless favorite among all Disney fans. Tickets are available for as low as P190 and on sale at www. smtickets.com or in SM Cinema ticket booths nationwide.