‘Manila’s Finest’ actors on why the period film still matters today

MANILA, Philippines, December 28 ------ A film can reflect on the present, preview the future or look back on the past. This year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, “Manila’s Finest,” takes on the latter, bringing one back to 1969 and following a police squad. Personal and collective stories will unfold as viewers try to make sense of the actions and decisions of the characters.

Among them are policemen Severino Meneses, Rogelio Liwanag and Epifanio Javier, played by Romnick Sarmenta, Joey Marquez and Rico Blanco, respectively. When asked to give bits and pieces about their roles in a group chat, seasoned actors Romnick and Joey shared that Severino is the no-filter-short fuse kind, while Rogelio is the experienced cop. Singer-songwriter Rico wanted to give any detail but kept mum about it. “I think maraming makaka-identify (many can identify) with each character and maraming ma-a-identify na characters, parang ano yan, parang ganito yan (many will also be reminded by the characters),” said Romnick about what the characters individually and collectively tell moviegoers, adding that they can pinpoint the relevance of the film that “we’ve seen somethings before and we’ve gone through the same things before, pero nasaan na tayo ngayon (but where are we now?)”

So, “Manila’s Finest” will present issues that might still be considered pressing in contemporary times. “For me, I saw the difference between the police before and now,” shared Joey. “The convenience the police (enjoys now, work-wise), you (could) hardly find it before kasi lahat dati manual (they would do things manually back then).” That also spoke of the police’s talent and perseverance.

The actor was perhaps also referring to the digital technology that includes the use of computer database, search engines, mobile phones and cameras that aid police work these days. “Today, we have the technology, and it seems that everything is easy,” said Joey. “So, yun ang na-feel ko na gustong i-portray ng movie na ito and the difference between the police before and the police now.”

As for Rico, it gives one the space to think about “human nature” while watching the movie. “We all know someone who is a little bit like that, a little bit like (this) but also, I think, within ourselves, there’s a little bit of each character,” said he, hinting at the idea that a character shows a particular life principle.

What was it like working on the “Manila’s Finest” set? The actors said it was fun, filled with listening to music, singing and chatting with each other in between takes. They had a harmonious and collaborative relationship and everybody was helping to enhance the performance. Although he has acted before, Rico remains the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon to most people. It’s a welcome change, however, to see him play a part in the period-action-drama film. “I would say gamay (the one I’m very familiar with) would be singing kasi (since) I’m doing it more,” said he. “In terms of kung ano ang mas gusto ko (which one I want more), I enjoy both because when I sing, (I consider) every song is an act.”

Songs in every concert represent different personas, shared he, and one is stepping into someone else’s shoes when singing a song. “Manila’s Finest” is one of the entries in the forthcoming MMFF, which treats everyone to a collection of entertaining and engaging movies that highlight Pinoy culture, identity and values. “Every time, you learn that your movie is part of the filmfest, (you feel that) there’s a certain pressure,” said Romnick, also talking about the quality of movies viewers expect to have. “Ang wish ko lang, panoorin lahat. Panoorin lahat duon sa festival,” added he. “Kasi hindi mo rin ma-a-appreciate yung awards night kung kailan sinabing ito yung Best Actor, ito yung Best Film, ito yung Best Actress kung hindi mo napanood lahat (you won’t be able to appreciate the awards night or why he or she wins the Best Performance award or this film is named the best if you don’t watch them).”

For Joey, it’s an honor to be part of an MMFF movie. From what he has understood, the entry is not just a good one, but one of the best to be included in the film festival. “So, nakakataas ng morale (it boosts one’s morale) atsaka to be one of the performers in this filmfest ay nagbibigay ng confidence sa amin (it also gives actors confidence),” added he. “It’s my first time to be part of a project that’s included in the filmfest,” said Rico. “So, I’m just really honored and to be part of such as an all-star (cast).” He also considered everyone involved very high caliber. So, he made sure that he delivered in essaying the police man role, which is a part of the puzzle about brotherhood.

Presented by MQuest Ventures and Cignal TV, with Spring Films and Raymond Red as director, “Manila’s Finest” in cinemas nationwide for film enthusiasts and the public to enjoy.

Source: philstar.com