August 6 ------ Ahead of its nationwide showing on August 7, "When the World Met Ms. Probinsyana" had grand celebrations with mall tours, meet and greets with lead actors, and red carpet screenings in the Visayas region -- not one, but in three cities -- Bacolod, Iloilo, and Cebu. The movie, more popularly known for its shorten title "Miss Probinsyana," tells the journey of Marge, a determined young woman from the province, and her supportive partner Wil, a seafarer-turned-web developer. Drawing from her own experience as the daughter of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), Marge embarks on a transformative path to create change in her province.
She establishes her business process outsourcing (BPO) company in the province, defying the notion that success can only be found in urban centers. As Marge’s BPO venture grows, she encounters various obstacles, including financial setbacks, doubts and the stigma associated with being a female entrepreneur, and a bout of depression. With the support of her loved ones, she triumphs, proving that resilience and tenacity can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Two of the country's most versatile actors Rhian Ramos and Sid Lucero play Marge and Wil based on the life story of Marjorie Aviso, the CEO of Telework PH which is based in Bulacan.
A story is worth telling
“To me, it’s not just a story about achieving success,” Rhian told reporters during a media gathering. “The more important part of it was that when Marge put up a BPO, it wasn’t just for the purpose of turning it into a money-making business. It was for people in the province to have better work opportunities, despite the limits that people normally put on them, like, ‘Taga-probinsya? Does she even know enough English to answer the phone?’ Yes, because everything is trainable,” Ramos explained. She continued: “This kind of mentality limits their choices. They either end up being far away from their families as an OFW or limited to, ‘I’m sure you know how to cook and clean. Just keep doing that.’ I’m not putting that down as work. I love cooking and cleaning in my own time, if I choose to. What’s important is that the choice is there.”
According to director Jenny Pearl (JP) Ninalga, the idea to make the advocacy film came when she interviewed Marge for her TV show on Cignal. She recalled: “I’ve done several advocacy films in the past. When I learned about her story and her deeper issues or struggles, I said her story is worth telling.” "We would like to be the voice of the voiceless," said Ninalga. "There are many issues that we don't look into and minsan na ti--take for granted. As a filmmaker, this is our humble contribution to empower the voiceless."
Aviso, on the other hand, humbly said, "I have always asked myself if my story is even worth telling, for I know many more life stories deserve to be told. But this film is a testatement that you do not have to be great to make a difference in this world." Ramos reflected on her role, stating, "I definitely can say that I, an empowered woman kasi I make a lot of my choices for myself no matter how people assume I should be."
Festive celebrations in the Visayas
Prior to the special screenings on August 3-4, mall shows featuring M²ARJE band and Lance Raymundo where held at Ayala Malls Bacolod, Robinson's Pavia Iloilo, and SM City Cebu. M²ARJE is led by the inspiring Aviso herself as vocalist, while Raymundo also plays the psychiatrist who helped Marge overcome her inner battles in tyhe movie. Incidentally, M²ARJE band is also behind the four original soundtracks in the movie. After their lively performances, fans had pictorial sessions with Ramos!
This is the first time that an independently-produced movie has ever held a series of premiere nights outside of Metro Manila. This is made possible with the all out support of the LGUs and private businesses led by Seda Hotels Iloilo and Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, Robinson's Pavia and Ayala Malls Bacolod.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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