TIME OUT – Making the Manny Pacquiao filmbio is so physically and emotionally draining that Jericho Rosales is taking a time out from acting. In his words, “I’ll sit for a while and think of what I’ll do next.”
Echo’s contract with ABS-CBN recently expired and he opted not to renew it. Instead, he signed up a management contract with Genesis, following in the footsteps of his sweetheart Heart Evangelista. It’ll be recalled that when Heart’s contract with ABS-CBN lapsed, she joined Genesis, run by her sister in faith (born-again Christian) Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano. Echo is also born-again.
He’s likely to concentrate on his album while taking time out from acting. Certainly a more leisurely endeavor, unlike playing Pacquiao which had a punishing pace, shooting here and abroad, and getting mauled black and blue oncam.
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’DI KO KAYA’ – “After playing Pacquiao, I realize the champ deserves all the accolades and money he’s getting. Sobrang hirap ang maging boxer. Di ko kaya,” says Echo.
Director Joel Lamangan agrees completely, “Nag-shoot kami sa GenSan (where Pacquiao was born), sa LA at Las Vegas. Daan-daan ang ekstra namain. Nakakapagod. Gusto ko nang bumalik sa ‘Manay Po.” Di na ako ganoon kabata at kalusog.”
Joel shot the gay-oriented film “Manay Po” in two weeks. The Pacquiao filmbio took at least three months to finish.
Mommy Rose Flaminiano of FLT, who co-produced “The Manny Pacquiao Story” with Star Cinema, would rather not give the budget’s figure. But an insider said it may well hit the P50-million mark, minus promo. Which means it had to gross P150 million to break even at the theaters. But then the film has ancilliary rights like TV, cable, and video.
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PACQUIAO ESSENCE – Jericho Rosales recalls that even before facing the camera, direk Joel told him that what he had to capture was the essence of the boxing champion. Joel didn’t want a carbon copy of the person. Echo’s an actor (a very good one) and not an impersonator.
For example, Pacquiao has this distinct Visayan accent which Echo didn’t completely ape. The actor settled for just enough southern drawl to give the role the right flavor. Otherwise, he might end up like a caricature.
And what is the essence of Pacquiao? Joel says it’s a poor boy from the province who fought all odds to emerge a people’s champion, an idol these trying times.
Bea Alonzo, who plays Manny’s wife Jinky, says that Joel gave the same advice. Capture the essence of Mrs. Pacquiao, a strong woman who stands by her husband’s side through good and bad times.
Jiro Manio plays the young Manny Pacquiao.
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FUTURE NATIONAL ARTIST – As far as Tita Midz (Armida Siguion Reyna) is concerned, Joel Lamangan is a future National Artist, just like directors Bert Avellana, Gerry de Leon, Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, and Eddie Romero. And, of course, the great Fernando Poe, Jr.
“Tita Midz is a friend. Di ko iniisip ’yan. Kung magkakatotoo man, malayong-malayo pa. Marami pa akong pelikulang gagawin,” Joel protests.
He believes there are other directors more deserving of the National Artist title.
