Two of the Philippines’ finest actresses, Iza Calzado and Meryl Soriano are all set to be part of the Ricky Lee scripted and Alvin Yapan directed film, Culion.
Calzado gives life to the character of Ditas, supposedly the “hopeful one.” She dreams and wishes that in her lifetime, a cure for Hansen’s disease (leprosy) will come to fruition.
Aside from being the lead femme, Calzado adds another feather to her cap by being one of the executive producers of this highly anticipated motion picture.
“I actually first got wind of the story because of Shandii (Bacolod, one of the producers) and I think it happened during the birthday of sir Ricky Lee,” Calzado comes clean.
“I learned about the story from him and during our conversation, sir Ricky told me that he is writing a role for me, with me in mind. Hearing that from him, oh my, may himala,” she punctuates her reveal with a giddy guffaw.
She carries on: “When I learned about the character I will portray as Ana, the hopeful one who wants to get out of Culion, and believes that there will be a cure for leprosy, there were all sorts of emotions that I felt. Excited, very much. Kilig and that kind of nervousness that produces butterfly in your stomach and you know that it is a good thing. I am grateful that I will breathe life to a character written by Ricky Lee.”
The executive producer part, Maria Izadora explains, “When we did Mystified and even before that, I wanted to come on board as a producer. I was just not given the opportunity. So I figured, as the lead for the film, I could probably swing that deal. So I did. All you have to do is ask.”
Relates Soriano who portrays Ditas: “I am given a chance to give life to one of Sir Ricky Lee’s characters in a gripping story inspired from true events. As an actor and a human being, it gives me a powerful voice, It is also a dream that is being realized.”
“I am honored to be surrounded by an amazing team who makes films with their whole heart and soul. To be directed by an educator, Alvin Yapan and produced by my dear friend Shandii Bacolod, an inspiration to me. This film is truly a gift. I am excited to work with Iza, this fact I cannot deny,” she carries on.
What is about Ditas that she finds challenging as an actress? Soriano’s quick reply: “Ditas is a woman who has lost all hope in her life. She has a lot of angst, anger even because of the heartbreaking situations she faces. She is so desperate in wanting to leave the colony. In her desperation, she has become suicidal. She feels that killing herself is the easy way out. What is funny is, ilang beses niya tinatangka na magpakamatay. Pero, lagi siyang naliligtas.”
“Pardon me from using this line from Britney Spears song. But the loneliness and memories are killing her. Deep inside, she is really devastated. If people get to watch her, I know they will understand her. Her very life offers so many lessons on survival and how each woman addresses her given situation,” she adds.
In conclusion, Soriano declares, “Culion, the film and the lives of the characters that will be highlighted in it are great conversation topics. This is a story that must be told and people must know about the lives of Ana, Ditas and many more.
Culion is intended for submission in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.
