A different kind of third wheel

The IdeaFirst Company creative artist and director Ivan Andrew Payawal is beaming with anticipation with the release of his latest movie titled “Ang Pambansang Third Wheel” from Viva Films and The IdeaFirst Company.

Direk Ivan wrote the script of this film that stars Yassi Pressman and Sam Milby and which opens in cinemas nationwide today.

“I am very excited. I can’t explain how excited I am. Of course, I am also nervous because when we do films, we give all we’ve got, even ourselves, to make a good movie. I make sure to give it my all and share a part of me. That’s why I can’t help but have the jitters because when your film is shown, it’s like you are exposing yourself. And you really want the majority to like it,” said Direk Ivan, adding that he is very proud of the film.

“Ang Pambansang Third Wheel” is about Tina (Yassi) who is always a third wheel. Third wheel is the term used to describe single people who are waiting for the “one” to come into their life. And while they are waiting, they always join their couple friends.

“There’s a different twist to the story. Usually, when you are the third wheel, she keeps her couple friends company. But in this movie, Trina enters into a relationship with Neo (Sam) who has a son and she needs to get along with the kid. So she’s basically still a third wheel. Basically, the story tackles the challenges of being in a relationship and trying hard to work on it. As the saying goes, when you love someone, you will fight for it.”

How was it like working with Sam and Yassi? “The best thing about Yassi is her drive. She’s so hard working. Even if she lacks sleep and is tired coming from the taping of ‘Ang Probinsyano,’ she comes on time. She comes to the set prepared and you will never hear her complain. She won’t say that she is already exhausted. She gives her best always, more than 100 percent, that’s why we are all inspired to work. Her corny jokes are the best but it seems I’m the only one laughing at her jokes,” said Direk Ivan.

“With Sam, he is one of the most kind-hearted people I know. He comes to the set always with a smile. He makes sure everyone on the set had their fill of food since he always makes it a point to bring food for everybody. He’s focused when it comes to work. You can sense that he loves his work and that’s the reason why he has lasted this long in the business. There was one time, he had a terrible stomachache on the set and we were telling him that we will take him to the hospital. But he didn’t want to leave even if he could hardly stand. He wanted to finish all his sequences since he didn’t want to cause delay. That’s why we love him so much. And Yassi, too.”

Also featured in “Ang Pambansang Third Wheel” are Al Tantay, Alonzo Muhlach, Sam Pinto, Candy Pangilinan, Francine Prieto, Kim Molina, Cholo Barretto and Bob Jbeili.

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The award-winning film “Bomba” starring Allen Dizon will have its premiere showing on Friday, March 9, at the SM City North EDSA as part of the Sinag Maynila Film Festival where it is one of the five official entries.

Directed by Ralston Jover, the said movie already won for Allen and his co-star Nicole Angelie Sanoy the Special Jury Prize (for Acting) at the Warsaw International Film Festival.

It also won for Allen the Best Actor Award at the Dhaka International Film Festival in Poland last January.

Here’s what Mr. Joel David, a noted film critic and film historian, wrote about Allen’s performance in Bomba: “He was mesmerizing in ‘Bomba.’ Mahusay bumuo ng dramatic aspects ng linear narrative. Mr. D in ‘Bomba’ starts with a combination of pathos and dignity, then sustains and builds up this tension until it becomes unbearable. I remember having to turn away a few times because of the pain he was able to convey…”

Allen previously won a Best Actor award at Sinag Maynila in 2015 for “Imbisibol.” Is another award forthcoming for him in this year’s Sinag Maynila?

The awards night of Sinag Maynila will be held on Sunday, March 11, at the Conrad Hotel.