Glaiza de Castro returns to Cinemalaya

Award-winning actor Edgar Allan Guzman had a wonderful homecoming a few weeks ago at “Eat Bulaga” where he won as Mr. Pogi 2006. He said it felt good going back to the Broadway studio.

It took quite a long time before EA was able to go back to the top-rating noontime show. He became a contract star of the Kapatid Network and then moved to the Kapamilya network where he emerged 4th runner-up in the reality show “Your Face Sounds Familiar” and was a mainstay of the top-rating drama “Doble Kara.”

“They were happy for me when they learned I won several acting awards. They even joked baka nagbago na ako. But I told them I haven’t changed. I am still the same person they knew. Ang bait nilang lahat, lalo na si Tito Joey de Leon, kahit saan niya ako makita niyayakap niya ako,” recalled EA over dinner before the 2nd Eddys Award on Monday where he was nominated Best Actor for “Deadma Walking.”

EA is celebrating his 12th showbiz anniversary. Aside from the awards and nominations he got for “Deadma Walking,” he is also thankful for the film projects that are coming his way.

He is the lead actor in “Pinay Beauty,” produced by Quantum Films and is an entry to the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino which runs from August 15 to 21 in cinemas nationwide.

EA plays the loving boyfriend of Chai Fonacier in the film directed by Jay Abello. “My character is the type of boyfriend who’d do anything for the one he loves even it that gets me into trouble. Because of the desire of Chai’s character to look more beautiful, I will help her and that’s when problem happens.”

“I am very thankful of the many good projects coming my way and these movies are selected to be part of festivals. I hope to do more movies that the audience will like and enjoy watching,” said EA, who won the Best Supporting Actor award at the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival for “Deadma Walking.”

“Pinay Beauty” is a comedy written by Allan Habon and Rod Marmol. It is about the perennial quest of a Filipina to look Caucasian and the cost it entails. Also in the film are Janus del Prado, Nico Antonio, Hannah Ledesma, Mariko Ledesma, with Chai Fonacier and Maxine Medina.

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Kapuso actress Glaiza De Castro is excited to be back in Cinemalaya via the movie titled “Liway.”

Directed by Kip Oebanda, “Liway” tells the story of a young mother who uses storytelling to protect her child from the reality of growing up inside the prison and the difficult life she has endured.

Glaiza plays Day who does her best to shelter her child from the realities of their life. She uses the story of an enchantress named Liway, as well as songs and imagination, to help ensure that her boy is free from trauma.

At the tail end of Martial Law, Day’s own dark past catches up with her and the lives of the detainees become increasingly difficult. She is confronted with the cruel possibility that the best interest of her child means never ever seeing her again.

“This is based on a true story,” said Glaiza of her role in the film. “But contrary to what the title suggests, hindi naman masyadong heavy ang movie namin. But I had a problem with my schedule when this was first offered to me so I thought I won’t be able to do it.”

But she really wanted to do it as Glaiza fell in love with the script. “I really love the script. It was a good thing GMA-7 allowed me to accept the project even if they wanted me to prioritize the teleserye ‘Contessa.’ I fought for this project and I am glad that GMA gave me the go signal to do it,” added Glaiza who makes her return to Cinemalaya after some absence.

But while she finds her role challenging and interesting, she is not thinking of winning an award for her performance. She is just happy to be part of Cinemalaya which is now on its 14th year.

With a star-studded line-up that includes movies by Celeste Legaspi (“Mamang”), Ai Ai delas Alas (“School Service”), Iza Calzado (“Distance”) and Perla Bautista (“Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon”),  and Yayo Aguila (“Lookout”) just to name a few, it’s anybody’s ballgame who will win the best actress award.

“When I saw the trailer of some of the entries, parang gusto ko nang mag-conceed, may nanalo na,” Glaiza said with a laugh. “But kidding aside, just to be part of this line-up is already a blessing.”