Robin Padilla returns to major action
Action superstar Robin Padilla portrays former Philippine National Police Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa in an upcoming true-to-life movie.
“Bato The Movie: The General Dela Rosa Story” tackles the colorful life of the former PNP Police Chief. But more than just being a policeman who dedicated his life and loyalty to his country, the movie also shows the other side of Bato.
The biopic also marks the first time that Robin is working in a film that will be distributed by Regal Entertainment. It is a known fact that Robin was a true-blue Viva Films contract star. So at the press conference of the film yesterday, the action star declared that he is now a Regal baby.
“It is easy to portray General Bato but what I found hard is trying to look like him physically,” said the handsome actor who was very much elated that he is doing a big action film where he is reunited with most of his colleagues in the movie industry.
“Bato: The Movie” shows how it all started for the former PNP chief: from a simple boy in the rural area whose morals and ideals were shaped by his idealistic father, the very person who wanted the young Bato to be the defender of the good when he grows up.
“General Bato’s story is very inspiring,” said Robin. “While we may see him as a tough guy on the outside, he is really a very loving person who cares for his family. He loves his wife dearly.”
The movie likewise marks the first time Robin is working with Adolf Alix, an award-winning indie film director.
“I had fun working with Direk Adolf. He is the type who has no insecurities. What I like about Direk is that he allowed me to collaborate with him on how I will portray General Bato. He allowed to do my own interpretation of the role,” Robin added.
What lesson can the audience learn from the story of General Bato? “Even if times are difficult, as long as you work hard and persevere, you will achieve your dreams. You can have a good life if you work hard and focus on your goal,” Robin said in Filipino.
Robin added he missed doing an action movie of this magnitude. “It is definitely worth your hard-earned peso. Each actor that you see with me now worked hard so we can give an action film you will be proud of,” he promised
“Bato: The Movie” tackles the personal struggles of a policeman. Those moments when they doubt themselves: Did they choose the right path? Is it worth it to offer their service to the public? Is it worth it to lay down their lives in the call of duty?
When the offer to do the story of General Bato came to Robin, he was still busy doing his teleserye for ABS-CBN (“Sana Dalawa ang Puso”) and was preparing for the Marawi film that he is co-producing.
“Please give me the script so I can read it,” was Robin’s remark when he was told of the offer. Two days after reading the script, he had a meeting with General Bato and the deal was sealed.
The movie is an all-star cast that includes Beauty Gonzales, Alvin Anson, Archie Alemania, Joko Diaz, Ricky Davao, Gardo Versoza, Gina Alajar, Kiko Estrada, Kiko Matos and Polo Ravales, among others.
The film will open in cinemas on Jan. 30. “Bato: The Movie” marks the debut of ALV Films in the Philippine film industry.
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Senatorial bet Dan Roleda’s life has always been linked to the entertainment industry. The 61-year-old lawyer and former Manila Councilor (fourth District, Sampaloc, Sta. Mesa) party list representative under Ang Lakas ng Bagong Kooperatiba (ALAB) worked very closely with the award-winning director and fellow Waray Chito Roño in the early ‘80s to uplift industry standards.
He was responsible for the passage of the Amended Tax Law in 1995 that primarily protected movie producers. The amended law ensures transparency in the ticket sales for the correct collection of the said tax by local government units, and at the same time allows movie producers accurate date on box-office sales. The law made mandatory the use of transparent ticket boxes that we now see today in all theaters.
He wishes to address problems like the benefits and welfare of all workers related thereto, which are sub-standard, and of course, piracy.
Kaibigan Dan is also just as concerned about film distribution. He knows that film producers lose a lot of money when theaters unceremoniously pull out their films from cineplexes after a day of two. The senatorial bet wants to form a special governing body that will help producers and all workers related to the entertainment industry.
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