RK Bagatsing plays good guy for a change

Kapamilya actor RK Bagatsing couldn’t be happier. He is playing the male lead in the morning drama “Nang Ngumiti ang Langit” which stars child actress Sophia Reola and comebacking actress Kaye Abad.

RK said he prayed hard for this role. His last two teleseryes (“Wildflower” and “Araw-Gabi”) had him playing kontrabida characters. He felt the viewers became unfair with his role as David in “Araw-Gabi” since they compared it to his award-winning role of Arnaldo Ardiente in “Wildflower.”

“No matter how I tried to make my acting different, the role of Arnaldo Ardiente was still how the audience saw me playing my role as David. Both Arnaldo and David are mean guys. I thought that if I will be given a good-natured and lovable role, maybe the audience will look at me differently,” said RK.

The actor believes that getting the role of Michael in “Nang Ngumiti ang Langit” is a big break for him. He considers it a blessing and he wants to prove himself worthy of the opportunity.

But RK did give it some thought before accepting offer since he will be playing a father to a young girl when he is not a father in real life.

“As an actor, I believe I have to pull off any role even if it is not in any way near your real life persona. I took it as a challenge,” said RK.

“For a change, my character here is not crazy. Michael is a very loving person. He wouldn’t think twice to sacrifice for the people he loves. I can relate to it because I am a very loving person, just like the typical Filipino. In being a father to Mikmik (Sofia), it is something I need to learn as we go along. But it’s a journey that I am excited to explore because I want to understand the unconditional love of being a father too so that the audience can relate to my role.”

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Congratulations to Sylvia Sanchez for winning the Best Actress award at the 5th Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival for the film “Jesusa,” which also won the Jury Prize. She tied with Angela Cortez, the lead actress of “Jino To Mari.”

This is the first time that a film of Sylvia competed at Sinag Maynila. While we have yet to see “Jesusa,” we heard good comments about Sylvia’s acting and how she is very deserving of the award.

We’ve also read good comments about “Jino To Mari” which is directed by Jay Altarejos who is a dear friend.

Sylvia is ecstatic with her victory, dedicating the award to her husband Art Atayde and their children Arjo, Ria and Xavi. The award inspires her to be better in her craft.

The other winners in 5th Sinag Maynila are Nar Cabico (Best Actor – “Akin ang Korona”), Best Picture – “Akin ang Korona,” Best Director – Daniel Palacio (“Akin ang Korona”), Best Sound (“Persons of Interest”), Best Musical Score (“Jino To Mari”), Best Production Design (“Jesusa”), Best Editing (“Pailalim”), Best Cinematography (“Pailalim”), Sinag Maynila Box Office Award – “Jino To Mari,” Best Screenplay (“Jino To Mari”), SM People’s Choice – “Akin ang Korona,” Best Director – Daniel Palacio (“Pailalim) and Best Picture – “Pailalim.”

The winners in the Documentary section are “Entablado” (Best Documentary); “Marian” – Best Short Film Citation ; 3rd Place Best Short Film – “Ngiti ni Nazareno”; 2nd Best Short – “Memories of the Rising Sun” and Best Short Film – “Panaghoy.”

We are just wondering why there was no award for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress.

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Actor-turned-director Perry Escano said he couldn’t say no to the very important role that was offered to him by Direk Jay Altarejos in “Jino To Mari.”

He has a short but interesting role as the coordinator in the making of a porno film of Oliver Aquino and Angela Cortez in “Jiro To Mari.”

“It was a different kind of role and I was glad I was able to pull it off,” said Perry who is our classmate in Batch 20 of Ricky Lee’s Scriptwriting Workshop. “I am very happy to be part of an award-winning film that people are talking about because of its timely theme.”

But Perry said directing movies is now his passion and he is looking forward to helming his next film project soon.