Siquijor, Beks Battalion’s film debut, and the next JaDine?

CEBU, Philippines — It was a film meant for JaDine which is now all but dissolved for a variety of reasons. Telling Viva he needed a Pinay-looking actress and a foreigner male lead with Filipino lineage, director Daryll Yap was given Aubrey Caraan and Marco Gallo as the new love team he had to launch.

Knowing full well there is still a fervent fandom that would be enraged, this was nonetheless Yap’s fearless assessment: Aubrey and Marco in their first team-up performed better if stacked against the first few projects together of Nadine Lustre and James Reid.

“Because I’m a writer and I’m from social media, the first few movies of JaDine, galing yan ng Wattpad. Sinubaybayan ko din yan,” Yap said during a digital media conference. “Kung paano nagsimula sila Nadine and James, mas magaling sila Aubrey and Marco ngayong nagsisimula sila. That is my opinion.”

In his 10th film for 2021 alone, the ever controversial director is not only testing out to Vivamax subscribers if they’ll embrace the tandem of another ordinary girl and her mestizo Prince Charming, he was likewise featuring the Youtube sensation Beks Battalion in their very first movie.

A bizarre combination of comedy, romance and the “supernatural”, “Ang Manananggal Na Nahahati Ang Puso” is about college student Giuseppe (Marco) who goes to a small barrio to research for his thesis about the mythical Filipino creatures called “aswang”. There, the Fil-Italian meets the eccentric barrio girl Giniper (Aubrey) who helps him with his research. With Giniper’s help, Giuseppe will not just learn about mythical creatures in the barrio, he will also experience enchanting encounters with various folks.

Also starring are comedians and viral YouTube vloggers Chad Kinis, Lassy Marquez, and MC Calaquian collectively known as the Beks Batallion, in the roles of Gudong, Gingging and Gimo respectively; and Teresa Loyzaga as Guinta, plus the special participation of veteran actors Gina Pareño and Johnny Revilla.

“If people are always saying that love is nothing without trust, this film will teach us that love and constant forgiveness should always go hand in hand,” said Yap. “This world is full of scammers, of people who will hurt you. You just have to be wise and choose those who will hurt you but are you are capable of forgiving.”

Another selling point for “Ang Manananggal” is that it was shot in the enchanting island of Siquijor which opened its doors to the production amidst pandemic restrictions. “You will fall in love with the beauty of Siquijor,” Lassy guaranteed.

Whether he felt the weight of filling in for a part that was originally meant for James, Marco said, “When it was given to us I don’t think the goal was to become the better choice. Instead, the aim was to be as close as possible and as good as they are. Maybe audiences can welcome us as they’ve welcomed JaDine when they were beginning.”

Marco can rest easy, because as Yap revealed, he received a call from Viva honcho Boss Vic del Rosario who congratulated him for creating an acting piece for the former PBB housemate.

In what became a viral clip prior to the film’s release, Marco’s butt exposure for a shower scene was such a delight for the Beks Battalion and a major point of discussion during the interview. While everyone commended his pluckiness, Marco said he simply didn’t want to be a cause of delay on set. So pull down his knickers without any qualms he did.

Said Yap of the actor, “That’s the beauty when you cast non-superstars: they are more courageous and open to doing what the script requires. And they are not bound by endorsement clauses.”

Of his leading lady – the former ABS-CBN Pinoy Dream Academy Little Dreamer who later on became part of Viva’s Pop Girls – Marco revealed it was his first time to be paired with someone who accepted him warts and all.

“I showed my true colors to her in private. In my head it was, ‘If this is too much for her I understand. But this is me.’ I also told her I’m willing to accept every kind of way she thinks,” he shared.

“I’m so happy that for the first time in a love team Aubrey didn’t judge me no matter how different we are. I felt really welcomed for once in a love team. I don’t have to pretend. And that’s the nicest feeling.”

As for the phenomenal trio, Yap said “Ang Manananggal” shows them – for a change – not merely as comedians, but as certified actors.

“I’m not saying dramatic actors are not intelligent. But having so many comedian friends, I think matatalino ang mga magagaling magpatawa,” he said.

“Nakakatawa ang Beks Battalion behind the scenes but if you watch this film hindi talaga sila komedyante dito. I wanted them to be human and take off their sidekick cloaks. I’ve always been praising Lassy and Chad, but I’m telling you, napakahusay ni MC dito. I really felt his talent in drama. They deserve all the success they have now.”

On how life has changed since they shot to fame in the past year via their Youtube channel, Lassy said, “Hindi ko masabi na andiyan na yung fame talaga for me. Kasi kung ano ako before ganoon pa rin ako ngayon. Hindi ko nilalagay sa ulo ko. At the same time, ang saya na binabanggit ang pangalan mo bilang ikaw. Unlike before na they will just say hi. Malaki talaga ang difference. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam to be acknowledged.”