MMFF: Rocco portrays iconic saint in ‘Pedro Calungsod: Ang Batang Martir”

MANILA, Philippines - Rocco Nacino doesn’t want to focus on the competition in the upcoming 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival.

He is the lead star of the biopic “Pedro Calungsod: Ang Batang Martir,” which is about the life story of young saint Pedro Calungsod.

“I’ll just be optimistic na, yes, malulupit yung mga kasama mo (sa competition) pero pantay-pantay kayo d’yan,” he said in a previous interview with Philstar.com.

Related: Rocco has a ‘beautiful outlook in life’ thanks to movie role

“Kung mapapakita ko nang maganda yung film, kung mapo-portray ko nang maayos, kung magiging accurate ako, at maaaprubahan ng Catholic Church, award na yun. Kung magkakaroon ng award, bonus na lang yun,” he added.

The Kapuso actor doesn’t mind as well being the second choice for the said role. The first choice to portray the role of Pedro Calungsod is Kapamilya actor JM de Guzman.

“Pedro Calungsod: Ang Batang Martir” is about the story of Pedro, a Filipino catechist who joined Fr. Diego de San Vitores’ (Christian Vasquez) mission of spreading the Catholic faith in Marianas Island, Guam.

But as the locals of Marianas resist spread of Christian faith, Pedro’s faith is tested as he witnesses the struggle of their group in disseminating the words of God and fighting for their faith.

Other members of the film's cast are Jestoni Alarcon, Ryan Eigenmann, Robert Correa, Alvin Aragon, Victor Basa, BJ Forbes, Carlo Gonzalez, Arthur Solinap, Mico Palanca, Cholo Barretto, Geoff Taylor, Johann Santos, Isadora Valasquez, Ruby Ruiz and Mercedes Cabral.

“Pedro Calungsod: Ang Batang Martir” is directed by Francis Villacorta and produced by HPI Synergy Group.

All MMFF entries will be in cinemas starting December 25.