Let’s hear it from the Walwal girls

Two Sundays ago, Conversations featured the four actors of Regal Entertainment, Inc.’s Walwal, which portrays today’s young who “let go” by simply doing nothing (as in “Wala lang,” according to director Joey Javier Reyes) to de-stress and just enjoy the moment. They are the millennials.

The actors: Kiko Estrada as Marco, the gorgeous f--kboy who has a way with girls; Donny Pangilinan as Bobby, a diehard filmmaker wannabe who idolizes Brillante Mendoza; Elmo Magalona as Dondi, the prim-and-proper good son; and Jerome Ponce as Intoy, a champion volleyball player whose weakness is his academic capabilities.

Now, let’s hear it from the girls: Jane de Leon as Dondi’s ex-girlfriend who is equally pained by the break-up; Devon Seron as Trina, a feisty girl who is independent-minded; Sophia Senoron as Shelby, a pretty girl in school who becomes Dondi’s apple of the eyes; and Kisses Delavin as Ruby, the strange cosplaying film student.

From left:Kiko Estrada, Donny Pangilinan, Elmo Magalona and Jerome Ponce

Gerald Mark Foliente wrote the story and screenplay.

“He’s one of my writing students at La Salle,” said direk Joey, “and he knows the ‘now’ generation because he belongs to it. His story is based on first-hand point-of-view,” adding with a laugh, “most of the people involved in the movie are from the Walwal Generation. I’m the only senior in the bunch.”

Listen to the four girls on how it is to be a “walwal” and how they confront the issues of their generation. 

What is your most hilarious/memorable walwal experience?

Jane: Actually po wala pa naman po talaga since I haven’t tried pa magwalwal.

Devon: It didn’t happen in real life but during the shoot of my confrontation scene with Kiko na dapat ko siyang sampalin. I hit him hard even if I tried to control myself, so I felt sorry for him. Kiko didn’t really mind but I still tried to console him. Generally, doing the movie was fun and we always looked forward to the next shooting day. It was an honor to work with direk Joey. I used to watch his movies and I never imagined that he would be directing me.

Sophia: Definitely the taping of my first scene. Since this is my debut movie, it was my first time to be on an actual set with a celebrity, under all the lights and cameras with a veteran director. It was a surreal experience and definitely the most memorable.

Kisses: I haven’t tried walwal yet but I’m curious with how a lot of people find it so fun! I’m currently busy with life so I don’t think I will be making walwal anytime soon.

Jane: I think the main problems of walwals are depression and family issues

What do you consider as the No. 1 problem of walwals?

Jane: I think depression and family issues talaga...like kulang sa attention because it’s either busy ang parents or talagang they just feel ignored or not loved. That’s why they look for consolation in other people through pagwawalwal.

Devon: I wouldn’t know what the No. 1 problem is but I guess one of them is their inability or refusal to open up to their families. They’d rather unload their problems to their friends during walwal sessions. Kaya malaking bagay po talaga ang pagkakaibigan at kung sino mga kaibigan mo.

Sophia: Knowing your limits? It’s OK to have fun and I encourage people to enjoy their lives but be aware of the limits.

Kisses: The No. 1 problem of walwals is that some of them go out to escape life and still feel empty, asking, “Why?” It is because true happiness can’t be found anywhere, except in yourself, how you feel inside you.

Sophia: My generation dares to push the limits to see how far they can go

What do you think is the difference between the Walwal Generation and that of your parents?

Jane: I think the walwal children are aggressive and free-spirited; they’re not afraid to try anything and do just what they want to do. In our parents’ generation, very strict din ang parents nila to the point na takot din sila to try and explore new things.

Devon: I suppose those in our parents’ generation also did what young people are doing today, except that the walwals are more aggressive, more wild. Mas maraming problematic na kabataan ngayon so they try to “let go” as a means of escape sa bigat ng problema at hinaharap nila sa buhay.?

Sophia: My generation is definitely known for daring to push the limits to see how far we can go.

Kisses: My parents’ generation was conservative. Things may have changed now, but the friendships remain rock solid.

Kisses: My parents inspire me to pursue my dreams and passion in life

How is your upbringing at home?

Jane: I would say that my parents really raise me well. My dad most especially was really strict sa lahat ng bagay…like going out with friends is not easy for me. Ang mom ko naman po is focused more on personal matters…like how should I look, talk and act in public. Pati ‘yung spiritual development na rin po. They just keep on reminding me. Thanks to you, Mom and Dad. I love you po!

Devon: My parents are really strict. It’s not that they don’t trust me, they just don’t trust other people lang baka anong mangyari sa amin. I grew up on so many bawal — no gadgets and no celfone, and super minsan lang pwede mag-TV. I couldn’t go out of the house. From school, derecho sa bahay. The result is what I am today and I’m happy for it. My parents always remind me to be humble, to keep my feet on the ground, to always pray and give back, and to appreciate everything good or bad. I could feel how much they love me even if we are not fond of saying, “I love you,” to each other. They make me feel loved in so many other ways. It was hard for them to let go of me. Pero ngayon na nakikita na po nila ang maturity ko, at nasa tamang edad na ako mas pinag-kakatiwalaan na nila ako at hinahayaan na nila po ako mag-decide for myself.

Sophia: I grew up with strict parents in a conservative household.

Kisses: My parents always inspire me to pursue my dreams and passion in life and to always do what is right and just. Their unconditional love and sacrifices made me the Kisses that I am today.

Devon: I was raised by strict parents and I’m thankful to them for that

What lessons can young people learn from your movie?

Jane: A lot! They can learn from every character in the story. Like my character Carla who thinks only of herself and doesn’t consider the feelings of Dondi.  

 Devon: To be true to yourself and follow your heart. It’s best to open up to your parents and family kung anong gusto mo maging. ‘Yung passion mo talaga, dream mo and kung ano ‘yung kinakaharap mo sa buhay.

Sophia: To follow your dreams but never at the risk of your happiness.

Kisses: Walwal will show them the different realities of a teenager’s life. Careless as a teenager may be, as seen from the movie, there are moments that are just too raw and real that the audience can’t help but be moved. Most people find teenage life so unforgettable, so isn’t it just amazing that people can go inside a cinema and be brought back to all those funny, precious good times they had with their barkada? If I were already in my 30s, 40s, 50s or 60s and so on, I’d still watch movies that would remind me of all the fun, excitement of being a teenager. I wouldn’t miss that for the world!

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