WilBea hopes to make original ‘Pee Mak’ cast proud lie

MANILA, Philippines — Getting the support of the original “Pee Mak” stars, particularly Thai superstar Mario Maurer, was an encouraging surprise for Wilbert Ross and Bea Binene as they prepared to bring their own version of the hit horror-comedy to Filipino audiences.

In an interview for an upcoming episode on The Philippine STAR’s “Real Talk,” the screen partners, collectively known as WilBea, shared their excitement over the acknowledgment from the Thai actors, who were not only aware of the Philippine adaptation but had also seen its promotional materials.

Wilbert, who takes on the role originally played by Mario in the 2013 blockbuster, welcomed the Thai actor’s good-luck message, saying it also helped attract moviegoers outside their existing fan base.

“Siyempre, Mario Maurer is like a really big star sa Thailand. Nakakatuwa na may support also from them. At actually, ang daming nahila din ng mga casuals from that video. So, malaking tulong talaga,” he said.

Bea, who plays the character originally portrayed by Davika Hoorne, was likewise touched by the gesture.

“It’s nice to know that they know that we exist. Kasi ‘di ba, siyempre, they’re such big stars in Thailand,” she said.

“Napanood nila ‘yung trailer, teaser. Nakakatuwa. And I hope, I really hope that kahit papaano, we make them proud as well.”

The Philippine adaptation of “Pee Mak,” directed by Victor Villanueva and produced by Viva Films, opened in 200 cinemas on Oct. 14.

Like the original, the film follows Mak (Wilbert), a soldier who returns home from war to reunite with his wife (Bea) and their newborn child. His four friends, however, begin to suspect that something is not quite right with Mak’s wife.

The film also features Vandolph, Jairus Aquino, TJ Valderrama and Cup of Joe vocalist Gian Bernardino as Mak’s friends, whose misadventures provide much of the story’s comic relief.

One of the reasons audiences should look forward to the movie is that it’s not dependent on WilBea. Rather, the entire cast contributes to its humor and emotional appeal.

“It’s such an ensemble piece. It’s not just for us. It’s not just from us. Pero, it’s from everyone. The whole cast. Even ‘yung mga nag-cameo,” Bea explained.

“It’s such a rollercoaster movie. Kasi parang lahat ng emosyon dadalhin niya sa ‘yo... It’s a story of friendship, family. It’s such a fun movie. It’s a mix of horror, comedy, romance, drama. It tells us about choices, loving and also supporting your friends, believing in yourself, believing in what you love, and choosing love,” she added.

As for favorite scenes, Bea named the boat scene, which became one of the signature moments of the original film. She also pointed to scenes toward the latter part of the movie, when the characters begin to discover the truth about their situation.

Wilbert, meanwhile, singled out the scene involving an albularyo or traditional healer, which he described as one of the funniest parts of the adaptation.

“Sobrang nakakatawa kasi,” he recalled.

Of course, “Pee Mak” marks an important milestone for Wilbert and Bea as their first big-screen project together as lead stars.

Wilbert admitted feeling the pressure of carrying a movie intended for cinemas, compared with their previous projects for streaming platforms.

“Ito centered talaga sa amin. And it will really reflect on us. So ‘yan may pressure lang sa part na ‘yan,” he said.

Nevertheless, he pointed out that working with a familiar production team, including director Villanueva, helped make the experience less challenging.

The two previously worked with the Cebuano filmmaker on the Viva One series “Golden Scenery of Tomorrow” and “Love U Lots.”

As for what audiences can expect from their onscreen partnership this time, Wilbert said playing Mak and Pee-Nang brought out a different kind of chemistry.

“Ibang klaseng emotions ‘yun na mararamdaman nila than the other projects,” he said.

Bea, likewise, assured fans and viewers in general that the adaptation would have its own Filipino identity.

She said, “When you watch it, yes, the (original) structure is there, the story is there. But rest assured that when you watch it, you will really feel and see that, oh, it’s so Filipino. Even if it’s an adaptation, even if the original is Thailand, ganyan. You’ll really feel the Filipino-ness.”