'Tuhog' takes moviegoers to a different ride on July 17

MANILA, Philippines - Cinemalaya award-winning director Veronica "Ronnie" Velasco feels very fulfilled finishing her newest masterpiece--"Tuhog," Skylight Films' controversial upcoming 'maindie' (mainstream and indie combined) drama movie starring Enchong Dee, Jake Cuenca, Empress, Leo Martinez and Eugene Domingo, which will be shown on cinemas nationwide on July 17.

"On a scale of 1 to 10 as how proud I am about this film? I can say na 12 kasi ang hirap-hirap gawin ng pelikulang ito. Actually, hanggang ngayon, nagugulat pa rin ako na nagawa namin siyang tapusin in 23 days despite all the logistical nightmares," said Direk Ronnie. "Nung sinusulat namin ito ni Jinky Laurel, it seemed like a good idea on paper but getting it on the screen, ibang kuwento 'yun! Ito na siguro ang pelikulang pinaka-proud ako kasi hindi ko akalain na magagawa ko siya."

Direk Ronnie revealed that the story of "Tuhog" is inspired from a true story. "Nasa isip ko na siya early 90's pa kasi I came across this tabloid picture na may several bus passengers na nasaktan dahil sa isang freak road accident," she said. "From the start, it was a challenge to pitch, to produce, and to write this movie. Kapag iisipin mo kasi, it's about a bus accident, so ano ba ito? Horror? Pero hindi. It’s a daring drama movie about family na seryoso ang tema pero mag-e-enjoy ka."

Meanwhile, Direk Enrico Santos, executive director of Skylight Films, is honored that their label was given the opportunity to be part of the grand celebration of the 20th anniversary of ABS-CBN Film Productions.

"Tuhog' is our little anniversary gift for the 20th anniversary of ABS-CBN Film Productions," said Direk Enrico. "Aligned with our anniversary tagline, 'Magkuwentuhan Tayo,' the Skylight label would like to give the same classic stories of love, family, friendship and life the Skylight 'brand of storytelling--may konting spice, may konting sipa, may konting liko ng daan sa pagkikuwento."

Direk Enrico shared that the unique beauty of "Tuhog" starts from its mere title. "Marami ang ibig sabihin ng tuhog. Pero para sa akin, naganap ang 'pagtuhog' sa tatlong tuhog-tuhog na istorya ng pagmamahal," he said. "Maaaring mysterious ang pagkakakuwento pero kailangang mapanood ng moviegoers dun mismo sa big screen para makita nila ang sinasabi namin."

"Ang pinakatumutuhog na mensahe dito ay minsan lang tayo mabubuhay, hindi natin alam kung kailan ito biglang manganganib at hindi natin alam kung malulusutan natin ang panganib na ito. Kung ganito ang buhay, gaano ba ka-importante ang magmahal? Dapat bang pigilin mo pa o ilubos mo na dahil baka naman maging huli na ang lahat,” explained Direk Enrico.