LIST: Mainstream stars who crossed over to indie films

MANILA, Philippines- The country's crop of indie films have invariably surprised many as they would star mainstream actors. 

PhilSTAR.com  is compiling a list of some mainstream stars who crossed over to the genre of independent films.

Nova Villa- She may have been a veteran in the showbiz industry, but this year's Cinemalaya entry 1st Ko Si 3rd is Nova Villa's first indie film. Here she plays the role of a 62-year-old woman who meets her first love again after so many years.

The film was extra special as Nova Villa reunites with her long-time on-screen partner Freddie Webb.

Richard Gomez- He's done numerous mainstream films,  but the growing popularity of the indie films piqued his interest to do one. On his first venture to indie films, Richard starred in Mike Tuviera's Cinemalaya entry “The Janitor.”

He plays a corrupt police officer in the film, who is tracked down by his fellow and younger policeman portrayed by Dennis Trillo.

Ai-Ai delas Alas- Another surprise for  many is Ai-Ai delas Alas' venture into indie films. She's been known for her comic roles in the mainstream cinema and TV shows. She has earned good reviews for her performance in the Cinemalaya entry “Ronda”.

The other side of Ai-Ai was seen in the film, where she played the role of a policewoman who arrests her own son for killing her lover.

Derek Ramsay- He may be one of the popular leading men in the industry, but Derek Ramsay wants to prove that  there's more to him than just being a leading man. In the Cinemalaya film “The Janitor,” Derek unleashes his dark side as he plays a corrupt and rather “scary” character in the film.

Erik Santos- The Kapamilya talent Erik Santos is known as one of the country's best balladeers, but he would like to prove that there's more to  him than being a singer. What better way to showcase his other “hidden talent” than through an indie film?

In the Cinemalaya entry “S6parados,” he plays the role of a man who is abused by his older wife. To save himself, he leaves her and risks losing his job.

Barbie Forteza- At the age of 17, Barbie Forteza has done several mainstream films,  but working on an indie film  excites her.  Although she's busy doing her TV series “The Half Sisters,” the young actress didn't hesitate working on the Cinemalaya entry “Mariquina.”

In the movie,  she plays the young Imelda, portrayed by Mylene Dizon. 

Enzo Pineda- The Kapuso actor Enzo Pineda challenges himself as he venture into  the world of indie films. He's part of the Cinemalaya entry “Sundalong Kanin,” where he plays  one of the Filipinos who escaped the Death March. This experience, Enzo said, has made him  appreciate further the depth of his craft.

Coleen Garcia- The public sees the jolly side of Coleen Garcia when she hosts the daily noontime show “It's Showtime”, but people will get to see the other side of her in the Cinemalaya entry “#Y,” where she plays the role of a liberated teenage girl. Coleen says it was a challenge doing the role since she's sweet and somehow reserved in person.

Ritz Azul- TV5 talent Ritz Azul also tries her hand at indie films in the Cinemalaya entry “S6parados.” This is her first film since joining the industry in 2011. In the movie, she plays the role of a bride to a man who is a divorcee or a “separado.”