A career-defining role for Arjo Atayde

Arjo Atayde gets another big break from Dreamscape Digital and Rein Entertaiment as streaming service iWant gives him the important role in the socio-political drama series titled “Bagman,” a tale of an ordinary man who sacrifices his moral values in to provide for his family.

The iWant original series, which streams on March 20, stars Arjo in a career-defining role and offers a bold and eye-opening glimpse into the dark web of corruption.

Arjo plays Benjo, a barber and a dedicated family man whose barbershop is about to get demolished to give way to the municipality’s road-widening project. With a baby on the way, he agrees to do a task to keep his barbershop, where he eventually allows dubious transactions in exchange for extra money.

“I am very thankful to Dreamscape Entertainment for giving me this break. This role is something new and crazy. It’s a hard one, something that I can’t compare to my role in ‘The General’s Daughter.’ Magkaibang roles pero parehong challenging. You will see how hard it is as the story progresses,” said Arjo of his character Benjo.

His cast mates have nothing but praises for Arjo, but the award-winning actor who gained acclaim as Joaquin Tuazon in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” is hard on himself.

“Even if my co-stars say I am that good, I don’t want to believe it. I always critique my work. I could never say I am good until I have watched myself. But I never watch myself just to say how good I am. I watch myself to see the mistakes I’ve done and learn from them. If I watch a scene, I always tell myself that I could have done better. I should have done this. I am hard on myself. I think that’s what keeps me going every day and I feel grateful kasi these people keep me grounded. This is my job. This is my art and I have to be good at it.”

Arjo added that he is happy with the roles that are coming his way. “I am flattered with the good words but I aim to excel in whatever I do,” he added.

When he entered showbiz seven years ago, Arjo thought he will just be content playing supporting roles to established actors. Finally, his time has come in “Bagman.”

“I appreciate what they say about me. I appreciate everyone that I am working with and I always give my best in everything that I do as an actor. I am grateful. Now I am ready to tell my story. I am given the opportunity to tell my story as the bagman,” he added.

“Bagman” also stars Alan Paule, Yayo Aguila, Chanel Latorre and Raymond Bagatsing.

The 12-part series is written and directed by Shugo Praico, and created by Lino Cayetano, Philip King, and Shugo. Its first six episodes will start streaming for free on iWant on March 20, three more episodes on March 27, and the last three episodes on April 3.

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Carla Abellana and Ruru Madrid are the guest stars in Bubble Gang’s episode tonight. Among the featured segments in the longest-running gag show on Philippine TV are Bayaran sa Rally gags, Sita sa Park gags, Taas Presyo gags, Duwag Ka, Dramakata, Ikaw at ang Ina, Gulat, Buntis Mare, Patoktaktiks, Mixed Up Lab Test, Self Defense, Nido Commercial spoof, Pepeng Seksi, Mahirap Maging Pulis, Tekkie Quotes, Atlit and Hapitot.

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Sinag Maynila, the independent film festival established by Solar Entertainment mogul Mr. Wilson Tieng and Cannes Film Festival Best Director Brillante Mendoza, is celebrating its fifth year this 2019.

What began as a foray to help local indie filmmakers has now grown into one of the country’s major film festivals. Sinag Maynila now features three competition sections, noteworthy international exhibition films and a variety of cinema-related activities.

True to its mission of bringing “sine lokal, pang-international,” Sinag Maynila has become an important pathway for Filipino film artists to communicate their stories, and an irresistible opportunity for enthusiasts to watch unique and exciting films.

Heading the list of Sinag Maynila competition films are five full-length features: “Akin ang Korona” directed by Zig Dulay, “Jesusa” directed by Ronald Carballo, “Jino To Mari” directed by Joselito ‘Jay’ Altarejos; “Pailalim” directed by Daniel Palacio; and “Persons of Interest” directed by Ralston Jover.

Sinag Maynila 5 opens on April 3 with “Lakbayan,” a three-part omnibus film by Brillante Mendoza, Lav Diaz and National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik — all of whom are awardees at the Berlin International Film Festival and have made their marks in several international filmfests.