‘It’s Showtime’ disproves skeptics as it marks 10th year
Joem Bascon would be very happy if “Culion” gets selected as one of the entries to the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival.
“It will pave the way for us to open a story about our country that not many people are aware of. We didn’t have any idea about Culion before we got to the place to do the film. This is a story that needs to be told so that we can be aware about something important in our history. We never knew that in Culion we were able to help people from other countries who were afflicted of the disease,” said Joem at the launch of the film’s trailer recently.
He also considers “Culion” as one of the best, if not the best, film he has done so far in his career.
“I would say it is also one of my most memorable films since I am reunited with Direk Alvin. He has not done a film for a while and I am glad to be part of his comeback film. Plus it is written by Sir Ricky Lee. A script by Ricky Lee chooses only the best actors needed for the roles and I am honored to be part of the film. I am proud to be part of ‘Culion,’” the actor said.
He also made special mention of Neil Daza’s picturesque cinematography. “It may look simple how he does his lighting but when you see the shot, you will be amazed.”
“Culion” also reunites Joem with Iza Calzado, who gave him his baptism of fire in the movie “Batanes.” That was his debut film as an actor and he was overwhelmed with the thought of working with Iza whom he says “is a very good actress.”
Here in “Culion,” he and Iza play the couple Kanor and Ana, who are both afflicted with Hansen’s disease. Kanor is courting Ana and as the story progresses, their love for each other developed.
“It seems that all that Iza and I did in the movie were love scenes,” he said jokingly. “But the love scenes were all very artistic. Direk Alvin Yapan made sure of that in collaboration with Neil Daza (director of photography). Ang ganda ng ilaw ng scene kahit na lampara lang ang gamit kasi wala pa naman mga ilaw during that time. The love scene came out sensual because of the lighting.”
Iza has a line which says “Sipingan mo ako.” According to Joem, they had a problem with their child and she said that line because she wants to have another baby.
“It gets complicated when you have a baby and both of you are afflicted with the disease. And if even you have a baby, you won’t be able to hold him or her because right after birth, they will get the baby from you so the child won’t get sick.”
“Culion” also stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Meryl Soriano, Mike Liwag, Aaron Concepcion, Joel Saracho, Lee O’Brien, Rex Lantano and many more.
Mrs. Gilie Sing of iOptions Ventures said that the film’s purpose is to educate the Filipinos about the unique history of Culion, eliminate the stigma of Hansen’s Disease by humanizing the characters and to open up Culion to more tourists who are eager to learn about its history and also help in the further development of the municipality.
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Can a newcomer challenge an institution? Can you bang yourself against the wall?
That was probably what ABS-CBN and the production team behind “It’s Showtime” had in mind when they launched the show ten years ago. Surely, skeptics won’t believe the show has what it takes to go up against “Eat! Bulaga” and emerge as a winner. But as they say, no guts, no glory. There is no harm in trying.
But “It’s Showtime” is now celebrating its 10th year. It’s a milestone for a show that many thought won’t be around for a long time. The fact that they reached ten years is reason enough for a celebration. That the show lasted 10 years in a feat in itself.
It was not an easy journey for the Kapamilya network’s noontime show but they were able to build their own loyal audience. They say they are winning the ratings game against the rival show. That is good for them.
But “Eat! Bulaga” has 40 years behind it and doesn’t have to prove anything anymore. It has changed networks yet it continues to enjoy good viewership. The show can rest on its laurels and thank the Lord for the blessings.
But congratulations to “It’s Showtime’ as well for the happiness it gave to the madlang people.
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