Why ‘Samahan ng mga Makasalanan’ was a challenge for David Licauco

CEBU, Philippines — Working with unfamiliar cast mates was foremost among David Licauco’s challenges in doing the film “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan,” a satirical-comedy from GMA Pictures that he top-bills minus his perennial screen partner Barbie Forteza.

“Acting-wise, in the past three years, I have been working with Barbie and so I’m very much familiar with how she acts, how she is on and outside the set,” said Licauco, answering questions sent by The FREEMAN.

“I wouldn’t say it’s daunting…I’d say it’s challenging, just because the past three, four, five projects that I did was with Barbie.”

Licauco, whose tandem with Forteza began unexpectedly in the hit series “Maria Clara at Ibarra”, went on to star with the actress on television in “Maging Sino Ka Man” and “Pulang Araw”, as well as on the big screen in “That Kind of Love.”

In “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan,” now in cinemas, he stars alongside Kapuso talents who he wasn’t “really close to” and had yet to act with.

“So it was hard, but I just tried my best to stay in the moment and to focus on our objective,” he said, “which is to entertain people and provide a good product.”

Directed by Benedict Mique from a script by Mique and Aya Anunciacion, “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan” follows Licauco’s Deacon Sam, who is assigned to reform the residents of a town teeming with sinners.

Promising an insightful take on the struggle between good and evil, the young deacon finds himself “facing a battle of redemption and temptation he never saw coming.”

Also in the cast are Sanya Lopez, Joel Torre, David Shouder, Soliman Cruz, Betong Sumaya, Buboy Villar, Chariz Solomon, Liezel Lopez, Jade Tecson, Jun Sabayton, Chanty Videla, Jay Ortega, Christian Singson, Shernan Gaite, Batmanunulat (Jerome Lois Esguerra), Tito Abdul (David Domanais), Tito Marsy (Christian Kimp-Atip), Yian Gabriel, Liana Mae, and Euwenn Mikaell.

Before accepting the role, Licauco said he pondered on these questions: “Can I do it? Do I really want this? Can I survive being in a lock-in setup, especially with my busy schedule here in Manila?” he shared.

“As I read the script, I liked it. I also asked my family to read the script for me, and they really liked it. I read it again, and I thought, this is good. With Direk Benedict, he is very meticulous, particular and artistic – anyone would want to work with him.”

Growing up in a religious environment, specifically in school, Licauco said he was accustomed to how priests conducted themselves.

“So it was not new to me. With the help of my director who was nothing but encouraging, I didn’t have a hard time,” he said.

“I guess the challenge there was how to make it entertaining despite what is supposed to be serious character.” — (FREEMAN)