By Nestor Cuartero
JUST A THOUGHT: Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
– Francis of Assisi
•
JERICHO’S CHOICE: Before Derek Ramsay came in as leading man to Jennylyn Mercado in “All of You,” word was that Jericho Rosales was first choice for the part.
The film would have been a reunion between the actor and Jenn, who first acted together in the hit MMFF film, “Walang Forever.”
Alas, it wasn’t “Meant to Beh.” Jericho played “Deadma (Walking)” to the offer, but took in instead a movie about his favourite sport, surfing.
•
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT: It helped that Jericho was immediately attracted to the story of “Siargao” and that the film’s director, Paul Soriano, had a mission in making the film. He wants to create environment awareness as well as promote tourism through his film.
Such premise appealed so much to Jericho, who shows seriousness of purpose in his career and life choices.
•
SIARGAO IN CENTER: “Siargao,” the surfing capital of the Philippines, finally takes front and center in acclaimed director-producer Paul Soriano’s first Metro Manila Film Festival entry.
“Siargao” also stars celebrated actresses Erich Gonzales and Jasmine Curtis-Smith.
It marks the first time Paul directs a romance-drama film, also his first travel-themed movie.
“Siargao” tells the story of a woman who is finding, recreating and rebuilding herself in the picturesque island of Siargao.
•
SAVE SIARGAO: More than showcasing and promoting the beautiful island and its majestic tourist spots, Paul hopes to create awareness to match the province’s booming tourism.
“Now that we have this voice, we also want to make sure to create an awareness that let’s take care of Siargao,” he says.
•
Joining him in this cause are Jericho, who plays Diego, the island boy-love interest of brokenhearted video blogger Laura (Erich) and the environmental activist and Siargao native, Abby (Jasmine).
The film shows the three leads surfing, cliff jumping, riding motorbikes.
•
TEN17P: TEN17P is a director-driven company that believes in creating rich and high-quality films. Under the helm of director-producer Paul Soriano, TEN17P has produced a number of award-winning movies, with its most recent “Hele Sa Hiwagang Hapis” in competition at the 66th Berlinale Film Festival.
Past films include, “Mariquina” (directed by Milo Sogueco), “Dagitab [The Sparks]” (directed by Giancarlo Abrahan), and “Transit” (directed by Hannah Espia) – all recipients of prestigious awards in both local and international film circuits.