Coco Martin and Brillante Mendoza are back together again via “Apag,” an entry to the 1st Summer Metro Manila Film Festival.
Coco considers it a dream come true, relating how he had long wanted to work again with his mentor.
“Ang hirap lang kasi dahil sa schedule ko pero matagal ko na siyang gusto makatrabaho ulit,” he told us. “Kaya noong nabanggit niya sa akin ang ‘Apag,’ talagang pinilit ko i-adjust and schedule ko para makapag-work ulit kami.”
Coco owes Brillante a lot.
He actually got his start with him, appearing as lead in several of the award-winning director’sfilms.
“Walang-wala ako noon at si direk talagang nakakatuwa na binigyan niya ako ng chance,” Coco shared.
“Apag” is a tale that centers on family, food, particularly Kapampangan cuisine.
Brillante explained, “At this point in my career, I want to do films that speak from the heart, my heart. Yung malapit sa puso ko. Kaya naisip ko ito, It is my humble tribute to my roots. Kapampangan ako e. At gusto ko rin mamulat ang maraming tao, lalo na yung nasa ibang bansa sa culinary delights ng Pampanga.”
But being a Brillante Mendoza film, it is not without a jolting twist.
“Hindi lang kainan ito. Binago namin ang ending ng pelikula for the summer MMFF. Gusto naming gulatin ang mga manonood,” Brillante shared.
Apart from Coco, “Apag” also stars Jaclyn Jose, Lito Lapid, Gladys Reyes, Julio Diaz, Gina Pareño, Mercedes Cabral, Shaina Magdayao, among others.
It screens in cinemas April 8.
