Eman Abatayo Leads a Stellar Cast of an Ilonggo Movie

When multi-awarded Ilonggo writer Peter Solis Nery’s movie script for “Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa” [Love in the Time of the Bacunaua] was chosen to be made into a movie as one of the entries for Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the search for the lead actor of the story started. US-based writer and director Nery casted via facebook former Pinoy Dream Academy season 1 alumnus Eman Abatayo a month before the movie’s scheduled shoot last April. Eman portrayed the role of Matteo Luces Feliciano, a musician out-of-luck who has gone tired of chasing his dream to become a singer and decided to come back to his island-hometown of Isla Pulang Pasayan. What awaits his homecoming is the news of the tragic fate of his grandmother and the festival she created based on her storybook about the mythical creature called the “Bacunaua.” He is also fated to meet his true love Dulce Amor but at the cost of a heartbreak. The movie is slated to premiere in selected Iloilo City cinemas on the last week of August and international screening for Ilonggo communities in abroad this year.

Passionate for his first acting debut, popular Ilonggo singer and songwriter Eman Abatayo gladly shared his thoughts about this upcoming indie movie and his life as a versatile artist:

After being part of a local band then PDA success a few years ago, why did you choose to act in a film especially an Ilonggo indie-film?

This film project is a blessing in disguise for me considering it is my first movie and the lead actor at same time. I’m very thankful to our director Mr. Peter Solis Nery for considering me for this project. I always wanted to try acting, aside from singing and songwriting.

How did Peter Solis Nery convinced you to play the lead role of the film?

Peter saw my music video shot and directed by one of his students, Jay Trenas on youtube. He sent me a message through facebook if I’m interested to do an indie film project with him. The script, the story and the characters amazed me so much that I had no hesitation to accept the offer. Peter is not just a multi-awarded Ilonggo writer and author, he is a very talented director as well, a true Ilonggo pride. Thank God there's facebook because he found me.

How does Matt, your character in the film relevant to your life and what makes your acting debut exciting?

Just like Matt in the story, my real parents died when I was young and my grandmother raised me. I used to sing in the church, too. I had similar experience with Matt when it comes to falling in love, heartaches and career path. Like Matt, I also ran away from home when I was young just to pursue my career in music, winning several singing contest, dreaming of an album contract, fell in love with the wrong girl (had the right love but at the wrong time) and broke my heart several times. But I guess the best thing of all is we have the same passion for music.

What inspired you to compose an original Ilonggo theme song for the film?

The story of the movie inspired me to write a very touching Ilonggo love song entitled “Sa Imo Lang Ako.” The lyric of the song is also based on my experiences with my ex-girlfriend for two years and when I finished it, it somehow made me cry because I dedicate it for her. The song is now played in local FM stations and can be found in youtube.

What makes this film special and significant today?

For me, the movie is truly beautiful, unique and full of surprises especially for Ilonggos who are proud of their culture. But I believe this film can also be appreciated by international audience with its theme focusing on tourism, festivals and friendly locals. If you love drama, fantasy, comedy and music, this movie is definitely a must-see!

What makes the cast and crew of the movie close to your heart?

We are united to work hard in making our project successful. Most of them became my close friends and I also consider them as my family.
It's a great honor to work with our talented director Peter Solis Nery, my co-stars Jet Alcantara, Priscella Fontana, Sheila Barrios, our production assistants Regor Decolongon and Reymar Latoza, cinematographer OJ Baclig, film editors Michael Bruner and Joe Bruner, our managing producer Ronelo Ladiao, executive producers Randy Graydon and Thelma Nery, our photographer Al Destacamento, to the crew, and to all the people who supported this movie, a million ‘thank you.’

What are your unforgettable experiences making this film?

Would you believe that we shot this movie for 6 days? Yes, we did and most of the time I always carry my backpack, my guitar and the cute little baby actor in almost every scene. But most of all, I can’t forget the fantasy dance with my leading lady Priscella Fontana. Don’t ask me why (laughs).

What are your future plans as an artist, performer and actor?

Whatever God will show me along the way, I will gladly accept it. Whether it is another film or music related projects, I will embrace it with open arms. This movie has been a blessing for me and I couldn’t ask for more. I always dream big as an artist.