Ilongga Sings Her Way to Indie Film

Music might be one of her passions that made her became a significant Ilonggo artist in Western Visayas but for Sheila Barrios, being featured in a mainstream independent movie ‘Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa’ [Love in the Time of the Bacunaua] is another feather to her cap. Since her Ilonggo song ‘Ginpalangga’ was released in the internet, local FM stations in Iloilo and then spread throughout Western Visayas, a lot of people took noticed of her soulful voice. Somehow her popularity became an unexpected sensation among young Ilonggos who are fond of supporting local independent music. She was nominated as Best Female Artist at 2010 Ilonggo Music Awards by ABS-CBN Iloilo.

When Palanca award-winning Ilonggo writer and debuting film director, Peter Solis Nery started his online search for cast and talents in his first full-length film ‘Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa,’ a finalist for Sineng Pamabansa National Film Competition and co-produced by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, he immediately took noticed of Sheila’s singing talent in facebook and youtube. He immediately offered her a cameo part in his movie as a singing rival to the film’s lead actor Eman Abatayo. Her soulful rendition of her original song entitled ‘Nabatayagan’ [Feelings] in the movie convinced the Ilonggo director to consider it as the second theme song of the movie. Likewise, she was also appointed as first line producer and production assistant during the 6-day movie shoot in Dumangas, Iloilo and white sand beaches of Guimaras.

“Being part of this movie is a great honor for me as Ilonggo artist. I was surprised when Peter Nery approached me in facebook. I am also very thankful for choosing me as one of his staff and making my Ilonggo song the soundtrack of the movie,” says Sheila who is currently an academic scholar at the University of Iloilo and taking up HRM. She is thankful to God for giving her a lot of blessings with the success of her other Ilonggo songs such as ‘Sa Handum Na Guid Lang’ and ‘Salamat Iloy’ not only played in Iloilo but as far as Bacolod and Negros.

When asked about her inspiration for her song ‘Nabatyagan’ featured in the movie, she has these words to say: “The song is about falling in love to the right person that truly cares for you and loves you unconditionally.” Since her cameo part in the movie is a singing competition with lead actor Eman Abatayo, she didn’t felt any pressure because he was very appreciative. She also pointed out that the whole cast and crew treated became a one big happy family who supported each other.

“As part of the production staff, there was really pressure because we had to finish the movie in 6 tiring days and sleepless nights.  But as we go on, we realize that our bonding and friendship on the set helped us tackle the hardship,” she expressed. The movie was also co-produced by Hopeboat Films based in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. who stayed in Iloilo for more than a week to shoot the movie. This coming August 26, 4PM at CAP Auditorium, Sheila together with the whole cast and crew of the movie will once again reunite to attend the Gala Premiere of ‘Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa.’ The film was recently recommended by the Film Development Council of the Philippines to the Thessaloniki Film Festival in Greece.

So, what’s next for Sheila Barrios after the movie premiere? “I will continue to chase my dream of finishing my studies and explore new places. Maybe I’ll also take part in any future projects of our talented director Peter Nery and Hopeboat Films. And I hope to finish and release a full-length independent album very soon this year,” Sheila enthused, a true Ilonggo artist by heart. Check her out at www.facebook.com/sheilabarrios. ‘Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa’ is slated for Gala Premiere on August 26 at CAP Auditorium with 2 screenings—4PM-6PM and 6PM-8PM, visit www.facebook.com/loveinthetimeofthebacunaua for updates