The MMFF released its first 4 selection and the internet collectively sighed. What happened to promoting thought-provoking works that would elevate the film-standard to new heights? Luckily for those more discerning, there are countless film festivals laid out from now till the end of the year. One, in particular, will happen on July 12 as TOFARM (a project of JCI Philippines and Universal Harvester) hosts its 2nd TOFARM FILM FESTIVAL – the only film festival that touches on the livelihood, plight, joys, dreams and aspiration of farmers, farming industry and stewards of agriculture.
It’s also where this film that has probably begun its round on social media will be shown.
Starring the riveting Bembol Roco and irresistible Irma Adlawan, this ensemble piece centers around Bembol Roco’s role as father and seaman who is forced to spend most of his time at home after being terminated from his employment. It shows the harrowing struggles of a Father and a family coming to terms with each other after years of physical separation.
We were able to sit down with one of the cast member of What Home Feels Like, the up and comer, Rex Lantano in a casual lunch hosted by the show’s producer, Shandii Bacolod.
Ungeek.PH: Hi Rex, first of all, congratulations. Can you tell us about your character in the movie?
REX: I play Julius Concepcion in the film. Bunsong anak kami ng kakambal ko si Alison Concepcion played by Bianca Libinting. Ako dito yung typical na binatang ma-tropa, maraming kalokohan. Nagagawa ko yung mga gusto ko kasi yung erpat ko (played by Sir Bembol) is a seaman so hindi ko nakakasama and yung mom ko (played by Ms. Irma) is a teacher na busy rin palagi.
Ungeek.PH: This is your first big acting role in a featured film, what steps did you take to prepare you for this, considering you’ll be acting against Filipino veteran actors like Sir Bembol Roco and Ms. Irma Adlawan?
REX: Bago po ako matulog, lagi kong binabasa yung script. Nainlove ako sa kwento, naawa ako sa role ng tatay kaya na challenge ako na dapat magawa ko ng maayos yung role ko para mapanindigan ko yung character ko at lumabas sa screen yung pag-iwas o pagka-ilang ko sa tatay ko ng natural at hindi pilit.
At sobrang pasalamat po ako sa manager ko na si Shandii Bacolod na producer din ng film sa tiwala sa kakayahan ko. Kung ‘di dahil sa kanya baka palaging bit role lang po ako. At kay direk Joseph Abello dahil hindi siya nagdalawang isip na tanggapin ako sa 1st ever movie nya.
Ungeek.PH: Without spoiling much, what’s your most memorable shooting moment?
REX: Dalawang bagay po ang hindi ko makakalimutan. Una ang pag guide sa amin dalawa ni Bianca ni Ms. Irma, tinuruan nya kaming mas lalong makilala yung character namin.
At (pangalawa) yung pag-alalay din sa amin ni Sir Bembol sa set. May time na pwede na siyang magpahinga kasi nakuhanan na sya ng shot (niya) so shot naman naming (ang kukunin). Mabigat yung eksena kaya pinagpapahinga na sya at yung AD (Assistant Director) nalang dapat magbabato ng lines ni Sir Bembol for our reaction shots. Pero ginusto parin nya na siya ang mag deliver ng lines—full of emotions parin kahit off-screen siya. Dalang-dala kami kasi nakakahugot kami sa kanya.
Ungeek.PH: What’s your dream role to play?
REX: Marami po, gusto ko yung medyo nakakachallenge gawin katulad ng may sakit na cerebral palsy, o kaya yung mabait na mapagpanggap mamamatay tao pala. Pwede rin yung mga kwento about sa apo at lola –kasi maka lolo at lola po ako, gusto ko rin yung story from super hirap hanggang maging parang Richie-rich na lahat ng gusto makukuha nya. Haha!
Ungeek.PH: Indie films usually push the acting capacity of its actors, is there a role you feel (at this point) you don’t think you can play yet (i.e. transgender woman, gay lover, serial killer villain ala Heath Ledger’s Joker)?
REX: Siguro po ang hindi ko pa magagawa ng maayos sa tingin ko e yung comedy. Iba kasi yung timing sa comedy eh, feeling ko baka maging OA ako pag magpatawa, kailangan ko pang aralin ng todo if ever mabigyan ng comedy project.
Ungeek.PH: What skills do you want to learn/ improve so that you could become better at your craft?
REX: The ability to cry on cue. Medyo hirap pa ako sa ganun eh lalo na yung pag patak ng luha. Palaging naiipon lang sya sa mata ko. Pag sa TV acting po kasi feeling ko required na pag sinabing iyak e kailangang tumulo yung luha so yun po yung gusto kong matutunan.
Ungeek.PH: Why should people watch What Home Feels Like?
REX: Handog po namin ito para sa mga taong nagsasakripisyo para mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang kanilang pamilya. Napakagandang bonding ito sa mag pamilya at panigurado after nilang mapanood ang movie e lalo nilang ipapakita kung gaano nila kamahal ang isa’t-isa.
What Home Feels Like opens this July 12 and will run until July 18. Full Screening schedule below:
SCREENING SCHEDULE: (July 12-18)
JULY 12 (Wed)
1:30 PM – SM Megamall
4:00 PM – SM Manila
6:30 PM – Greenbelt 1
6:30 PM – Robinsons Metro East
9:00 PM – Gateway (Gala Premiere)
JULY 13 (Thur)
11:00 AM – Robinsons Galleria
4:00 PM – SM Megamall
6:30 PM – SM Manila
9:00 PM – Greenbelt 1
9:00 PM — Robinsons Metro East
JULY 14 (Fri)
11:00 AM – Gateway
1:30 PM – Robinsons Galleria
6:30 PM – SM Megamall
9:00 PM – SM Manila
JULY 15 (Sat)
11:00 AM – Greenbelt 1
11:00 AM — Robinsons Metro East
1:30 PM – Gateway
4:00 PM – Robinsons Galleria
9:00 PM – SM Megamall
JULY 16 (Sun)
11:00 AM – SM Manila
1:30 PM – Greenbelt 1
1:30 PM — Robinsons Metro East
4:00 PM – Gateway
6:30 PM – Robinsons Galleria
JULY 17 (Mon)
11:00 AM – SM Megamall
1:30 PM – SM Manila
4:00 PM – Greenbelt 1
4:00 PM — Robinsons Metro East
6:30 PM – Gateway
9:00 PM – Robinsons Galleria
JULY 18 (Tue)
11:00 AM –
1:30 PM – SM Megamall
4:00 PM – SM Manila
6:30 PM – Greenbelt 1
6:30 PM — Robinsons Metro East
9:00 PM – Gateway
I highly suggest you guys check this film out, and to constantly check To Farm Film and What Home Feels Like’s FB pages for more schedule update.