Report: RP lures F4’s Ken Zhu for indie film shoot

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October 18, 2007

Ken Zhu, one of the members of the all-male Taiwanese group F4 is now in the Philippines for a shoot of an independent film in Batanes.

Zhu, who starred in the "Meteor Garden" and "Meteor Rain" television series arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Wednesday morning, The Philippine Star reported.

He will be working with Filipina actress Iza Calzado in a project that brings Taiwanese and Filipino talent together.

Zhu will reportedly be playing the role of a stranded fisherman who falls in love with a local girl, played by Calzado.

Taiwan’ tourism bureau had announced that it is going to make use of F4’s charm to promote tourism by making them symbols of Taiwanese hospitality.

An advertisement featuring members of the quartet showing the neighboring country’s sceneries and attractions has already been produced.

Taiwan officials believe the F4 can help boost tourism in their country since the group is already very popular in Asia including the Philippines

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Alix Jr. wraps 'Batanes'

Philippino director's 'Donsol' is nominated for Oscar

By PATRICK FRATER

Adolfo Alix Jr., helmer of “Donsol,” the Philippines candidate for the foreign-language Oscar, has recently wrapped romancer “Batanes.”
Pic about a woman torn between memories of her dead husband and the chance at new love with a Taiwanese fisherman she meets on a picturesque island stars Taiwanese pop star Ken Zhu -- a member of the band F4 -- and Iza Calzado (“The Echo”).

Movie is produced by Arleen Cuevas and backed by Ignite Media, a leading Filipino post-production house that returns to the production sector after a hiatus.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117975332.html?categoryId=2199&cs=1

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Iza in awe

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Inquirer
Last updated 11:51pm (Mla time) 10/30/2007

BASCO, Batanes, Philippines—Traveling from Toronto to Batanes moved actress Iza Calzado to declare: “I love my job!”

She asserts that she is “thankful” for the experience of working on two “totally different” sets: the Hollywood thriller “The Echo” in Canada, and the local drama “Batanes” in the country’s northernmost island-province.

“In Toronto, we worked in a studio. Here, we’re surrounded by nature,” she tells Inquirer Entertainment on the beachside set of “Batanes.”

She’s “in awe” of the island and its people.

“We shot near a church and, when I looked up, the sky was bright with stars. I haven’t experienced that kind of star-gazing in any of the beaches I’ve visited in the past. It was as if the stars were within reach.”

When they traveled to neighboring Sabtang island, their flimsy boat was met with five-meter ocean waves.

“It makes you realize just how powerful nature is,” she quips.

She’ll make sure to recommend Batanes to her “Echo” co-stars Jesse Bradford, Amelia Warner, Carlos Leon and Kevin Durand.

“I feel honored that I get to share with foreigners how beautiful our country and people are,” she explains. “It’s so safe in Batanes. I jog every day on my own. Once, I even jogged at night.”

She also got to tackle two divergent acting styles in the two movies.

While in “Echo,” she pushed herself to the limit as a battered wife, she got to take it easy as a troubled widow in “Batanes.”

“I like the pacing in this movie,” she says. “It’s very subtle. I’m not so keen on overly dramatic scenes. I prefer a simple, quiet acting style.”

She gives credit to her “Batanes” directors Adolf Alix and Dave Hukom for guiding her every step of the way. “Adolf focuses on me. Dave is also very technical and discriminating.”

She also got to work with world-famous leading men on the two films: Bradford in “Echo” and Taiwanese pop superstar Ken Zhu in “Batanes.”

“My first realization is that in spite of our differences, in terms of race and culture, people are just the same. We are all just actors. It all boils down to how we work and how we treat people.”

She says that Ken is a kidder. “When we arrived from Sabtang, we were greeted by people carrying a cardboard sign: ‘Miss Iza and company, we love you.’”

Iza was embarrassed. “It was as if I was more popular than Ken when, in fact, he is an Asian superstar. He kept teasing me about it.”

“Iza’s cool,” Ken describes his co-star. “It’s a pleasure working with her. We have a lot of fun on the set.”

A tai chi world champion, Ken says that he’s teaching Iza a few moves. “In this movie, I speak Mandarin; while she, in Filipino. So we mostly communicate through body language.”

In that sense, tai chi helped them bridge the language gap.

“Luckily, Iza is a good actress. She’s giving me a lot of support,” Ken tells the Inquirer.

“Tai chi is like a dance,” she notes. “He says it helps him connect with co-stars.”

Once, in the middle of a tai chi session, Ken complimented Iza: “He said that I have the gift. It meant so much to me because I see him not as an F4 guy, the star of ‘Meteor Garden,’ but as a tai chi world champion!” Iza exclaims.

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Ken do spirit

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Inquirer
Last updated 11:57pm (Mla time) 11/11/2007

BASCO, BATANES—His pinoy fans will finally get to hear Ken Zhu’s real speaking voice—in a drama movie, no less.

On the TV hit “Meteor Garden,” his voice, like the rest of the boy band F4, was dubbed by Filipino talents. In Adolf Alix’s and Dave Hukom’s romance drama “Batanes,” Ken is using his own voice.

It wasn’t just his voice he lent to the film, but his total commitment, says Ignite Media producer Arleen Cuevas.

His management company was reportedly reluctant at first, but Ken insisted on accepting the project.

He also gave suggestions to improve the screenplay’s Taiwan segments. “He asked that his character’s name be changed from T-Sai to Kao, which was more modern,” says Arleen.

In shooting the love scene, he was just as cooperative, says Adolf.

“Originally, we were limited to head shots, but he allowed us to shoot his bare back, up to his waist,” Adolf recounts.

On his last day in Batanes, Ken told Adolf: “I bet you that I’ll be back.”

Less than a week later, he was shooting additional scenes with Iza in Tali Beach, Batangas.

“Ken assured me that he didn’t want to rush and that he was willing to come back if needed,” Adolf says.

More significantly, the extra day of shoot was still part of his contract—meaning there’s no extra pay.

“He stayed until 6 a.m. to finish his scenes with Iza even though his flight to Taiwan that same day was 12 noon,” associate director Arman Reyes says.

Adolf says that Ken promises to return for the movie’s Manila premiere on Dec. 5.

What attracted you to the script of “Batanes”?

I fell in love with the story. That was why I decided to do it. I liked the idea that Batanes is actually closer to Taiwan and that there are (foreign) fishermen who drifted to this island.

The conflict is real; the story, powerful. I also like the love story.

What attracted you to the role?

I have to say that this is the hardest role I’ve ever done because there are very few lines and we mostly had to rely on body language. Luckily, my partner Iza is supportive and allows me to do the part well.

How similar are you to your character?

We’re both Taiwanese. (Laughs) Well, I’m also into water sports like scuba diving. I just started surfing. It helped that I know a few fishermen in my country. One thing I share with Kao is our affection for the ocean. That was why it wasn’t hard to understand and develop the character.

What is it like working with directors Adolf and Dave?

Adolf is one of the best directors I’ve worked with. He knows exactly what he wants. Even if we’re in a hurry, Dave remains cool. He’s also very insistent about the cinematography, which is good because that means we have great shots.

What are your hopes for this film?

I hope that this movie will be shown in other countries. It’s good because it combines art and commerce.

What do you mean by “fusion” and Asian co-productions as the wave of the future?

The entertainment industry has been messed up for a while. But since the Asian market is growing bigger, what Asian artists need to do is collaborate in different projects. By sharing ideas, we will become stronger and we’ll be able to fight the so-called Western invasion. But the first step is to educate people about copyright laws and the harmful effects of piracy.

What is it like working with the other Filipino actors?

I love them. They’re like family to me now. Sid (Lucero) is a very funny guy. We got along well. We talked about boxing and martial arts.

Uncle Bem (Bembol Roco) is the coolest guy on earth. One day, we were shooting in a beach and he suddenly said: “The ocean is calling me.” Then, he jumped into the water. He’s so cool.

How were the people?

The people are friendly and simple. The only problem is they drink too much (laughs)!

Are you planning to buy property in Batanes?

I’m thinking of investing here. This is a very promising site. But I think that the major problem Batanes is facing now is not developing the place, but preserving its beauty.

If I’m allowed to invest here, the first thing I’ll do is to improve the people’s living conditions—provide better education, better medical care.

What will you tell your friends in Taiwan about Batanes?

I will tell them how beautiful this place is. But I will not try to convince them to come here. (Laughs) I would like to keep it private for a while. Exclusive to myself.

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Batanes Movie (Trailer)

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Iza Calzado admires "Batanes" co-star Ken Zhu for his humility


Translated to English by honeybums of KCIFC Philippines
Jocelyn Dimaculangan
Wednesday, 2007 November 14
02:47 p.m.

When Iza Calzado first met her Taiwanese leading man Ken Zhu, she didn't know how to approach him. The two are paired together for the Ignite Media and GMA Films movie Batanes, which will open in theaters nationwide starting December 5.

The Filipina actress narrated during the Batanes press con last night, November 13: When Ken first arrived, we were so nervous cause we don't know what it's like to work with a Taiwanese actor. And not just any Taiwanese actor but I have to say, a superstar- at least in Asia, right?

"He might make us feel, "I am a Superstar!" When he first arrived, Ken walked like this [Iza shows that he holds his head up high] he really walks that way, apparently that is how he really walks.

Then, I saw him massage Adolf [Alix Jr., director of the movie]... it was like I became crazy... why is he doing a massage?"

It was later revealed that Ken is familiar with the martial art tai chi, which can be used to hurt as well as heal people.

Iza points out that despite his superstar status, the F4 member is very down-to-earth.

I learned that he is so grounded. Its because he has already went through a lot. He didn't start out rich. He comes from humble beginnings. I was so amazed cause we had this one scene, we just finished eating lunch and he had to eat so much again for the scene. The noodles were cold already. If I were him, I ask them to heat it, but he didn't ask that.

"I told him, ‘Do you want to spit it out?' cause the take was finished already. He said, ‘No. I've learned in life because I once went a couple of days without food. From that day on, I said I will never waste food.'

"That had such a big impact on me, the fact that he is a superstar and would not waste food that he could just buy with a snap of his fingers. He has principles- that says a lot about a man," says Iza, who plays the character of Pam in the 90-minute movie. Ken plays the role of Kao, a Taiwanese fisherman who gets stranded in Batanes.

Aside from praising Ken for his humility, Iza also commended her co-star for his professionalism.

When it comes to work, he knows what he should do. He knows his script, he knows the material. And he listens to the director, although he knows among all of us, he is the most famous.

While shooting the film in the northernmost province of the archipelago, Ken whiled away the time by singing songs for the cast and crew, prompting Iza to dub him as a jukebox.

When asked if Iza had a crush on the F4 in the past, she candidly replied, "Not me, I told him, I just said something to him, I apologized for something.

"Cause he really loves to sing, so I said .... Isn't it, sometimes, when there are boy bands, people really ask if they really sing. One night in Batanes, I told him, ‘You know what Ken, I have to apologize for something. I actually thought you guys [F4] couldn't sing.'

"I was really surprised cause he was just like a jukebox. He is voice is really nice - he can be like a Michael Bublé. I told him, ‘You have a very lovely voice in person.' He said, ‘Thank you.'"

Ken is part of the phenomenal boy band that gained popularity for their shows Meteor Garden and Meteor Rain. The multi-lingual Taiwanese actor speaks not only Mandarin but also English, Cantonese, Singlish, and a bit of Thai, Indonesian, and Japanese.

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Behind the scenes of "Batanes"


On December 5, viewers will be able to watch the poignant love story of a Filipina (Iza Calzado) and a Taiwanese fisherman (Ken Zhu) set in the northernmost province of the Philippines, Batanes.



Ken Zhu (left), a member of the Taiwanese boy band F4, is paired with Iza Calzado (right) for the movie Batanes. The popular actor describes his leading lady: "Iza's cool. She's really nice. We have a lot of things in common—we both love eating and traveling around."


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Ken Zhu narrates a children's story for the benefit of the young Ivatans, the natives of Batanes. With its vast landscape, rough seas, and ever-changing weather, Batanes is the perfect backdrop for this romantic movie.



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In the movie, Pam (Iza) finds Kao (Ken) unconscious on the beach of Ivujos island. She helps bring down his fever and eventually takes him back to her village—leading to a budding romance. In real life however, it is Ken who takes care of the well-being of his fellow stars.

Upon arriving in Batanes for his first shooting day, Ken gave director Adolf Alix Jr. a foot massage. On the last day of taping, it was Iza's turn to get a massage for her injured leg.


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Ken Zhu as Kao and Iza Calzado as Pam are dressed up in Filipiniana to attend the wedding of Melanie (Glaiza de Castro) and Noel (Mike Tan).

When asked if Iza felt any sparks between her and Ken, she admitted that she wasn't a big fan of the F4. Since Iza is happily commited to her boyfriend Jerry Garcia, she said that the only sparks that flew were those onscreen.



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In this scene, Iza teaches Ken the Tagalog word for plate while he, in turn, teaches Iza to say the Chinese word for glass.

The GMA star says that she looks forward to her tai chi sessions with Ken. "Usually after dinner, after meals, he motions with his hands and he teaches me tai chi," says Iza. She even mimics his deep voice and goes, "The first thing you have to learn in tai chi is the breathing."



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Ken and Iza play characters who both harbor painful memories. They develop a bond that leads to an intimate encounter. When asked to talk about their love scene, Iza says that her co-star Ken was very nervous since it was his first bed scene in his entire career.

"Actually, this is his first love scene. He was nervous. I felt like laughing, my feeling was, "I am supposed to be the one nervous right?"

"Both my leading men in the film (Ken Zhu and Joem Bascon were nervous. I felt nervous too cause this is his first time, his fans might run after me and fight with me, says Iza with a hint of seriousness in her joke.


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Batanes has the tagline "Ang pag-ibig ay walang hangganan," which translates as "Love has no borders."



Although the two lead characters come from different cultures, they will prove that love is universal. Emotions know no boundaries.


Source: PEP

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Without Borders

Article posted November 16, 2007

Love knows no borders—be it culture, language, or even time. This is the premise behind the much-awaited film of the year, Batanes, Ang Pag-Ibig ay Walang Hangganan. Text by KC M. Abalos. Photos by Ignite Media.

Ignite Media and GMA Films join forces to capture the splendor of the island of Batanes and the poignant beauty of love in this romantic tale.

One of the directors, Adolfo Alix, Jr., is the writer behind the award-winning film Mga Munting Tinig. As a director, his first feature, Donsol, was a finalist in the 2006 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

He describes the biggest challenge the production had to face with Batanes: “To bring the equipment and everything! It was a logistical nightmare to go to Batanes but because na-plano naman ng maayos during the pre-prod, we were able to bring all the necessary equipment.”

Co-director Dave Hukom, also the CEO of Ignite, gives the gist of the film. “Though they are from different cultures, they’ll prove that love is very universal,” he says.

All Star Cast

Ken Chu of Meteor Garden fame heads the stellar cast of this romance drama. According to the directors, they never imagined they would be able to sign the Taiwanese superstar for this project. However, once Ken read the script, he expressed immediate enthusiasm—something even the producers did not expect. Ken also reveals that he absolutely loved his stay in the island.

“I love this place. This is a paradise, actually. I didn’t expect this movie to turn out so cool. I’ve never seen a place as beautiful as this,” he shares.

Fresh from her Hollywood stint for The Echo, Iza Calzado shed all her glamour and went rural for Batanes. The lovely actress counts this as one of the most beautiful experiences she has ever had. This includes the bonding among the cast and crew, and even with foreign co-star Ken.

"He says I'm cool. He's cool too! He calls me sistah! He calls Sid and tatay [father] Bem (Bembol Roco), brothah!" Iza laughs.

Aside from Ken and Iza, the film also boasts of a powerhouse ensemble, which includes newcomer Joem Bascon, Sid Lucero, Coco Martin, Mike Tan and Glaiza de Castro. Acting veterans Bembol Roco, Daria Ramirez and Julio Diaz complete the round-up.

Batanes: Pag-ibig na Walang Hangganan will be shown on theaters starting December 5, 2007.

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Credits: orangersey

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Life Style Section D1
Wednesday, November 28, 2007


BATANES ON THE BIG SCREEN

AS PROOF OF BATANES' beauty, Adolf Alix ang Ignite Media Inc, CEO Dave Hukom recently shot a full-length feature film aptly called "Batanes" - a first for the company, with the island as one of its "characters."

Exclusive Paradise

Written by Arah Badayos, the film is a love story between a Filipina and a Taiwanese and revolves around how the waters of Batanes test their love and individualities.

The "unpredictable weather or ocean is similar to a woman," said Alix, adding that people should watch the movie to see how this "man-versus-nature" relationship unravels.

Hukom pointed out that the majestic beauty of Batanes lies in its green fields and the vast ocean that surround it. Seemingly nurtured and tended to by some divine force, the emerald island doesn't seem to have a bald patch.

"Batanes" the film, which stars Ken Zhu of Taiwanese boyband F4 fame and actress Iza Calzado, promises not only to highlight the island's beauty, but also share a tale about how love can overcome language barriers and cultural differences.

Both Hukom and Alix praised the Ivatan people for their simplicity, kindness and honesty- virtues that will be celebrated on the big screen soon.

"Batanes" will be shown in Philippines at SM, Ayala and Robinsons cinemas starting Dec. 5.

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From the Basque region to Batanes

F4’s Ken Zhu shoots a movie in Batanes
By Cherry Pineda
Transcribed by ai_ni18 @ KCIFC Philippines

Ken Zhu was in town last October to shoot a movie for Ignite Media. Batanes is the story of a young widow (played by Iza Calzado) who may possibly find love again with a Taiwanese fisherman who gets stranded in her hometown. According to Director Adolfo Alix, Jr., Batanes is the point in the Philippines that is closest to Taiwan and it’s not unheard of for a fisherman to be stranded there.

It was a casting coup of Ignite Media to sign on the Asian pop superstar along with Iza, Sid Lucero, Joem Bascon, Bembol Roco, and Coco Martin. Producer Arleen Cuevas had sent a contact in Hong Kong a copy of the script, which was later sent to Fu Long, Ken Zhu’s management company. Ken immediately signed on after he read the script.

But before he could come to Philippines, Ken had to participate in a Tai Chi competition (which he won) in the Basque region of, Spain first. After leaving the region of Basque and making a few European stopovers, Ken traveled from Bangkok to Hong Kong to Manila to Basco, Batanes before taking a boat to the island of Sabtang for the shoot.

Nothing they expected

While the staff and crew were expecting a full entourage that usually accompanies the F4 wherever they go, Ken arrived with just his manager and a makeup artist. He even brought boxes of Chinese pastries that he gave out to some members of the cast and the crew.

They also discovered the special provisions that they provided for the Taiwanese star were unnecessary. Not that he didn’t appreciate their efforts, but he much preferred to be treated the same way as anyone else.

Coco Martin recalls that during the first meal they had together, Ken was given a different set of food since he might find the local cuisine not to his taste. To their surprise, Ken sat himself at the end of their table, offered his food to them, and tried out the dishes everyone else was eating.

Ken even had Pinoy-styled breakfasts like tapsilog(fried rice, fried egg, and fried beef cutlets) during his stay. His only request was the addition of fruit to the meals. Before he left, he also asked Producer Arleen to help him buy dried mangoes to take back as pasalubong(gift) for friends in Taiwan.

The producers had also arranged for an air-conditioned van to take him to and from the set everyday. But the Taiwanese star said he preferred driving himself on a motorbike, saying he enjoyed it since there were no paparazzi or people who followed him around like they do abroad. Besides, it also meant he could get a tan since his role calls for a fisherman who is out at sea under the sun all day. He had to have fake tan applied for the first few days of the shoot, but he was soon dark enough to forego the makeup.

He had the same accommodations as everyone else did at the Batanes Seaside Lodge, nothing like the five-star hotels he was used to but he didn’t complain. Even the portable toilet stall that they had on the set especially for him soon became for common use.

Bonding in Batanes

Director Adolfo Alix, Jr. says that Ken was ever the professional, coming to the set on time and working 12 hours – sometimes more – a day to shoot his scenes. Once, he had a day off to go sightseeing, but he came back to the set later that day. He said he felt guilty about taking a break while everyone else was hard at work.

Direk Adolf, who is also at the helm of the Cinema One Originals entry Tambolista, also had a unique bonding moment with Ken after the former had a small accident on the set. He injured his foot when he tripped on some coral buried in the sand while they were shooting on the beach. When Ken later on noticed his swollen foot, he offered to massage it for direk since he knew reflexology. This really took Direk Adolf – and everyone else – by surprise. They couldn’t imagine that an Asian superstar like a member of F4 would do something like give someone a massage. But Ken genuinely wanted to help his director so he ended up giving Direk Adolf a reflexology massage.

As for working with the Taiwanese star, Direk Adolf says, “It’s been a pleasant surprise working with Ken. He’s very down-to-earth. Never did he demand (for anything) or make us feel that he’s a celebrity. And he listens to our instructions as a director.”

Meanwhile, Sid Lucero and Ken hit it off over talk of travel and their respective sports. When Sid first met the Taiwanese star, Ken had newly arrived on the set and was talking to directors Adolfo Alix, Jr. and Dave Hukom. Hearing Ken talk about Tai Chi, Sid mentioned that he was into boxing. Their conversation soon progressed from sports to adventures in traveling. They got along so well that Sid even invited Ken to a traditional inuman(drinking alcohol) session. Ken, however, had to beg off since he had just arrived in Batanes and wanted to rest.

From that point on though, Ken would always join in conversations with the cast. Ken even told them about his three- to four-month stay in the Gobi dessert in Mongolia where he was made to drink horsemilk wine, which according to him, is something that tastes as awful as it sounds. Sid admits that he became so envious of Ken’s Mongolian trip that he plans on going on one himself, that is if he gets any time off from work.

Iza Calzado was the one who had to spend the most time onscreen with Ken. She had freshly arrived from Toronto where she was shooting The Echo with Jesse Bradford and Amelia Warner before she headed to Batanes.

Since Ken’s character speaks only Chinese, he had to communicate using only body language. So it was a plus that he’s a Tai Chi champion with all the right moves (He even taught Iza a few Tai Chi moves between breaks). Off-cam, he didn’t have a hard time like his character in communicating with cast and crew, who agree that he’s “very simple, down-to-earth, and makulit din(likes to fool around).” (He even calls veteran actor Bembol Roco “Uncle Bem”).

When SSM asked Iza how it was like working with him, she said it was like working with a brother. “He’s nice and grounded even if he’s a superstar in Asia. I learned a lot of what it’s like to work in China, Taiwan, and Japan. It’s nice to converse with someone like him because he will tell you that truth, no sugar coating it. He’s very playful. Malakas mang-asar (likes to tease). Like I said, parang kuya (like a brother).”

Audiences will definitely see a different side of Ken when Batanes premieres this December. Ken will be back by then to help promote the movie, and the cast and crew look forward to another kulitan (fooling around) session with him.

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Iza Calzado teams up with Ken Zhu in ‘Batanes’

By Remy M. Umerez
Inquirer
Last updated 00:28am (Mla time) 12/01/2007

MANILA, Philippines—With its title, you might think “Batanes” is a special feature on National Georgraphic. It could have been, but it is not. A joint venture of Ignite Media and GMA-7, “Batanes” is essentially a picturesque romance, and an intimate portrait of a woman's relationship with the sea. It is written (and codirected) by Adolf Alix Jr. and Dave Hukom. The story in a nutshell:

It is a whirlwind romance when Pam (Iza Calzado) meets Ivatan Rico (Joem Bascon), and follows him to Batanes where they wed.

Pam tries to adjust to the Ivatan way of life, but finds the sea threatening. One day, Rico does not return from fishing, and she blames no one but the sea.

Stranger

On the anniversary of his death, she sails to Ivujos island and get stranded in a storm. She sees a man lying in the sand. The stranger turns out to be Taiwanese. She drags Kao (Ken Zhu) to her boat after his fever subsides and takes him back with her to the village.

The villagers are reluctant to accept the Taiwanese since most fishermen from Taiwan fish illegally in Batanes. As Pam tries to take care of Kao, she starts to be drawn towards him. Then, despite language and cultural differences, love beckons.

The role of Pam was originally meant for Judy Ann Santos, who liked the part but had to beg off due to a previous commitment. The popular actress suggested Iza, who was then finishing her scenes in “The Echo,” the English-language remake of Yam Laranas’ horror film, “Sigaw. ”In the future, Iza says she would like to play out-of-the box roles similar to her character in another indie movie, “Mona: Singapore Escort.”

Ken Zhu auditioned for the role of the fisherman. He’s best known here as one of the members of the Taiwanese boy band F-4. He speaks English and Cantonese. He starred in the famous TV series, “Meteor Garden,” and its sequel, “Meteor Rain,” which swept Asia by storm. He played the lead in the movies, “Sky of Love” (2003) and “Tokyo Trial” (2006).

First feature

Adolf Alix Jr.’s first feature, “Donsol,” was a finalist in the 2006 Cinemalaya film festival where it won Best Actress (for Angel Aquino) and Best Cinematography honors. It then bagged the Special Jury trophies in the Asian Marine Film Festival in Japan and the Fort Lauderdale film festival.

David Hukom is the CEO of Ignite Media, a post production company. He is a video and film editor, creative director, systems specialist, integrator and designer. His credits as a film editor include “Madrasta,” “The Promise” and “Pamihiin.”

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Is GMA Films going international?

By Isah V. Red

Anette Gozon Abrogar, president of GMA Films, the movie-producing arm of GMA Network Inc., seems headed for the right direction where local film production is concerned.

Her outfit recently entered into a co-production venture with Ignite Media Inc., an independent film production company, in the now-screening Batanes, directed by Adolf Alix Jr. whose earlier foray into the lives of people living along the coast of the vastness of the ocean via Donsol has earned plaudits for the young independent filmmaker.

Donsol is now among scores of film being considered in next year’s Academy Awards in the foreign film category.

The interracial romance in Batanes clearly paves the way for GMA Films to venture into markets beyond the Philippine coastline. And the presence of popular Taiwanese star Ken Chu playing a pivotal role in the film is a major factor making it easily acceptable in foreign film markets.

With Batanes, GMA Films seems bent on expanding its reach, finding new markets in other territories. Already, some distributors from other markets have made inquiries about the film.

Unwittingly, Anette might have found the answer on how GMA Films can actually survive beyond domestic distribution. If Batanes proves to be a success outside of the Philippines, it could change how movies would be made in this part of the world.

Breathtaking Batanes

Shot for 18 days in picturesque Batanes, Alix captures the islands and the pervasive socio-cultural norms that make the Ivatans (the natives inhabiting the islands) an interesting study in human behavior.

While we may be familiar with the group of islands in the northernmost part of the archipelago, the Ivatans are a complete stranger to us. Although Batanes is primarily premised on a relationship between individuals of strange culture, Alix is able to use the interaction between the Taiwanese stranger in Sabtang (that’s a small island off Basco) and a Manileña to introduce us to a modicum of life in that island.

But what kept our eyes on the screen are the breathtaking images in and around Sabtang. Here, Alix and his cinematographer show Filipino movie audience that when given such a beautiful landscape, a simple love story between a Filipino and a Taiwanese is transformed into a sparkling cinematic gem.

“I fell in love with the place and with the people,” said Ken Chu before the press screening at one of the two screens at The Podium.

Chu charmed millions of Filipinos as member of the sensational Taiwanese boy band F4 when the group starred in Meteor Garden (which, surprisingly, is still rating very high in its re-run on GMA-7’s pre-primetime block.

The Taiwanese star has been in the Philippines several times—as a visitor when he was just a little boy, and then with F4 for a show, and couple more times by himself. He admitted that he was very comfortable with everyone involved in the making of Batanes, particularly his leading lady, Iza Calzado.

On the other hand, Iza described Chu as very caring and attentive of her needs.

At times, he would give her a massage. Yet, what they enjoyed most in the days they were together was the food that the locals had been serving them.

Adopted son, daughter

Ken Chu and Iza Calzado were officially welcomed to the Ivatan community by Basco Mayor Demy Narag in a ceremony that included the handing of the native vests worn by Ivatan men and women to the two stars at The Podium.

Asian Spirit executive vice president Jack Po joined the adoption ceremonies as representative of the only airline that flies to the northernmost island of the archipelago. Asian Spirit flies to Batanes five times weekly, except when local weathermen raise the storm signal in the area to no. 2.

Batanes, a love story co-directed by Dave Hukom and Adolf Alix Jr. was written by Arah Badayos, who was commissioned by Alix and Ignite Media to do further research on the islands and its people immediately after Alix wrapped up work on a the Ivatan-inspired short Kadin. It was apparent that the director had fallen in love with the islands.

Alix says, “The film isn’t just about the two lead characters, but also of how the unpredictable weather or ocean is likened to a woman’s ever-changing moods.”

Jack Po played a big role in Batanes, Asian Spirit being the only airline that links the island by air to mainland Luzon.

Iza in Singapore

While Iza is in revelry about Batanes, the island and the movie, and her newfangled friendship with F4’s Ken Chu, the Singaporeans are wondering who this pretty star might be.

Actually, Iza starred in a movie shot in that city-state. It’s called Mona, and it’s about a poor single Filipino mother with an ailing father and a sick daughter who decides to take a better-paying job in Singapore, thinking she has been hired as a chambermaid.

When she arrives in that country, she discovers that she has been recruited into a stable of prostitutes. She is initially repelled by the prospect of selling her body, but her financial needs are so enormous that she just can’t go home empty handed.

Accepting her fate, she sees herself in a world behind closed doors where she must entertain clients with different sexual tastes, orientations, and deviations.

One of her clients, a handsome young artist, charms her with his gentle generous nature, and she is irresistibly drawn to him. She pays a price for her blind infatuation when his true nature comes to light.

Co-starring with Iza Calzado are Liza Diño, Brad Murdoch, and Jake Macapagal. Other players include Jess Evardone, Clowee Carandang, Papadom, Hestia Himongala, Jocel Vergel de Dios, Tin Jorge, and Miguel Faustmann.

[honeybums]

Source: GMA TV