Article posted November 16, 2007
Rating:
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! Tawag niya sa akin sistah! Tawag niya kay Sid [Lucero] at kay tatay 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. Want a sneak peek? Watch the trailer here!
Talk about Batanes in the iGMA forum!
May kwento pa sa iyo sina IZA, MIKE and GLAIZA. Text [star’s name] [your message] and send to 4627 for all telcos. Each text message costs Php2.50 for Globe, Touch Mobile, Smart and Talk N’ Text subscribers, and Php2.00 for Sun Cellular subscribers.
