Pedro Penduko returns to big screen | New Day - video Dailymotion

CNN Philippines

The iconic Filipino comic book character Pedro Penduko is coming to this year's Metro Manila Film Festival!   And to tell us more about bringing his story to life is Penduko director Jason Paul Laxamana, and cast members Migo Valid and Martin Venegas!   Visit our website for more #NewsYouCanTrust: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/  Follow our social media pages:  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNNPhilippines • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnnphilippines/ • Twitter: https://twitter.com/cnnphilippines

Transcript

00:00 I know you're good at something.

00:02 What if I told you that there's an underground company

00:05 that gives support to people like us who are looking for a life?

00:10 Is that okay?

00:12 What kind of question is that?

00:14 You're so good!

00:16 Oh, Steve!

00:17 Well, the iconic Filipino comic book character, Pedro Penduko,

00:23 is coming to this year's Metro Manila Film Festival

00:25 and tell us more about bringing his story to life,

00:29 joining us live is Penduko director Jason Paul Laksamana.

00:33 Good morning, Direk, and of course, cast members Migo Valid and Martin Venegas.

00:37 Good morning, gentlemen!

00:39 Congratulations to the three of you, your first Metro Manila Film Fest.

00:44 Who would have thought, Direk, I thought this would have been your fifth or sixth time already.

00:48 You being in the industry and being such a talented director,

00:52 tell me a bit about Penduko.

00:56 Let's refresh the memories of our viewers as to who Pedro Penduko really is and his story.

01:03 Pedro Penduko is a creation of a national artist for visual arts, Francisco V. Cochin.

01:11 He's a comic book character.

01:13 And then through the years, he made movies starring different actors.

01:19 I think it started with Ramon Zamora a long, long time ago.

01:25 And then he had a reboot with Giano Gibbs in the 2000s.

01:30 And then he became a TV series with Matt Evans.

01:33 So he really has different incarnations.

01:36 And this time, we're making another version of him.

01:40 So who is Penduko? Who is Pedro Penduko?

01:43 I mean, what was his story?

01:45 When I was given the project, I did my assignment.

01:49 I researched the comics, all the past stories about him.

01:53 The interesting thing is, he doesn't have a consistent lore or backstory.

01:58 But one thing is consistent, it's like a platform for showcasing Filipino culture, Filipino folklore.

02:06 And that's what I retained.

02:08 And the sense of adventure, comedy, and lighthearted fun.

02:12 Okay. And how did you--how were you able--before I get to Migo and Martinio--how were you able to bridge that gap?

02:20 I mean, because now, it is being told in a more, you know, millennial type way.

02:27 It's not anymore the old way. It's not a remake of an old.

02:32 It's like added.

02:34 Yes. Because when the last movie of Pedro Penduko came out, and the TV series,

02:40 the Filipino audience didn't have much exposure, especially the youth,

02:45 to Marvel movies, DC Comics movies.

02:48 And there was no streaming yet.

02:51 So I just felt that if we're going to reboot Pedro Penduko, we should adjust to their taste.

02:57 Because their taste matured.

02:59 So for Migo and Martinio here, tell me a little bit about your character.

03:04 This is also your first Metro Manila Film Fest. How exciting for you.

03:07 I'm so happy and so excited to watch this on the big screen.

03:12 And I will play Seraphine, who is the apprentice of Sgt. Arcelia, who is Apotisot here.

03:22 He's an albolario.

03:23 He's an albolario. And I will be his apprentice since Pedro is an Englishman.

03:30 So, they'll just wait and see what will really happen here.

03:34 And you, Martin?

03:35 I will play the role of Restis, who is with Mateo, and I will play the role of Penduko.

03:43 In the trainings, we have another school.

03:48 You have a gift.

03:50 They will be classmates.

03:52 How was it like for both of you working with Mateo?

03:55 It was fun because when I was a kid, I used to watch him on TV.

04:00 And now, we're working together and he's like a big brother to me.

04:09 And you, you'll keep fighting with Mateo?

04:12 For me, there's pressure because Mateo is like, "I don't want to hurt my idol."

04:19 But you were hurt.

04:22 I told him, "It's okay, bro. Just don't hurt me."

04:25 Speaking of pressure, the pressure to do Penduko must have been immense.

04:33 Did you feel it? Did Mateo feel it?

04:35 I think he is the fifth or fourth actor to do Penduko.

04:40 I think we all felt it because especially when the comments are coming out on the internet,

04:47 their expectations are so high.

04:50 And of course, we don't want to disappoint the long-time running fans.

04:55 The pressure was there but I just enjoyed the journey of creating because I love this genre.

05:04 Although I'm known for romance films, I love this genre.

05:08 I dreamed of this genre when I was a child.

05:11 At the same time, I'm an advocate of Filipino culture.

05:14 So, I just let my passion out.

05:18 Since this is more Pedro, Penduko, or Penduko 2.0,

05:24 I mean this is a more advanced version, you got to create your world.

05:29 A little bit of your world.

05:30 Tell us about your world and what our viewers can expect and look forward to.

05:34 You created a whole underground.

05:38 Tell me about the world that you have created.

05:41 The crucial concept of my version of Pedro Penduko is the concept of "may galing."

05:47 Here in the world of Penduko, these are the people who have supernatural gifts

05:53 like healers or the ones who can heal.

05:59 So, in my story, Pedro is the son of a powerful faith healer

06:05 but they are not rich so he ran away to the city.

06:09 He's trying to make something out of himself but he failed.

06:17 Then he discovered this underground training center or company

06:23 where people who are good at healing gather and develop their skills

06:27 so that they can heal cases of sorcery in exchange for money.

06:33 That's right. And this is where Kylie comes into play.

06:36 Yes, because they are all classmates.

06:39 So, what are you most excited about in terms of our viewers getting to watch this film?

06:47 Do you have favorite scenes or scenes that you did that were challenging?

06:54 For me, the best part of this film is the fight scenes.

07:00 They go to a different world where they fight and it's exciting to watch the new effects

07:10 and new things that Penduko will show.

07:12 I mean, something the whole kids, the whole family can enjoy this wonderful fantasy genre.

07:18 Yes.

07:19 Okay, so do invite our viewers to come and to enjoy.

07:24 You are also going to have the parade.

07:26 This is your first time to also be part of this parade.

07:29 We were on a float.

07:31 But this is why Mateo was so fun, like hearing him speak and how excited he was to be able to do this.

07:39 How much leeway, before I ask you to invite, how much leeway did you give Mateo to create his own character?

07:45 In terms of the collaboration between you and Mateo.

07:49 When I first met Mateo, honestly, he's trying to project this BGC boy.

07:57 Yes, he's still a super athlete.

07:59 But the more you get to know him, he's very outgoing or in the Bisaya, very "bugoy"

08:05 which is perfect for Pedro Penduko.

08:08 And when I saw his authentic side now, I just let him be.

08:13 Because that's his natural personality and that's what suits Penduko.

08:18 So I gave him freedom, of course. I just guided him.

08:21 Okay, well do invite our viewers to come and watch Penduko which will be part of the Metro Manila Film Fest.

08:30 Hello, I invite all the viewers here to watch Pedro Penduko on December 25.

08:36 Well, the title is just Penduko.

08:39 On December 25, it stars Mateo Gudichelli, Kylie Versosa, Sir John Arcelia, Sir Albert Martinez and many more.

08:47 Let's bring back magic in the Metro Manila Film Fest.

08:51 Would you like to add anything?

08:53 Watch it with your family, friends, and Marites.

08:57 If you're watching, watch Penduko on December 25.

09:02 And we're rated G. So it's really for everyone.

09:05 Everyone to enjoy this holiday season. Thank you so much, Direk Niguel Martin.

09:09 Thank you so much for joining us this morning right here on New Day. Congratulations.

Pedro Penduko returns to big screen | New Day

Category

Transcript

Recommended