Philippine Cast

Most of the Philippines cast were playing themselves as this was a more documentary exploration into the film. . We were really lucky with who we were able to get helping us out. As promised. Here they are: Maricel Soriano as Herself – Celeste Pacana at Artistation was kind enough to bring our request to Maricel, as well as her agent, Wyngard Tracy. We originally sought her out because of her starring role in ‘Sa Piling Ng Mga Aswang’. We are thrilled that Maricel, the Diamond of Philippine Cinema, was a part of this project.While we were working with Maricel she was also volunteering her time on an independent project directed by Bobby Bonifacio Jr. called ‘Numbalikdiwa’. This is Bobby’s first feature and not only did Maricel volunteer her time, but she also got Albert Martinez – another big Filipino star on the project as well. I have posted a link to the trailer on You Tube.

Me with Maricel.

Janice with Bobby Bonifacio Jr.

Aimee Villarico as a Mangkukulam

I was introduced to Roca Cruz at ‘Be.Live Artist Management’ by an old acquaintance in the Philippines, Mish Ballesca. Roca was very accommodating in finding me the female actress I was looking for. She suggested Aimee Villarico who was a runner up on the very popular reality show ‘Close Up To Fame’. Aimee was super sweet and, shocked I’m sure, at the guerrilla style of filmmaking I put her through. She was very professional and never complained.

Aimee and Janice

Kitchie Nadal Okay, so she isn’t actually an actress in the film. However, her songs are played everywhere in the Philippines. She has become one of the leading singer/songwriters there. I heard one song in particular and thought ‘I need this for the film’. As it turned out Roca Cruz also managed Kitche – who is currently on a US tour – and I was able to acquire rights to the song. Thanks Kitchie!

Kitchie Nadal, Me, Roca CruzThere were dozens of supporting roles that were filled as well as interviewees. I’ll get to those in the next couple blogs.