THREE of the country’s film production giants -- Viva Films, GMA Pictures, and APT Entertainment -- seal their partnership to co-produce the Philippine adaptation of the Japanese drama "Pure Soul," from which the hit Korean movie "A Moment to Remember" was also adapted in a contract signing ceremony held on Tuesday, March 2.
For the first time ever, the Filipino audience is set to witness the much-awaited pairing of two of the country’s biggest stars: Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards and New Generation’s Movie Queen Bea Alonzo.
Present during the contract signing ceremony from Viva Communications Inc. were President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Vincent Del Rosario, Viva Artists Agency President Veronique Del Rosario-Corpus, and Senior Vice President for Content and Production Valerie Del Rosario.
Representing GMA Network were GMA Films, Inc. President and Programming Consultant to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, First Vice President for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan, Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier Cruz, and Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara.
And for APT Entertainment Inc., in attendance were CEO and President Mike Tuviera, COO and Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Jojo Oconer, and Vice President for Production Operation Camille Montano.
Also present during the contract signing was Bea’s manager Shirley Kuan.
Vincent Del Rosario teases the viewers on what to look forward to in the reimagining of the story that captivated hearts in Korea and Japan, “‘Yung script largely based sa Japanese na series pero ‘yung nuances ng culture ng Pinoy, sineed maigi ng writer para mas ma-appreciate ng local moviegoers.”
Meanwhile, Gozon-Valdes expressed her excitement in bringing the project to life, “Finally, this is now a reality, we’re very very excited. Napakaganda kasi ng pelikula na ito, lalo na we’re having both Alden and Bea in it. We feel that this project is perfect for the both of them. Sa galing nilang umarte, kayang-kaya nila itong project na ito. We are putting our own take on it kasi nga siyempre Philippine adaptation, gusto natin may ibang ipakita sa audience para talagang uniquely Filipino adaptation ito.”
Tuviera likewise shared his enthusiasm to begin producing the highly anticipated film, “Napakalaking chance to be a part of a project like this, I’m sure the people want to see Alden and Bea together. Gusto talaga namin maramdaman ng tao ‘yung pagka-big screen niya, ‘yung concept ng kwento, ‘yung characters, importante sa amin na ma-experience ng tao ‘yun in its full glory talaga, in a theater. We’re making the film as a theatrical experience.”
The film follows the journey of a young couple whose relationship will be put to the test when the woman is diagnosed with early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. It is a story that will test how much love can withstand and show how it can triumph in the midst of pain, fear, denial and acceptance.
Entrusted with such a meaningful role, Alden feels grateful to once again showcase his versatility on the big screen, “It’s my first remake, and there’s always comparison. What we wanted as actors is to do our own take on how we understood the role. Ang ganda ng material, sobra. Kung babalik na ‘yung cinemas, it’s really for it. Mas dama mo ‘yung istorya.”
On the other hand, Bea shared, “I’m excited na makakapag-trabaho na kami this time. We’re very happy na nag-inject sila ng Filipino culture doon sa script. We are working around the parameters of what Korea wants us to do, of course to also maintain and respect the original form of the movie. It’s going to be a little different from the original title but we will make sure that it’s going to be a good one. It’s going to be extra challenging and also very inspiring.”
This dream project is set to make the Filipino audience fall in love once it hits the big screen soon. (PR)