Straight from their respective TV projects, hot newbies Joaquin Domagoso (from GMA Artist Center, the son of Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso) and Andi Abaya (ABS-CBN’s ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Connect’ 2nd Big Placer) are set to top-bill an exciting mystery-adventure movie for the millennials — Caught in the Act.

Produced by MPJ Entertainment Productions and Golden Brilliance, this comedy-mystery-crime-adventure movie will feature Kapuso and Kapamilya teen stars — together in one new movie.

Caught in the Act tells the story of a group of Filipino senior high school students (led by the characters of Joaquin Domagoso and Andi Abaya) who invent a new mobile app eponymously called “Caught in the Act,” which is a crime-stopping phone application that allows people to report crimes happening around.

Joaquin and Andi: from TV to movie

On their virtual media conference held this Saturday, May 29, Joaquin Domagoso and Andi Abaya admitted that they haven’t met each other yet but they are equally excited to work together.

They both shared with CinemaBravo how they are transitioning from their latest TV stints to this new movie.

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“All the practical acting experiences I’ve gone through in First Yaya will surely help me with this new upcoming project,” Joaquin told us, referring to his hit primetime series on GMA Network where he is paired with Cassy Legaspi.

He acknowledges the fact that he will definitely go through a transitioning period. “Siyempre iba yung character ni Jonas sa First Yaya sa character ko ngayon. Kaya ‘yon lang ang aalagaan ko when it comes to transition to this show to the next. Pero experiences, all that I gained from First Yaya to my fellow actors—sina Sanya Lopez, Gabby Concepcion, mga veteran, they surely will help me in this project.”

Now that GMA-7’s top-rating show is coming to its intended end, Joaquin is more than optimistic.

“I hope there will be an extension na Book 2 because as of the moment, we’ve finished Book 1, and First Yaya will have no taping in the future. But it will be announced, when the show ends, if there will be a continuation or not. So, prayers, I hope it gets continued.”

On the other hand, Andi — fresh from her win as the 2nd Big Placer in the latest edition of the reality show Pinoy Big Brother — explained her takeaways from the long-running TV program.

“All the lessons I learned in Kuya’s House are the things that will really help me stay strong, na magpakatatag, and maniwala lang sa sarili ko. And I believe that if I continue to trust in myself and have confidence in myself, I would be able to stay motivated and determined to give my all in this industry.”

She also gave an update on her new project. “I have an upcoming movie. We just finished [shooting] a few weeks ago. It’s called The Entitled, [starring Alex Gonzaga]. It is under TinCan production.”

About ‘Caught in the Act’

Apart from Joaquin and Andi, New faces are also introduced in the movie to play major roles. They are Josh Lichtenberg, Jhassy Cruz Busran, and Bamboo B.

‘Caught in the Act’ is written and directed by Perry Escaño who also helmed the Cinemalaya 2017 entry ‘Ang Guro Kong ‘Di Marunong Magbasa’ as well as the 2019 family-oriented film ‘Ang Sikreto ng Piso’ which starred real-life couple Gelli De Belen and Ariel Rivera.

Acting as executive producers are Josie Paynor, Reagan Romero, and JCB Production. 

Playing supporting roles are Karel Marquez, Lance Raymundo, Shido Roxas, John Gabriel, Toni Co, EJ Panganiban, Roy Sotero, Ella Sheen, Jiana Aurigue, and Edna Hernandez.

‘Caught in the Act’ Synopsis

As part of their final school project, a group of senior high school students invent a new mobile app and call it “Caught in the Act.”  They design it as a crime-stopping app, which allows onlookers to report crimes happening in their campus and in their community.

While testing the app, they get to witness a crime committed by a syndicate group.  The app effectively sends a report about the ongoing crime to the to the authorities.  

However, the first person to receive it is the head of Police, who is also involved with the syndicate.  As the syndicate group tries to cover its tracks, these innocent teenagers now have to decide whether to run away as they are being hunted down or face their tormentors head on.

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Director’s Statement by Perry Escaño

“Caught in the Act” depicts how talented Filipinos are when it comes to invention and creation of advanced technology.  The film promotes good Filipino traits like not giving up on trials and adversities of life, very hardworking,  responsible, hopeful in achieving their dreams in life.

Most Filipinos nowadays – especially the millennial generation — are into social media, it is also an awareness to everyone that App nowadays are faster and easiest version of a site to interact and connect.

These Apps are companions for today’s social life. They are literally very significant in our daily lives, especially on emergency matters, like what will be seen in this film.

CinemaBravo asked Perry Escaño to tell more about their preparation in terms of training and shooting the film.

“Yung trainings namin, meron kaming virtual reading [for] scene by scene [ng] five leads at dalawang supporting na estudyante. Pagdating mismo sa location sa June 9, may training din kami. Magkikita-kita sila doon. Every day, meron kaming dalawang team. Yung sa akin, kukunan talaga yung major scenes… Yung associate director ko, yung mga establishing shots ang mga kukunan. Yung timeline: 3 to 7 days kami.”

As for the release, Perry Escaño explained that Caught in the Act is initially intended for submission at a local film festival.

“Kung papalarin, e di maganda! Pero intended talaga siya para sa isang app na doon ipapalabas talaga [kasama] ng mga sikat na VOD natin ngayon na kilalang-kilala siya talaga.”

Watch out for the release of Caught in the Act soon from MPJ Entertainment Productions and Golden Brilliance.