In a captivating collaboration that began in September of the previous year, renowned Kapuso stars Pokwang and Glaiza De Castro were officially launched as the lead stars of ‘Slay Zone.’
Directed by the seasoned Louie Ignacio, the film also features the multifaceted Ken Chan, not as part of the ensemble but as a fellow producer, adding an extra layer of excitement to the project.
Dynamic duo: Glaiza and Pokwang’s on-screen magic
Glaiza and Ken, together with fellow Sparkle talent Abed Green, recently opened up about their experiences during a virtual media conference held by Sparkle GMA Artist Center.
Glaiza shared her admiration for working alongside comedienne Pokwang, emphasizing the veteran actress’s versatility.
In her own words, Glaiza expressed, “Si Mamang naman, hindi madi-deny yung husay niya. Naipakita niya yung comedic side at dramatic side niya. Very honored ako to work with her. Ang saya niya ka-bonding kahit na off-set. Mas masaya siya sa eksena kasi it’s something na hindi ko normally nakikita sa kanya. Masaya siyang experience for me. Iyon talaga yung iki-keep ko sa career ko na nakatrabaho ko siya, na nakagawa kami ng pelikula—na magandang pelikula—gaya ng Slay Zone.”
(“As for Mamang (Pokwang), her excellence cannot be denied. She showed both her comedic and dramatic sides. I am very honored to work with her. She’s joyful to bond with, even off-set. She’s happier on the scene because it’s something I don’t normally see from her. It’s a joyful experience for me. That’s really what I’ll keep in my career—working with her, creating a beautiful film like ‘Slay Zone.’”)
Ken’s transition from actor to producer
Glaiza’s praise extended to Ken. She commended his hands-on approach and dedication to every aspect of the production. “Wow! I really appreciate that, Glaiza,” Ken responded to the accolades.
Beyond his on-screen charisma, Ken contributes significantly to the film’s production, embodying the essence of a true collaborator. His dedication and hands-on approach have set new standards for Glaiza, inspiring fellow actors and aspiring producers alike.
Later, when responding to a different question, he expressed his gratitude and shared their shared dream of juggling between being actors and producers, and even doing both.
“Dream po kasi talaga namin ‘to ni Glaiza. Normally, kapag gumagawa kami ng pelikula bilang isang aktor, at pag nag-uusap kami ni Glaiza, sabi namin, gusto namin, pangarap namin na magtrabaho naman behind the camera, at maging producer.
“Dito nati-test yung pagiging creative naming dalawa. Yung mga creative juice namin na mga naiisip, yung mga konsepto—nagkaroon kami ng outlet para ipakita pa yung isang side ng pagmamahal namin sa industriya namin. At ito yung pagiging producer.
“At maraming mga aktor na nangangarap na mag-produce ng pelikula, at dalawa kami ni Glaiza sa mga pinagpala na maabot yung pangarap na yon bilang producer.”
(“It’s really our dream, Glaiza’s and mine. Normally, when we make a movie as actors, and when Glaiza and I talk, we say that we dream of working behind the camera and becoming producers.
(“This is where our creativity is tested. Our creative juices, our concepts—we found an outlet to show another side of our love for our industry. And this is being a producer.
(“Many actors dream of producing a movie, and Glaiza and I are blessed to reach that dream as producers.”)
Abed Green: newcomer’s perspective
Abed Green, another cast member, shared insights into his experience working alongside industry veterans like Glaiza with whom he is paired in the story. Despite initial nerves, Abed felt welcomed and appreciated by the seasoned stars, reflecting the supportive atmosphere on set.
“No’ng una, nahihiya ako kasi siyempre alam naman natin si Ms. Glaiza, magaling talaga…,” he said, recalling his scenes with her. “No’ng unang eksena ko, siya agad yung kaeksena ko, very warm yung [pag-welcome]. Hindi ko na-feel na parang dapat kabahan ako na si Glaiza yung kaeksena ko. Very gentle lang po yung mga scene namin na talagang parang matagal na kaming magkatrabaho.”
(“At first, I was shy because, of course, we all know Ms. Glaiza is truly talented… In my first scene, she was my immediate scene partner, and it was a very warm welcome. I didn’t feel like I should be nervous because Glaiza was my scene partner. Our scenes were very gentle, as if we had been working together for a long time.”)
Behind the scenes of ‘Slay Zone’ with Direk Louie
‘Slay Zone’ is the second directorial venture for Louie Ignacio under Wide International Film Productions just right after the Ken Chan-starrer ‘Papa Mascot.’ Glaiza shed light on Ignacio’s distinctive directing style, describing it as subtle yet challenging, emphasizing his whole-hearted dedication to the craft.
“Si Direk Louie kasi, meron siyang mga direction sa amin na ‘O, kailangan may ganitong hint, pero hindi natin dapat i-spoil, hindi dapat mahalata…’ Kumbaga subtle lang talaga. Medyo may challenge pagdating sa pagtitimpla.
“Alam naman natin yung gaano kahusay si Direk sa mga ginawa niya. Nakatrabaho ko siya sa [dating Sunday noontime musical variety show] S.O.P. pa, and then nakatrabaho ko siya sa [daily pre-noontime variety show ng GMA na] Tiktoclock din, pero iba rin pala siya kapag pelikula na yung ginagawa niya. Talagang he puts his whole heart, his whole soul into it.”
(“Director Louie Ignacio has a unique style. He provides us with directions like ‘Okay, we need this hint, but it shouldn’t be obvious, we shouldn’t spoil it…’ It’s subtle. It’s a bit challenging in terms of mixing.
(“We know how excellent Director Louie is in what he does. I worked with him in [the now-defunct Sunday noontime musical variety show] S.O.P. before, and I also worked with him in [GMA’s daily pre-noontime variety show] Tiktoclock, but he’s different when it comes to making a film. He really puts his whole heart, his whole soul into it.”)
The story of ‘Slay Zone’
The film’s story, conceptualized by executive producers April Martin and Pauline Mae Publico, unfolds in the small rural area of Pulang Araw.
Pokwang portrays Corazon Fernandez, the new Head of Police, determined to prove her capabilities as a female leader. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Glaiza De Castro’s character, V, a famous model and social media influencer, becomes the target of a series of killings, putting both their lives in jeopardy.
Included in the stellar cast are Maui Anne Taylor, Queenay Mercado, Thai actor Richard Armstrong, Rico Barrera, and many more. With a screenplay by Lawrence Nicodemus and line production by Dennis Evangelista, the film poses to be a thrilling journey into the realms of mystery and suspense.
Star-studded block screenings and Asia Tour ahead
Due to the overwhelming demand for the film, Wide International has scheduled exclusive block screenings, providing fans the opportunity to watch ‘Slay Zone’ alongside the cast and key production members.
Check out these schedules this March, and follow the pages of Sparkle and Wide International for more details.
- THE BLOCK SM NORTH EDSA
MARCH 2 (SATURDAY) • 7 PM
Private screening with Meet & Greet (Glaiza De Castro, Ken Chan, Queenay, executive producers April Martin and Pauline Publico, director Louie Ignacio), with free Aromagicare products. - SM CITY BATAAN
MARCH 3 (SUNDAY) • 1 PM
Private screening with Meet & Greet (Glaiza De Castro and Ken Chan) - SM CITY LUCENA
MARCH 10 (SUNDAY) • 4 PM
Private screening with Meet & Greet (Glaiza De Castro, Ken Chan, Queenay) - SM CITY BATANGAS
MARCH 31 (SUNDAY) • 2 PM
Private screening with Meet & Greet (Glaiza De Castro, Ken Chan and Queenay)
Secure your tickets for only P500 for the screening access, plus the Meet & Greet. For ticket purchases, please contact any of the following numbers: 09555042223 or 09810370450.
And as if there’s no stopping them, their Asia Tour is coming soon in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Watch the official trailer for #SlayZone here.
CinemaBravo 
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