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“No’ng high school, na-bully ako.” (Back in high school, I was bullied.)

Sparkle artist Elijah Alejo revealed this during the story conference of the suspense-adventure film ‘Field Trip,’ in which she is the lead actress.

Elijah became popular as the antagonist to the three ‘Prima Donnas’ — played by Jillian Ward, Althea Ablan, and Sofia Pablo — in the hit afternoon series of the same name from 2019 to 2022. Now that she has put more focus on her studies, she has become less visible on television but still accepts projects whenever her school schedule permits.

Talking about her experience in high school, in relation to her upcoming film, she narrated, “Actually, no’ng high school, na-bully ako, because [of] yung pagiging artista ko… Nakapasá kasi ako sa science high school. Kaya lang naman daw ako natanggap, kasi artista. Kaya lang din daw ako nakakapasá kasi artista.

(Actually, back in high school, I was bullied because I was an actress… I got into the science high school. They said I was only accepted because I was an actress. They also said I was only passing because I was an actress.

“Nakilala ko yung nag-i-spread ng rumor na ‘yon. It’s a guy! No’ng sinumbong ko kay Mommy, sabi ni Mommy, ‘Sugurin mo yan! Labanan mo! Patulan mo!’”

(I found out who was spreading that rumor. It was a guy! When I told my mom, she said, ‘Confront him! Fight back! Challenge him!’”)

She affirmed that she took heed and went to her bully. “Naghabulan kami sa buong building. Four floors ‘yon! Kinuwelyuhan ko lang, kasi masyado akong hiningal. Supposedly, sabi ni Mommy, sapakin ko raw para matuto… After no’n, natigil na yung pambu-bully kasi naging friends. Up until now, friends pa rin kami.”

(We chased each other around the building. It was four floors! I just grabbed him by the collar because I was too out of breath. Supposedly, my mom told me to punch him so he would learn… After that, the bullying stopped because we became friends. Up until now, we are still friends.)

Joining Elijah are teen stars MJ Manuel and Gab Dekit. Bringing together a stellar ensemble of some of the Philippines’ prominent actors and actresses, the cast of ‘Field Trip’ features Jeffrey Santos, Alex Medina, Jennifer Lee, Simon Ibarra, Dindo Arroyo, and Dexter Doria.

This combination of fresh and seasoned talent, under the helm of Jose “JR” Olinares, with a screenplay written by Eric Ramos, promises a thrilling and compelling narrative that aims to captivate Filipino audiences.

Here are some snaps from their recent story conference with the cast, production team, guests, and select media outlets including CinemaBravo.

About the story of ‘Field Trip’

Produced by Pinoyflix Entertainment Production Inc., ‘Field Trip’ explores a seemingly ordinary educational excursion which turns into a nightmare for a group of students. As they venture deeper into the wilderness, excitement and curiosity quickly give way to panic and fear. The students soon realize they’ve stumbled into a dangerous game of survival, fleeing deeper into the forest as they attempt to evade a sinister syndicate.

Cut off from civilization and with no means of communication, the students must rely on their ingenuity and collective strength to navigate the treacherous terrain and outwit their pursuers. As daylight fades and the forest becomes an ominous labyrinth, tensions rise, and the group’s camaraderie is tested to the limit. Amidst the chaos, unexpected moments of bravery and compassion emerge, revealing the true essence of their characters.

Meet the cast of ‘Field Trip’

• Elijah Alejo as Angela: Angela is a poor orphan raised by her grandmother, who works tirelessly as a laundress. Despite her hardships, Angela shines brightly as an athletic scholar at an exclusive school, excelling as a volleyball libero and an honor student known for her kindness and soft-spoken nature.
• MJ Manuel as Jerry: Jerry is the school’s heartthrob and a star basketball varsity player. Friendly and approachable, Jerry secretly harbors affection for Angela. When the students face a dangerous encounter with the private army of illegal loggers, Jerry steps up as their leader.
• Gab Dekit as Rhian: Rhian is the formidable leader of the school’s “mean girls” and the middle blocker of the volleyball team. Wealthy and spoiled, Rhian is Jerry’s jealous ex-girlfriend, adding tension and drama to the group’s dynamics.
• Nicole Alayon as Stephanie: A rich girl and one of Angela’s closest friends, Stephanie often lends Angela clothes and shoes. However, she finds herself influenced by Rhian due to her secret crush on Jerry.
• Mika Pardo as Britney: Britney, another close friend of Angela, leads the “good girls” and stands up against the mean girls’ bullying.
• Jea Manalo as Mira: Mira is a social climber and the number one gossip queen among the mean girls, always sticking close to Rhian for status.
• Natsumi Nose as Charm: A member of the good girls, Charm is a nature-loving nerd who brings a gentle, nurturing presence to the group.
• Abegail Tabiolo as Eunice: Eunice appears to be part of the good girls but secretly acts as a paid spy for Rhian.
• Kate Ronco as Michaela: Michaela is a nerd who does assignments for Rhian and her friends, blending intellect with subservience.
• Angel Llames as Joyce: The kindest member of the good girls, Joyce constantly tries to mediate and reconcile Angela and Rhian.
• Ron Medina as Rob: The token male member of the good girls, Rob is timid and easily intimidated, adding vulnerability to the group.

Watch out for their film ‘Field Trip’ — coming soon in theaters nationwide this 2024.