CinemaBravo

Two women will stir up emotions of lust and anger in the upcoming Vivamax movies. “Maliko” is set to premiere on July 5, while “Hiraya” will premiere on July 12 on the local streaming platform.

Here are some snaps from their back-to-back media conference held at the boardroom of Viva in Pasig City.

Maliko — streaming on July 5

During the mediacon of ‘Maliko,’ Sahara Bernales and Eunice Santos shared their thoughts about being part of this film directed by JR Frias.

Sahara said, “Sobrang mahal ko yung movie na ‘to. Kasi first time ko diyan. Ta’s, ang daming experience, ang daming learnings na nakuha. Kahit ano’ng sabihin ng ibang tao, I love ‘Maliko.’ “

(“I really love this movie. Because it’s my first time here. I gained so many experiences and learnings. No matter what other people say, I love ‘Maliko.’ “)

As for Eunice Santos: “First and last movie ko ‘to. Ang sarap lang na na-experience ko siya na makipag-work sa [kanila]… Kami talaga yung pinili, so thank you.”

(“This is my first and last movie. It was just wonderful to have the experience of working with [them]… We were really chosen, so thank you.”)

When asked about her phrasing ‘first and last movie,’ Eunice further said, “Hindi naman po sa ayaw. Ano lang—parang, mas memorable kasi pag first and last movie ko na siya sa Vivamax.

(“It’s not that I don’t like it. It’s just that it’s more memorable if this is my first and last movie with Vivamax.)

“Kung meron man siguro na magbigay sa akin ng project na gusto ko naman.”

(“Maybe if I will be offered a project that I like.”)

In “Maliko,” a newcomer in town named Sweetie makes sexual advances toward an innocent local girl facing a family crisis.

Leng (Sahara Bernales), who earns a living by selling corn, is in desperate need of medical help for her father’s sudden illness. Fortunately, she encounters a female medical representative who promises to provide her with medicines for free – or so she thinks.

Sweetie (Eunice Santos) is a medical representative from Manila who has recently been relocated to Maliko. She is a go-getter, willing to sleep with doctors to sell her products. When Sweetie meets Leng, she is immediately attracted to her. She exploits Leng’s vulnerability to claim her body in exchange for free meds.

As her father’s illness worsens, Leng receives further favors from Sweetie, whose demands also grow bolder. Sweetie, being sexually fluid, also lusts after Leng’s boyfriend, Nardo (Chad Solano), and wants him and Leng to join her in an orgy party.

Nardo is willing to do anything for Leng, the love of his life, but will Leng allow Sweetie to corrupt them both further?

Hiraya — streaming on July 12

For Rica Gonzales, this role is a significant challenge as an actress.

“Yun nga ang bago: hindi ako nagsasalita dito, so kailangan ko ng mata-mata na acting. Hindi naman po talaga siya madali. akala ko no’ng una madali, pero nakakapagod rin pala… Malalim yung pinaghugutan ng story e. Kumbaga, yun nga, tuwing nakikipag-sex ako, doon lang ako… nakakakuha ng bagong words.”

(“The new thing here is that I don’t speak in this movie, so I need to rely on expressive acting with my eyes. It’s not really easy. At first, I thought it would be simple, but it turned out to be tiring… The story draws from deep emotions. Whenever I have a sex scene, that’s when I learn new words.”)

“Yung character ko kasi dito, parang napakaingat na babae. Kasi tahimik ako sa totoong buhay,” Denise Esteban jested.

(“My character here is like a very reserved woman. Because I’m quiet in real life.)

“Nahirapan ako kasi hindi talaga normal yung pagkaingay ng character ko dito… Pero nagawaan naman ng paraan.”

(“I found it difficult because my character is really loud… But we managed to make it work.”)

Itan Rosales, who plays a barangay councilor, found it challenging to portray a grumpy and mature role.

“Sa ‘kin siguro yung pagiging masungit. Kasi, ano ako dito e, parang masungit na kagawad e. Ayun! Yung pagiging masungit yung naging challenge sa akin kasi malayo sa personality ko e.”

(For me, the challenge was being grumpy. My character is like a grumpy councilor. That grumpiness was the challenge for me because it’s far from my real personality.)

“Hiraya,” directed by Sid Pascua, depicts a beautiful woman waking up in a rural town unfamiliar to her. Initially intriguing to the townspeople, their interest in her eventually turns to contempt.

Hiraya (Rica Gonzales), found unconscious by the river, has no memory and can only speak her name. She is soon taken advantage of by almost everyone, including Rommel (Itan Rosales), the son of the barangay captain, and Andeng (Denise Esteban), his mistress. Trust seems elusive until Hiraya meets James.

James (Nathan Rojas), who dislikes being groomed to be a politician by his father, the barangay captain, feels compelled to protect Hiraya after meeting her.

As Andeng pimps Hiraya, the town experiences a series of misfortunes. Andeng blames Hiraya, leading the townspeople to want her gone.

Hiraya finds solace in James, but the question remains: is she truly a victim of injustice, or does she somehow deserve the hatred?