Kapamilya actor JM De Guzman has been described as a “new man,” a “changed man,” and someone who is more in love than ever by his ‘Paquil’ director, Lemuel Lorca.
“He’s a new man. He’s a changed man… He’s healthier, he’s happier, mas in love — shoutout!” (He’s more in love!) Direk Lem quipped during an intimate media conference where CinemaBravo was invited before the red carpet premiere of the inspirational romantic drama at a mall in Mandaluyong.
JM shared that even before filming for ‘Paquil’ began with Kapuso star Beauty Gonzalez, he had already built a strong bond with Direk Lem, making their collaboration effortless.
“Well, before pa lang po talaga, bago pa ‘to magsimula, itong ‘Paquil,’ na-develop na po namin yung friendship namin ni Direk. As in, sobrang sarap pong katrabaho,” he said.
(Even before this started, before ‘Paquil’ began, Direk and I had already developed our friendship. It’s truly enjoyable working with him.)
“Dekada!” (A decade!) Direk Lem interjected.
Their working relationship dates back to 2012 when they collaborated on the Cinemalaya film ‘Intoy Shokoy ng Kalye Marino,‘ alongside co-stars Joross Gamboa and LJ Reyes.
“Sa naalala ko nung sa ‘Intoy Shokoy,’ na-depress ako no’n kasi sa sobrang lungkot nung character…” (I remember during ‘Intoy Shokoy,’ I got depressed because the character was so sad…) JM recalled.
“Bata pa lang po ‘ko no’n, hindi pa ‘ko marunong masyadong lumabas sa character [o] bumitaw. Nando’n si Direk Lem no’n kahit wala na kaming shoot, nasa condo tinutulungan ako maghugas ng plato dahil hindi ako makabangon sa kama. Pati si LJ. They were there to support me: bad times, good times. So ang gaan na lang po katrabaho ni Direk Lem.”
(I was still young then and didn’t know how to detach from a character or let go. Direk Lem was there even after filming, helping me wash dishes in my condo because I couldn’t get out of bed. Even LJ was there. They supported me through bad times and good times, which is why working with Direk Lem now feels so light.)
When asked how he connects with his role in ‘Paquil,’ JM explained that he sees parts of his personal life reflected in his character.
“Siguro po may touch din po ng sa personal life ko rin po. Nakaka-relate din po kasi ako sa character ni Paolo, may sarili rin po siyang recovery kagaya ko. Nahanap ko rin po yung purpose sa buhay ko… sana to shed some light sa mga tao na nandodoon din sa posisyon na yon. Kaya po malapit din po sa puso ko yung character ko dito sa ‘Paquil.’”
(I think there’s a touch of my personal life in it. I can relate to my character, Paolo, because he also has his own recovery journey like I do. I also found my purpose in life… I hope this sheds some light for people who are in the same position. That’s why this character is so close to my heart.)
In the film, JM plays Paolo, a musician who struggles with his past demons while trying to rediscover his purpose. His path crosses with Christina, played by Beauty, a once-celebrated actress who returns to her hometown of Pakil after experiencing career failures and being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Christina becomes determined to revive the town’s long-lost tradition of Komedya, a theatrical performance, as she faces her fading health. Amidst her personal battles, she finds solace in her faith and devotion to the Our Lady of Turumba, the town’s patron saint. Paolo, dealing with his own inner struggles, finds himself drawn to Christina’s resilience, and together, they navigate their journey toward redemption, healing, and purpose.
On working with Beauty, JM expressed his admiration for her depth as an actress. While this isn’t their first project together—having previously starred in the drama series ‘Angelito: Batang Ama’ (2011-2012) during their time together at ABS-CBN—he was still deeply impressed by her performance in ‘Paquil.’
“Sobrang grateful po ‘ko, sobrang shocked po ako kay Beauty, kasi sobrang lalim niya po, sobrang sabi ko nga po, pag hindi ka prepared as an actor, magugulat ka sa mga binibitawan niya, baka malamon ka niya.
(I’m very grateful, and I was really shocked by Beauty because she’s so deep. I even said, if you’re not prepared as an actor, you’ll be surprised by the way she delivers her lines; she might overwhelm you.)
“And sobrang passionate po niya. Sobrang nag-i-immerse po siya do’n sa Pakil. Inakyat niya pa nga yata yung bundok no’n e! Yon, sobrang in character po siya.”
(And she’s so passionate. She really immersed herself in Pakil. I think she even climbed the mountain there! She was really in character.)
#PaquilTheMovie is a heartfelt exploration of faith, identity, and the power of tradition. Set against the backdrop of Pakil’s rich cultural history, the film tells the story of two individuals seeking purpose and healing through faith, love, and art. As Christina and Paolo’s journey unfolds, they find solace in each other while leaving a lasting impact on their community through the revival of the Komedya and their devotion to the Our Lady of Turumba.
Also starring Yayo Aguila, VJ Mendoza, Kych Minemoto, Arnold Reyes, Leandro Baldemor, Lui Manansala, Angela Cortez, Iyah Mina, Bambi Rojas, Star Orjaliza, Joel Saracho, Lou Veloso, Nino Mendoza, Argel Saycon and Lilet Esteban, and introducing Olivia Crisologo (Beauty’s daughter). Written by Archie del Mundo and directed by Lemuel C. Lorca.
As the initial offering of Resiko Entertainment Productions, it opens February 12 in Philippine cinemas.
CinemaBravo 
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