Official trailer of the first film I line produced for my own outfit, The Grit Project. It premiered at the 12th Cinemanila International Film Festival last December 8, competing in the Digital Lokal category. Starring Kenjie Garcia (Ang Lihim ni Antonio), Ardie Bascara (formerly Basti Romero of Santuaryo), renowned theatre actress Marife Necesito (Mammoth), Xeno Alejandro (Roxxxanne), Jess Mendoza (Ben & Sam).

Upcoming indie actors Nick Guila (theatre actor, Orosman at Zafira), Patrick Esteban (Hinala), Paul Jake Paule (theatre actor, 2010 Aliw awardee), Mehdi Gohlami (tv, All about Adam) complete the ensemble of cast, directed by award-winning director Ray Defante Gibraltar (Timawa at Delgado, Wanted: Border). Being a married heterosexual, he expressed his interest in directing a gay love story so I opened up the possibility of me producing a project about gays in the fraternity.

I think this film came out pretty well. I must say, Palanca-winner John Teodoro's poetry made the film interesting. With haunting music by Monet Silvestre. Yeah, famed mentor in Pinoy Dream Academy, I had goosebumps when I finished watching the film. Seriously. And this is his first full-length, believe it or not. I'm proud of this film.

'BROD' will be shown in Manila theatres on February 16, 2011, a post-Valentine treat for gays and straights alike. Trust me, this one transcends beyond a gay love story. Love is bittersweet, eh?

Official Philippine theatrical premiere of 'Brod'.

Photography by Ian Felix Alquiros

Poster layout by Soleil Taguines

During the final casting/workshop of "Brod".

Dati siyang Basti Romero sa pelikulang 'Santuaryo'. Nagpalit siya ng screen name, ngayon gamit ang totoo niyang pangalan, Ardie Bascara. Una ko siyang nakita sa audition, sa Starbucks Morato naman. At tulad kay Kenjie, naramdaman kong nakita ko na ang matagal na naming hinahanap na Tad para sa 'Brod'.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit ayaw ni Ardie ang larawang ito. Gusto ko ang pagkakuha ko nito. Nangungusap ang kanyang mga mata.

Took this photo of Kenjie Garcia during the final casting/workshop of "Brod", the film I line produced for The Grit Project.

Kilala ko siya bilang si Antonio. Klasik na ang pelikulang yun, tatlong taon na pala ang nakaraan. Hindi ko na siya narinig pagkatapos nun, maliban sa mangilan-ngilang pelikulang sinalihan. Una ko siyang nakaharap sa audition, Starbucks UP Technohub. (Naging paborito naming lugar sa preprod ng 'Brod').  Hindi ako nastarstruck, hindi natunganga, hindi natuwa. Wala lang.

Di ko inakalang magaling siyang umarte. Sa mga unang linyang binitiwan niya, naramdaman kong nahanap ko na ang Terence para sa 'Brod'.

Hindi nga ako nagkamali ng pagpili.