Jolo Revilla flanked by Dominic Roque and Benj Manalo
ACTOR-politician Ramon “Jolo” Revilla III hopes to have more action films in the country.
In a press conference at NS Royal Hotel yesterday, the vice governor of Cavite encouraged filmmakers to bring back the action film genre in Philippine cinemas.
“Yung action, matagal na kasi siyang nawawala ‘eh. Ilan na lang ang gumagawa ng action films dito ‘eh,” Jolo said during a press conference held yesterday at the NS Royal Hotel in Juana Osmeña St. Cebu City.
Jolo topbills the movie, “Tres,” a three-part action anthology series, which also stars his brothers, Bryan and Luigi.
Produced by Imus Productions and distributed by CineScreen, the fim is based on current events in the country and in support of the current administration’s campaign against drugs, the actor said.
Jolo plays Marius Reyes, an anti-narcotics agent for the “72 hours” episode, which also stars Dominic Roque, Benj Manalo, Rhian Ramos, Tirso Cruz, Philip Salvador, and Albert Martinez. The episode is directed by Dondon Santos.
“That is why we are making this kind of film. Siyempre, para maibalik ang action sa industriya natin para maiba naman,” he said.
Manalo, a theater actor who is also known for his role as Pinggoy in ABS-CBN’s top-rating action series, “Ang Probinsyano,” talked about their preparations for the film.
“Like nag training kami ng gun shooting. Inayos namin lahat ng technicalities na we wanted. The production really wants to provide a quality film,” he said.
Manalo’s character in “72 Hours” is Yong, the sidekick of Jolo’s character, Marius.
Roque, on the other hand, plays Jake, a young congressman.
“As an actor, mas maganda na madaanan mo ng iba’t ibang tema ng pelikula. Mas maganda na umiikot at least malalaman ko kung saan ko gusto mapunta. Gusto ko ba maging action star, dramatic actor, o kung saan ako mas gumaling at matandaan ng tao,” he said when asked what kinds of roles he sees himself doing.
Roque previously starred in the 2017 horror film, “Spirit of the Glass 2: The Haunted.”
Continuing the legacy
Jolo, Bryan, and Luigi are the newest generation of Revillas hoping to continue the legacy of producing action films, which their grandfather and father started. This is the first time that Revilla brothers are starring together in one film.
Their father, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and grandfather, former senator Ramon Revilla Sr. topbilled several action films in 1950s and in 1990s, respectively.
For “Tres,” Bryan leads the cast of “Virgo,” the first episode of the film which also stars Joey Marquez. It is directed by Richard Somes.
Luigi, on the other hand, headlines the last episode, titled “Amats.” and directed by Santos. Also in the cast are Assunta de Rossi and Myrtle Sarosa.
Jolo was all praises for his two brothers especially Luigi, since “Tres” is his (Luigi’s) first movie.
“Nagulat kami. Pag pinanood niyo, parang he (Luigi) is not a first timer. Piniga ng director. Maganda ginawa niya,” he said.
Jolo also said that even if his father, Sen. Revilla is in jail, he was still very much involved with “Tres.”
“He (Bong) is hands-on kahit nasa loob siya.
Tinutukan niya ang paggawa ng script and sa totoo lang napakahirap para sa kanya kasi bawal ang gadgets sa loob. Sa bawat editing, sa bawat sequences, kahit hanggang sa special effects, binantayan niya,” Jolo said.
