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Richard, Bong, Albert Join Forces in Centennial Movie

FIRST PUBLISHED AT ABANTE ONLINE ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

Dream roles and formidable casting do come true and happen in Philippine movie – this time with Richard Gomez, Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr., and Albert Martinez through the movie 'Ang Sugo'

Yes, the three big names actors – certified bankable and award-winning -- will topbill the retelling on the big screen of the founding and legacy of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), as it gears up for its centennial anniversary in 2014.

In the movie, Gomez, Martinez and Revilla will essay the roles of the three-generation Executive Ministers of the INC namely Felix Y. Manalo, Erano G. Manalo, and Eduardo V. Manalo.

The common denominators among the three actors is that they readily agreed to play the respective roles offered them saying it’s their honor and privilege to be part of the historical and monumental movie. All of them also look forward to be directed by world renowned and veteran movie director Amable ‘Tikoy’ Aguiluz VI.

Penned  by radio broadcast journalist Arlyn dela Cruz, "Ang Sugo (The Last Messenger)" spans three generations of INC leadership. Touted as local cinema's "movie of the century" -- by virtue of its subject and scope of production, the film will retrace the beginnings of INC, when it was founded in 1914.

"This is historical. Pinapakita dito kung paano nagsimula ang Iglesia ni Cristo. Ipapakita dito 'yung generations na dumaan pagkatapos ni Felix Manalo," Gomez said during a press conference held Tuesday, referring to the founder of INC, Felix Manalo, the first executive minister of the religious group.

With filming set in the first quarter of 2013, Martinez and Sen.  Revilla, Jr. have likewise started preparations for their portrayals.

“Who wouldn’t decide to accept this movie? It’s once in a lifetime. I feel so privileged to be part of this,” Martinez said. He will play the late Eraño Manalo, who took leadership of the INC in the 1950s after Felix.

The actor added he feels pressured from portraying someone "very charismatic, very endearing." "Kaya kailangan talaga in detail pag-aaralan ko, the person, the man, the dream, the passion, lahat ng iyon," he said.

For his part, the action star-lawmaker will play the role of Eduardo Manalo, the current executive minister of the church.

Revilla sees his role as a complete departure from his big screen roots. "Hindi na Bong Revilla, the action star ang makikita niyo. For the first time, kumbaga isang Ka Erdy ang makikita nila sa 'Sugo.' Pag-aaralan natin 'yung galaw niya, pananalita niya, mannerisms niya. Malaking hamon ito," he said.

Playing his wife in the movie is real-life partner, Lani Mercado Revilla who likewise feels greatly honored to be part of this project. “Besides, it’s been years when we did a movie together. We met with Ka Erdy and the rest of the religious leaders early this morning. Am telling you, this is going to be a totally different movie for us,” the beauteous Cavite Congresswoman said.

Meanwhile, Director Aguiluz said he is facing the biggest challenge of his life as filmmaker in this movie where he would be collaborating with an Oscar-award winning filmmaker, a host of respected production designers, and a cast of half a million actors and extras, among others, in filming this film biography.

The latest and top of the line equipment and technology in filmmaking will be used and employed in the film which starts shooting in the first quarter of 2013. Commercial run will be on July 2014. (LRG, PMPC)

Follow the link at www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2912/istayl03