We’re glad Star Cinema is issuing “Alagwa” on a nationwide theatrical release as it’s really worthwatching. Jericho plays the role of a single dad to child actor Bugoy Carino, who gets kidnapped. His search for the missing boy will take him to Hongkong and the scene where they finally meet again so many years later, and they recognize each other through a hand gesture they both know, is definitely heartbreaking.
Both Jericho and Bugoy give tearjerking performances in their father and son roles, so we’re not surprised that Echo won an Urian best actor award and Outstanding Achievement in Acting awards at the Newport Beach Filmfest and the Guam International Filmfest, while Bugoy won as best supporting at the Asean International Filmfest at Sarawak, Malaysia. “The Reporter” says about Jericho’s performance: “Rosales expertly conveys the over-compensation of the single parents in the tough love he shows for his son. The film owes a great deal to the natural chemistry between Rosales and Carino.” We’re not surprised that Jericho was able to relate to his role well since his love son with Kai Palomares, Santino Gabriel, is now 12 years old, while Bugoy is 11.
The film itself is widely praised here and abroad. The U.S. Embassy says the film is “an important and thought-provoking movie that realistically depicts the horrors of human trafficking. It’s an eye-opener that reminds us that human trafficking is a serious crime against humanity that society must defeat and eliminate.”
“Alagwa” also stars Leo Martinez, Smokey Manaloto, John Manalo, Jeremiah Rosales, Inaki Ting, Garry Lim, Nanette Inventor and the beautiful Malaysian actress, Carmen Soo, as Jericho’s love interest. It will have is red carpet premiere at SM Megamall on October 7, Monday, and opens in SM Cinemas nationwide on October 9, Wednesday.
