ALFRED VARGAS and co-stars in “Tagpuan” Iza Calzado and Shaina Magdayao, with Director Mac Alejandre, all appeared in their film’s zoom presscon.
Alfred himself produced the movie for his own movie company, Alternative Vision Cinema. The first question is what is the movie all about?
It’s Direk Mac who answers first. “Tungkol ito sa kalungkutan, kung paano nababasag ang ating pagkatao dahil sa pag-ibig at paano rin nabubuo.
"It’s not a romcom but salamin siya, it reflects yung mga nagaganap sa loob ng puso at utak natin. Everyone can relate kasi it shows the joys and pains of love na pinagdaraanan naman ng lahat.”
So it’s really about the intricacies of love?
“Yes, it’s very internal. Kung maligaya ka sa love mo, there are basic questions na hindi mo natatanong sa sarili mo. Ano bang standard mo sa kaligayahan? Sa iyong pansariling standard lang ba o sa mahal mo?
"At hanggang saan tatagal ang pagmamahal mo, kasi love does not exist in a vaccum. It depends on the forces around us, like our background, our finances, and other factors. But sa pinagdaraanan natin, all struggles and emotions are valid.”
Since Alfred is the movie’s central character, there are those who say he has a good chance of winning the best actor award come the filmfest awards night on December 27?
“More than me, mas gusto kong manalo yung mga kapareha kasi pareho silang napakagaling dito sa ‘Tagpuan’. I’ve worked with Iza several times and we have great rapport. Magaling pa rin siyang aktres, pero mas magaling pa siya rito as Agnes, my ex-wife who found herself in New York.”
How about Shaina?
“Nagulat naman ako kay Shaina. This is my first time working with her at ang husay pala niya. Revelation siya sa role niya as the adventurous and unpredictable Tanya. Sana, manalo silang dalawa kasi they really both deserve it.
"Ako, I’m just happy na may entry uli ako sa Metro Filmfest. The first time I joined was in 2004 with ‘Bridal Shower’ and last time was in 2008 with ‘Banal’. So antagal na rin, ngayon lang naulit.
"Ang wish ko, sana tangkilikin ng viewers ang online streaming since sarado pa ang mga sinehan. Mas masaya kung lahat ng entries sa Metro filmfest, kikita, para makapag-produce pa uli kaming lahat ng bagong projects.”
You can watch “Tagpuan” on Upstream.ph, right in the comfort of your own homes, starting Christmas Day.
