MARK DE LA CRUZ is one of GMA Network’s top young directors.
He started his directing career in 2006 with a short film, “Misteryo ng Hapis”, then went on to become an assistant then full director of shows like “Marimar” (Megan Young version), “Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko” and “The Better Woman”. He also directs for the weekly drama show “Magpakailanman”.
He’s currently directing the hit primetime show, “I Left My Heart in Sorsogon” whose story gets more and more intriguing and exciting as the narrative goes on so it's not surprising the ratings continue to escalate nightly.
“I am so thankful that this show was given to me,” he says.
“I started as a director sa GMA with Heart herself as the star of ‘Legacy’ so reunion namin ito,” he says. “I enjoy working with her kasi very collaborative kami. I always ask her kung okay ba sa kanya ang gagawin naming eksena to make sure she’s comfortable.
"In ‘I Left My Heart in Sorsogon’, she’s not only the lead star but she also acted as our host since her husband is the governor of the province. We showed in 'I Left My Heart' how beautiful Sorsogon is. Also their delicious native foods, like their kakanin called kuping na ang sarap talaga. Masarap ang kuping.”
But he concedes that doing lock in taping for the show is very tiring.
“Mahirap kasi nga ang layo ng location. We have to bring the entire cast and crew sa Sorsogon na 14 hours ang biyahe. Pero masaya naman kasi we are all in the same bus na may sariling restroom so as not to break the bubble for our own protection.”
He wants to thank Gov. Chiz and his people for being so hospitable.
“The Sorsogon government not only helped us maintain our safe bubble para sure na hindi makapasok ang ibang tao sa location but inasikaso nila talaga kami nang husto.
"Maraming mahirap na eksena kasi malalayo ang locations. From our hotel you have to travel pa ng mga two hours before you get there. But sa pagtutulungan ng lahat at magandang pagsasamahan ng cast and crew, I’m proud na naitawid naman namin nang maayos ang buong lock in taping.”
He is so happy that the show has been getting high ratings and good reviews since it started airing.
“The story naman kasi is maganda talaga at okay ang pagkakasulat. Tapos, binigyang buhay pa ng magagaling na artista. In fairness, lahat sila mahusay in their respective roles.
"Tapos, we really made an effort to show their most beautiful places, like Pagoriran kunsaan kita mo ang Mayon Volcano in the background.
"Sabi ko talaga, after this taping, balak kong bumalik doon nang hindi ako nagtatrabaho, but I will just enjoy the beauty of the province kasi maganda talaga ang Sorsogon.”
