RYZA CENON and the whole cast of the horror movie, “Rooftop”, are glad that after its successful participation in the horror filmfest in SM Cinemas, it will now be shown via streaming on Vivamax starting this Friday, June 17.
“I am happy to work with this cast kasi swak na swak yung characters nila sa personality nila,” she says.
“Sayang lang that I didn’t get to bond with them much, kasi ang bigat nung character ko. As the leader of our group, ako yung tinatakot nang husto nung multo and I have to really focus well on my role.
"The role was given to me just a few days before the start of the shoot, kasi hindi ako original choice as Ellie, so hindi ko pa lubusang napag-aralan ang role ko kundi doon na lang sa set mismo.”
She has done a horror movie before where she played a “manananggal”.
“But ako ang nananakot doon. Now, ako ang tinatakot. Pero nakatulong sa shoot nitong ‘Rooftop’ yung training ko sa TV na biglaang may taping or biglaang may revision, mabilisang preparasyon lang.
"Dito, pinag-aralan kong mabuti ang role ko para ma-convince ko talaga ang viewers na natatakot talaga yung character ko sa mga eksenang minumulto na ako ni Kuya Epy Quizon. I realized na mas madaling manakot kaysa ikaw ang matakot.”
How is it working with Epy as the ghost?
“Super bait ni Kuya Epy. Parang kuya talaga siya sa grupo namin, sharing his experiences in the industry, giving his own opinion on how to do scenes more effectively, very supportive siya.”
In “Rooftop”, Epy died because of the prank they pulled on him while they’re drinking and partying on the rooftop of their school building.
He later returns to haunt their barkada that includes Marco Gumabao, Ella Cruz, Rhen Escano, Marco Gallo and Andrew Muhlach.
Has she ever been involved in real life in doing such a prank?
“No, I’ve never been involved in such a prank, simply because I don’t approve of such pranks, lalo na yung may masasaktan.
"Kaya nga may lesson din itong movie na ito, e. Kasi it’s also about bullying kaya ang mga magbabarkada, iwasan ang pambu-bully gaya ng ginawa ng barkada namin kay Kuya Epy, which ended in tragedy.
"‘Rooftop’ is the ultimate barkada horror movie so don’t miss it sa Vivamax. If you want a good scare, don't miss it!”
“Rooftop” is directed by top horror director Yam Laranas. How’s her experience working with him?
“Actually, he’s amazing, kasi hindi lang siya ang director ng movie, he is also the screenwriter and the director of photography, so nakakabilib siya na kaya niya lahat gawin yun.
"Kung titingnan mo, nakakapagod, pero obvious na siya, nage-enjoy lang sa ginagawa niya.”
They shot the movie on location at the now abandoned Quezon Institute and since Ryza has an opened third eye, she can really feel the presence of wandering spirits in the place.
“When I feel something creepy on the set, doon na lang ako humuhugot para mairehistro ko on cam na mukha talaga akong takot na takot.
"Kasi sa scenes na tinatakot kami ng multo, wala naman talaga siya, but we have to pretend na nandun siya and we are so frightened.”
Ryza has completed two other new films, “Sa Muli” and “Kunwari Mahal Kita”.
She’s getting offers to act on TV, like “Maalaala Mo Kaya” and she is really excited to act again.
At home, she remains to be a doting mama to her baby boy, Night, who’s turning 2 years old in October.