ALLEN DIZON is celebrating this year his 25th anniversary in showbiz. He continues to be so productive that, as of this moment, he has completed five new movies no less, waiting for release.
First is “Walker”, about streetwalkers in Angeles City where he plays a corrupt cop who does the most evil things, making him a true personification of evil.
Directed by Joel Lamangan, this was premiered at the Moscow International Filmfest.
Next is “Abe Nida”, where he plays what he thinks is his most challenging role to date, that of a wood carver who is losing his sanity after his wife, played Katrina Halili, deserted him.
This is based on a true story and directed by Louie Ignacio.
Third is the dark crime-drama, “Pamilya sa Dilim”, where he plays dual roles and gets to act with highly esteemed actress-director Laurice Guillen, who plays his wife, and also his mother, as directed by Jay Altarejos.
Fourth is “Ligalig”, a drama-thriller where he gets to act for the first time with National Artist for Film Nora Aunor.
This also stars Snooky Serna as his wife, with Ate Guy as their trusted mayordoma in their haunted household, as directed by Topel Lee.
And last but not the least is “Oras de Peligro”, a film about the four crucial days of the EDSA People’s Power Revolution as told from the eyes of a family.
He is paired with Cherry Pie Picache with Therese Malvar and Dave Bornea as their children.
As if this is not enough, he will soon start shooting another new movie, “Acetylene Love”, where he will get to co-star with Cannes Filmfest best actress winner Jaclyn Jose.
It's about thieves who use acetylene torch to rob the establishments they want to steal from.
Allen says he never thought he would last this long as an actor. And to date, he has won a total of 48 acting awards, with 11 of them coming from various international film festivals.
He has been named a hall of famer as FAMAS best actor and Gawad Pasado best actor for having already won five of their trophies.
He also has two best supporting actor awards from the FAMAS, a Gawad Urian best actor award, the FDCP Camera Obscura Award, and the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award in the field of Cinema.
“Kapag binabalikan ko sa isip ko, hindi ko akalain na mananalo ako ng ganitong karaming karangalan,” he says.
“Napakaraming blessings akong natanggap sa career ko kaya walang katapusan ang pasasalamat ko kay Lord. Dahil dito, napagtapos ko ng pag-aaral ang mga kapatid ko.
"When I wasn’t in showbiz yet, I’d watch awards nights at natutuwa akong nakikita yung mga kilalang artista accepting their trophies.
"Nang mag-artista na ako, sabi ko, ma-nominate lang ako for best actor, kahit minsan lang, okay na sa akin.
"So talagang sineryoso ko ang pag-aartista ko. Nag-effort talaga akong mas galingan ang craft ko, and kalaunan, it paid off.”
So how is it working with Ate Guy in “Ligalig”?
“It’s exciting, dream come true for me na makasama ang isang National Artist sa isang movie. Hindi ko mai-express kung gaano ako kasaya.
"Alam nyo naman si Ate Guy, mata-mata lang ang acting niya. Malaking fulfillment yun for me as an actor.”
Allen is busy not only on the big screen but also on TV. He’s been guesting in various drama shows and he has just finished the TV series “Return to Paradise” where he played Eula Valdez’ leading man.
Allen turned 45 years old on October 3. But he remains fit and young looking like when he started as a sexy stud with Viva Hot Men as he plays tennis everyday. Is he giving himself a deadline for acting?
“No, wala akong deadline or balak na mag-retire. Hanggang sa may kumukuha, sige lang.
"Kasi, life is short, and I feel na habang tumatanda ako, mas minamahal ko itong profession ko, ang craft ko as an actor.
"Mas tumitindi ang passion ko sa ginagawa ko, just like Tito Eddie Garcia, na talagang active even in his 90s.
"Kasi kapag tumigil ka, mas kakalawangin ka, e. So, tuloy-tuloy lang hangga’t may offers at naa-appreciate ng tao ang trabaho mo.”
Will he also be a politician and run for public office?
“I don’t know. May offers, pero hindi siguro. At this point, I just want to work with people na nakakasundo ko.
'Sa politics, parang mas marami akong makakaaway roon. What I want is to do better projects and get to work with more established stars like Ate Vi, Christopher de Leon, Sharon Cuneta. I want to experience acting with them.”
What is the role of writer-producer-manager Dennis C. Evangelista in his long lasting career?
“Napakalaking bagay si Dennis sa career ko. I met him when I did my first movie sa Regal, ‘Tatlong Makasalanan’.
"He was a scriptwriter then and he started managing me. Siya ang nag-guide sa akin all these years, getting the right projects like ‘Magkakabaung’ that won me lots of awards here and abroad.
"We are both survivors in the industry. Siya, andami niyang pino-produce na movies ngayon, kahit na may pandemic.
"I’m looking forward to collaborating with him more in the years to come.”