MIGUEL TANFELIX is thankful that right after the hit action-adventure series, “Voltes V Legacy”, he is now reunited with partner Ysabel Ortega in the heartwarming drama, “Firefly”, produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs.
“Nakakatuwa dahil it qualified as an official entry in the Metro-Manila Filmfest that opens on Christmas Day,” he says.
“Me and the rest of the cast enjoyed joining our movie’s float noong Parade of Stars.
"Actually, shooting pa lang ng movie, nag-enjoy na kami kasi it’s a road movie that us to beautiful scenic spots in Bicol like the Mayon and Bulusan Volcanoes.”
In the movie, he and Ysabel play passengers in a bus going to Bicol, where child actor Euwenn Mikaell also rode to find the fabled island of fireflies from the stories his mother, played Alessandra de Rossi told him.
“We start on the wrong foot, yung characters namin ni Ysabel,” Miguel says.
“Kasi scammer siya, nanghihingi ng pera sa ibang passengers para raw sa charity work niya. So I told the other passengers na huwag magpaloko sa kanya.
"Nagsagutan kami at nakisali na rin si Epi Quizon, another passenger protecting Euwenn who he thought is my younger brother, so ayun, pinababa kami ng bus, the four of us, at napilitan kaming maglakad at makisakay sa ibang motor vehicles along the way.”
He says it’s nice to be part of a movie that delivers a very positive message to its viewers.
“‘Firefly’ is about an orphaned boy who is determined to pursue his goals, his dreams. We all end up helping Tonton find the island of the fireflies he is looking for and, along the way, we become a part of his success when he grows up as a writer.
"Very inspiring ang message ng movie about not losing hoping and being patient for you to achieve your dreams.”
Of course, one good reason why he enjoyed shooting the film is it gave him the opportunity to spend more time with Ysabel.
“We’ve worked on TV, but this is our first movie together and shooting it out of town definitely gave us the chance to know more about each other.
"Ysabel has a very good attitude in keeping communication lines open. Kapag may problema, very open siya na pag-usapan ito.”
So what’s the real score between them now?
“We don’t want to give yet our relationship a definite label. But as of now, we can say we’re dating each other exclusively.”
So what’s his wish for this Christmas season?
“I wish both of us more success in our careers, more good projects in the coming New Year 2024.
"But first and foremost, I pray na sana, panoorin ng mga tao ang movie namin sa mga sinehan.
"‘Firefly’ is rated PG, so puede ang mga batang manood nito. And we promise them that they will have a good time.
"Tatawa sila at iiyak kasi the movie is alternately funny and touching. So magkita-kita po tayo sa mga sinehan sa Araw ng Pasko at unahin nyo na ang ‘Firefly’ sa mga filmfest entries na panonoorin ninyo.”
