‘Call Me Papi’: Male version of ‘Working Girls’

Alvin Yapan is leaving the fate of his movie Call Me Papi to a Higher Being. "Ipinapasa-Diyos ko na lang, kasi hindi natin alam ang mangyayari," said the filmmaker.

Call Me Papi, produced by Feast Foundation and distributed by Viva, is about five men living under one roof and dealing with various challenges.

Originally titled Boys Will Be Boys, the movie was conceptualized in 2019. Production stopped when the pandemic hit, followed by the lockdown.

Shooting was finished last July.

"It's like Working Girls but a male version. Testosterone-y siya. We initially envisioned it to discuss toxic masculinity," Yapan explained.

But he hopes the audience will find it wholesome, in the sense that "nakaka-in-love 'yung limang boys."

Yapan added that it will be submitted to the Metro Manila Film Festival, though the plan is to release it first on regular run.

"Bonus na lang 'kung makapasok siya (sa MMFF), he said.

Call Me Papi premieres in cinemas on 7 December and stars Royce Cabrera, Enzo Pineda, Albie Casino, Lharby Policarpio, Aaron Concepcion, Katya Santos, Irma Adlawan, and Anya Aguilar.