Trust Joven Tan’s Lola Barang to bring the horror and mayhem with his latest movie produced by Total Ace Media.

Tan said, “I have always been fascinated by horror tales that were written for komiks, and Lola Barang looks and feels like that.”

“It is about a director who had a winning streak at the box office named direk Joey Perez. Then, his movies became flops, so he was in search of new ideas, and by some cosmic and mystical design, he met Lola Barang,” Tan added.

Ronnie Lazaro and Gina Pareño, two of the Philippines’ finest actors, give life to the director and the grandmother.

“Ms. Gina is a personal choice. I do not see anyone who has the gravitas and range like her. She was fully invested in becoming Barbara, most especially her emotions. She was a sweetheart on the set. On time. And she just loves the fact that she has work,” he said.

On Ronnie Lazaro, Tan said: “We have done movies before, and he fits the role to a T. I believe he is the only one who can share a scene with Ms. Gina and not be overpowered. They are so great together on screen. And both are professional. Gifted actors, that is what they are.”

 On becoming a ‘direk’

Ronnie Lazaro said, “This is my second horror movie. I cannot say no to direk Joven Tan because I like his body of work.  Professional in his dealings and challenges me as an actor.”

“The reason why I resist doing horror films is it takes a while for me to let go of my characters. I happen to bring them home,” revealed the multi-awarded actor. “It’s a good thing that I know there is light and love within us. That is where I go when a role consumes me.  I find my center, embrace my light and love.”

Lazaro admitted, “I was not always this confident. In high school, I studied at La Salle Bacolod. I was this shy young man who always covered his face with handkerchiefs. Then, there was a theater acting workshop being offered. I attended it. One of my contemporaries was Joel Torre, although I am older. The workshop helped me open my mind, take away my mask and insecurities, gave me confidence and allowed me to connect with my emotions and vulnerabilities.”

His take on direk Joey Perez: “Well, his career was up, went downhill and discovered Lola Barang and her many interesting tales.  I think his biggest mistake was making promises he could not keep. Importante talaga ang palabra de honor (The word of honor is really important).”

Working with Gina, Lazaro said, “I was always on my toes. The emotional honesty she gave to Lola Barang was top-notch. Having scenes with her was like attending a master class in acting.”

In real life, Lazaro is also a film director. His first directorial motion picture was Edna, which starred Irma Adlawan.

“Oh, great, that you have mentioned that,” Lazaro said. “It is currently being remastered. Once that is done, we will be screening it in one of the micro cinemas.”

“Tama na muna na (This is okay for now). In Joven Tan’s movie, I play a director.  I have many ideas I’d love to pitch and direct, but for now, wala akong (I don’t have) gasoline," Lazaro humbly admitted.

 A novice

Star Music artist Lizzie Aguinaldo gets her first movie break in Lola Barang where she portrays the role of a novice.

Aguinaldo said, “It was an amazing experience, I learned a lot. And what made me comfortable as a first-timer? Most of my screen time was with Sir Lou Veloso. He was kind, patient and most helpful.”

Though she has already acted in her music video, movie acting is a whole new territory for her. Aguinaldo said, “I will not deny that the movie shoot made me nervous. And becoming a novice, a character alien to me, posed a lot of challenges. Then, she had to go through changes that were physically and emotionally challenging. Thanks so much to director Joven for guiding me and for the trust that I can deliver the part.”

The senior high school student dreams of pursuing architecture in college.

Her next movie, she said, “I believe that I am more of a singer than an actress. I think matatagalan pa ang (it will take a long time for the) next.”

The other cast members are Richard Quan, Alan Paule, Marlo Mortel, Ronwaldo Martin, Donna Cariaga and Mercedes Cabral.

Lola Barang is showing in cinemas on 6 August.