No one from the cast of the horror flick Rooftop on Thursday, April 21, was expecting that their movie would be pushing through—three years after being shelved.
Cast members Rhen Escaño, Ella Cruz, Ryza Cenon, Andrew Muhlach, and Marco Gallo were surprised after being informed that they would be having a virtual media conference for their film.
Gallo even revealed that he “lost hope” knowing that three years had passed since they finished the movie.
“I was telling him (Muhlach) that I had no hope that the movie was coming out anymore. After three years, why would they, you know?” he shared.
He felt sorry for the entire team after concluding that their efforts were “wasted.”
“I was just feeling sad because a lot of people have put work into it, not just the actors but the prod, Direk, everybody, put so much work into that movie and just not knowing when it’s coming out, as being part of the movie, it’s kinda sad. So I lost my hope for it.”
However, he and the other cast members were surprised after being informed that they would have a press conference for Rooftop.
“When they told me it was coming out, I think everybody was surprised. Good thing that it came out, good thing it’s one of the first movies that’s coming to the cinemas, and a good thing it’s a horror. So it is good for everybody,” shared Gallo.
The Yam Laranas’ movie will not only be the first Viva film on the big screen but will also represent the Philippines in the upcoming Asian Horror Festival.
“Noong nag-text sa akin ang RM ko nang schedule ng presscon and ng premiere night, sabi ko, ‘Weh?! Ipapalabas na ang Rooftop?!'” Cruz said.
She added, “Nakaka-excite and at the same time, sobrang nag-gain ako—kasi kinakabahan kami na sa sinehan siya ipapalabas. Pero naka-gain ako ng hope, ng confidence. Kasi part siya ng Asian Horror Fest and ito ang entry ng Pilipinas. So at least it’s in a festival, in a celebration of a horror fest.
“So we’re blessed to be part of Asian Horror Fest. At least mayroon kaming makakasabay na entry from other countries. At least may susuportahan.”
The movie also marks Cenon’s comeback after taking a hiatus. She admitted being pressured that Rooftop would be the first Filipino film in cinemas.
“May takot at pressure po ako na ipapalabas siya. Kasi siya ang first na movie na makikita ng mga tao sa sinehan. Sobrang nape-pressure po talaga ako and excited ako na sana marami ang maka-appreciate at mag-enjoy kapag napanuod po yung Rooftop,” said the actress.
Muhlach was also pressured but happy to have their project be released in the cinemas.
“Masaya naman ako na ipapalabas kami sa sinehan at sabi nga kanina na kami ang unang-unang pelikulang ilalabas ng Viva sa sinehan. Pressure na masaya ang nararamdaman ko ngayon.”
The movie also includes Marco Gumabao and Epy Quizon but were not present in the presscon.
Rooftop will be showing on April 27 and is exclusively available at SM cinemas.
