The critically-acclaimed film scored various nominations and won Emilio Garcia a Best Actor trophy from PMPC Star Awards for Movies.
The world of the human traffickers and the abused are the main players of this daring thriller, which also sheds light upon a dangerous romance between two men: one who is already comfortable with his sexuality and the other, who is yet to figure out what he [really] wants.
Walang Kawala follows barrio best friends, Joaquin (Polo Ravales) and Waldo (Joseph Bitangcol) are secretly engaged in a romance while the former’s wife is working overseas. Waldo, an impulsive high schooler, is quite confident about his sexuality, while Joaquin is an unassuming fisherman who has to confront his sexuality when his wife suddenly comes home.
Joaquin and Waldo’s secret affair comes to a halt as Joaquin’s sex-starved wife becomes aggressive in pursuing a baby. That forces Waldo to depart from his sleepy town and make his way into the bustling metropolis. Devastated, Joaquin finally accepts his identity and resolves to follow and look for his lover at all costs. When he finds Waldo, he unknowingly descends into the world of danger and oppression ruled by the abusive and vile policeman, Rufo (Emilio Garcia).
Rufo operates a human-trafficking syndicate that transports young men to other countries to become sex slaves.
When they got reunion and became captives, Joaquin and Waldo met Rufo’s wife Beng (Jean Garcia), who helped them escape. A violent chase of death ensues.
Both Ravales and Bitangcol received towering praises for their exemplary performances. Before the film, Ravales had played several gay roles, but his Joaquin in Walang Kawala, was arguably his most challenging, and he aced it. Bitangcol was still navigating his shift from his teenage roles to more mature roles, but he still managed to impress Waldo.
It is Emilio Garcia’s Rufo, however, that earned the nod of the critics, hence his Best Actor award.
Also part of the cast are Paolo rivero, Althea Vega,Marco Morales, Ermie Concepcion, Mike Magat, John Romano, Anthony Taylor, Alchris Galura, and Wilson Go. Award-winning filmmaker Joel Lamangan directed the film, whose script he also wrote, alongside Manny Valera and Enrique Ramos.
Do you remember this film? Browse through the photo gallery below to see the set and still photos from the movie. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and recollection in the comment section:
