Screenwriter Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario admitted on March 22 that writing the screenplay for the Philippine adaptation of ‘Sunny’ was a struggle because she was ‘forced’ into doing it.
Recalling the moment leading to her writing the script, Del Rosario admitted that she was persuaded by Viva’s boss, Vic del Rosario, into doing the adaptation.
“When it was first offered, sabi ni Boss Vic, ‘May maganda,’ ganiyan. Siyempre ‘di ba kapag si Boss Vic may sinabi, hindi ka na masiyadong nakaka-isip, nabubudol ka na, napapa-oo ka na,” she recalled during the movie’s press conference at Viva Cafe.
“It was a Sunday lunch, wala ako sa work mode, nabudol ako, napa-oo ako tsaka ko pinapanood,” she added.
Upon viewing the original South Korean film, Del Rosario found the task daunting, especially in adapting it to fit the budget without compromising quality.
“In terms of challenge, I think one ‘yung ang lalaki ng scenes. Siyempre iba ang budget ng Korea, ang lalaki ng scenes nila. Hindi naman natin kaya ‘yung level ng EDSA Revolution na nagkakagulo doon.
“So how to scale down the events, but how to make the emotions bigger; ‘yung how to make the audience fall in love with the characters,” she said.
Ensuring accuracy in portraying the 90s setting was another hurdle, prompting Del Rosario to conduct extensive research and coordinate with the production designer to avoid criticism on social media.
She also highlighted the perpetual challenge of infusing Filipino values seamlessly into adaptations.
“It’s always a challenge sa pagsusulat really is how to put in your Filipino values and ‘yung touch ng Pinoy. How to make a very popular Korean movie our own.”
Reflecting on her experience, Del Rosario humorously shared a lesson learned: “Kaya kapag mag-no kayo kay boss, wag kayong titingin sa mata, mapapa-yes kayo eh.”
Directed by Jalz Zarate, the Filipino adaptation of ‘Sunny’ features Ana Roces, Angelu de Leon, Sunshine Dizon, Tanya Garcia, Vina Morales, Candy Pangilinan, Katya Santos, and others. It will premiere on April 10 and be distributed by Viva Films theaters.
