July 8, 2016 (London, United Kingdom) – As Filipinos in Europe and the Middle East eagerly await the TFC@theMovies screening of Star Cinema’s latest blockbuster hit “The Achy Breaky Hearts,” the all-star cast and the award-winning director Antoinette Jadaone personally sought the support of kababayans at the recent three-way, virtual press conference of TFC in Manila, Europe and Middle East, to experience the much-awaited kilig fest on the big screen starting July 9 in United Kingdom (UK), July 10 in France and Italy; and July 14 in the Middle East.
During the online press conference of the “The Achy Breaky Hearts” last week via emea.kapamilya.com, lead stars Richard Yap, Jodi Sta. Maria, and Ian Veneracion and Jadaone, described as a “hugot” director (because of the memorable lines in her films that are drawn or pulled out from real life experiences), treated members of the Filipino community, media and now including the fans clubs, to a lovefest where the four icons shared their mutual admiration for each other’s performances which the audience can look forward to.
Award-winning director Jadaone shared an interesting anecdote about how she herself shed tears over a scene because of how effectively Sta. Maria performed. In that scene, Sta. Maria as her character Chinggay, tried to pacify herself after a heartache by playing happy melodies but in the end, could no longer contain herself. Jadaone kidded Sta. Maria during the press con: “Pagpasok ko sa loob (set), hindi na ako umiiyak kasi baka isipin niya na masyado siyang magaling. Ang galing ni Jodi. Ang galing niyang artista.” (When I entered the set, I wiped off my tears because it might become obvious that I was affected by Jodi’s great performance and she might think she was a great artist).
Veneracion on the other hand, said he was thrilled by the loveteam created out of his and Sta. Maria’s team-up first in “Pangako Sa `Yo and then in “Achy Breaky Hearts,” especially their interplay in the scenes. “Ako, kami ni Jodi noong ginagawa namin ‘yung eksena, natutuwa kami. Napaka-spontaneous, napaka-experimental. Kahit kami kinikilig sa kalokohan namin. I’m sure mag-e-enjoy kayo kapag napanood ninyo.” (When Jodi and I were doing the scenes, we were thrilled ourselves. It was spontaneous and at the same time experimental. I’m sure you will enjoy the film).
“I am really proud of this movie that’s why we are excited in promoting it. Hindi ako mahihiyang sabihing kailangan ninyo itong mapanood,” the actor ends. (I have no qualms in telling you that you should to watch it).
Aside from inviting overseas Filipinos to experience “The Achy Breaky Hearts” with their families and friends and sharing the hugot lines and the learnings, the all-star cast and the award-winning director also heeded the support of Filipinos all over the world to enjoy the movie and other Filipino flicks via licensed theater partners.
The call came on the heels of reports that the movie was shared illegally on Facebook among other sites only a few days after its Philippine screening.
In her Instagram account @jodistamaria, Sta. Maria made the plea. “The entire team worked hard to give you the best and it saddens us to know that illegal links of the film are being circulated online. Let’s support the local movie industry by reporting illegal links of the film.”
Yap via his Instagram account @imrichardyap08, added “Help us stop piracy. Stop the spread or please report or email links to report@abs-cbn.com. Maraming salamat for your support.”
Veneracion explained in his Instagram account @ianveneracion1 that if the piracy continues, the effects can be long-term not just for them but for the entire industry. “Huwag sana dumating ang araw na wala na tayong mapanood na pelikula dahil wala nang mag-aaksaya ng utak, pagod, pawis, panahon at pera kung ninanakaw lang din naman.” (I hope there won’t come a time when we can no longer enjoy movies because nobody will no longer be inspired to share their time, effort and resources if these will go to waste eventually because of piracy),” the actor ended.
Meantime to further address the issue, Elisha Lawrence, Head of Global Anti-Piracy for ABS-CBN, is currently working with tech investigators and Facebook to identify the source of the leakage of the movie and when uncovered, plans to have them arrested and criminally prosecuted, like the other pirates she has uncovered over the last three years.
To end, Jadaone thanked TFC@theMovies and Star Cinema for bringing the movie overseas but left a strong message on her social media account: “Tama pa rin pala. Pilipino ang papatay sa kapwa Pilipino. Tayo ang pumapatay sa sarili nating industriya. Napakahusay natin humingi ng pagbabago e mga sarili natin, di natin mabago.” (It is true. We ourselves can be the reason for the death of our film industry. We often harp about change but we ourselves could not effect change).
Experience “The Achy Breaky Hearts” only from licensed theatrical partners with friends and families on the big screen starting July 9 in UK; July 10 in France and Italy; and July 14 in UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar. Visit emea.kapamilya.com for the complete theatrical listing.
Email illegal links to report@abs-cbn.com
