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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
Three of the country's largest film production outfits - VIVA Films, GMA Pictures and APT Entertainment - are joining forces to co-produce the Philippine film adaptation of the Japanese drama series "Pure Soul" in which the hit Korean movie "A Moment To Remember" was also adapted in. Headlining the upcoming project is the first time pairing of two of the country's biggest stars of the modern generation - Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards and New Generation Movie Queen Bea Alonzo.
Leading the contract signing between the three production outfits which took place last March 2, 2021 were Viva Communications President and CEO Vincent Del Rosario, GMA Pictures President and GMA Network's Programming Consultant to the Chairman and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes and APT Entertainment President and CEO Michael "Mike" Tuviera. Witnessing the momentous occasion were Viva Artists Agency President Veronique Del Rosario-Corpus, Viva Communications Senior Vice President for Content and Production Valerie Del Rosario, GMA Network First Vice President for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan, GMA Network Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier Cruz, GMA Network Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, APT Entertainment COO and CFO Jojo Oconer, and APT Entertainment Vice President for Production Operation Camille Montano as well as Bea's manager Shirley Kwan.
Del Rosario teases Filipino movie buffs on what they can expect from the reimagining of a story that has captivated the hearts of Japanese and Korean audiences. "‘Yung script largely based sa Japanese na series pero ‘yung nuances ng culture ng Pinoy, sineed maigi ng writer para mas ma-appreciate ng local moviegoers," he said. Meanwhile, both Gozon-Valdes and Tuviera have also expressed enthusiasm and excitement for bringing the project to life. "“Finally, this is now a reality, we’re very very excited. Napakaganda kasi ng pelikula na ito, lalo na we’re having both Alden and Bea in it. We feel that this project is perfect for the both of them. Sa galing nilang umarte, kayang-kaya nila itong project na ito. We are putting our own take on it kasi nga siyempre Philippine adaptation, gusto natin may ibang ipakita sa audience para talagang uniquely Filipino adaptation ito," Gozon-Valdes said. For Tuviera, “Napakalaking chance to be a part of a project like this, I’m sure the people want to see Alden and Bea together. Gusto talaga namin maramdaman ng tao ‘yung pagka-big screen niya, ‘yung concept ng kwento, ‘yung characters, importante sa amin na ma-experience ng tao ‘yun in its full glory talaga, in a theater. We’re making the film as a theatrical experience.”
Slated to hit the big screens in the foreseeable future, the film follows the journey of a young couple whose relationship is being tested when the woman is diagnosed with the early onset of Alzheimer's disease. It is a story that will test how much love can withstand and show how it can triumph in the midst of pain, fear, denial and acceptance. Entrusted with such a meaningful role, Alden feels grateful to once again showcase his acting prowess and versatility on the big screen. “It’s my first remake, and there’s always comparison. What we wanted as actors is to do our own take on how we understood the role. Ang ganda ng material, sobra. Kung babalik na ‘yung cinemas, it’s really for it. Mas dama mo ‘yung istorya," Alden said. On the other hand, Bea shared, “I’m excited na makakapag-trabaho na kami this time. We’re very happy na nag-inject sila ng Filipino culture doon sa script. We are working around the parameters of what Korea wants us to do, of course to also maintain and respect the original form of the movie. It’s going to be a little different from the original title but we will make sure that it’s going to be a good one. It’s going to be extra challenging and also very inspiring.”
