We gave “Camp Sawi”(CS) a grade of “A” at the Cinema Evaluation Board. The charming film, topbilled by Sam Milby, Andi Eigenmann, Bela Padilla, Yassi Pressman, Kim Molina and Arci Muñoz, is a Joyce Bernal production brought to us by Viva Films and N2 Productions.
It’s a hip, modern-day version of “Lonely Hearts’ Club.” There are rehabilitation centers for drug addicts and alcoholics, so there should also be a rehab facility for “broken-hearted fools for love.” After watching the movie, you would wish that CS really existed.
“Camp Sawi” is “wagi” (winner) in all aspects. Even its soundtrack hits the right spot. More than a “hugot movie,” it’s a healing film.
CS helps “loveaholics” bear the unbearable. It reminds us to befriend pain when our hearts are still under renovation until they’re ready for occupancy again.
Here’s my chat with Bela Padilla:
What made you and Neil Arce come up with the concept of “Camp Sawi”?
We wanted an “out of the box” concept, and “Camp Sawi” was the one that stood out. We’re developing more stories.
What’s your fave scene and line in the movie?
The first five minutes of the film, when my boyfriend Chris (Dennis Trillo) just left me. They were tiring but rewarding to shoot!
Andi’s line: “We all want to be the other girl. Kaya nga tayo nandito eh, dahil hindi tayo ang kasama nila.”
Any funny anecdote about your costars during the shoot?
ARCI Muñoz
When Arci and I got drunk for our scene—because we couldn’t remember anything we said the next day (laughs)!
What was the craziest thing you did when you were heartbroken?
I drove my ex home after he told me he was going to start pursuing another girl… In my defense, he didn’t bring his car, someone dropped him off at the restaurant where we met!
What are the three songs you listen to when you want to heal your broken heart?
“Tiny Vessels” by Death Cab for Cutie, “I’d Do It All Again” by Corinne Bailey Rae, and “True Love” by Coldplay.
What are your tips for moving on?
While you’re in pain, discover who you really are—and don’t blame your ex every day. Acknowledge the good in him or her. That’ll make you realize faster that there was nothing that could’ve been done.
Do you believe in “cooling off”?
Yes. Sometimes, some space can save relationships. A few days to breathe and find your center again.
Arci Muñoz
What do you find hard to understand about men?
BELA Padilla
Why they can’t understand women. Because I’m one of the boys, I try to be neutral.
What’s the best love advice you’ve heard?
Love yourself first.
If you’re already married and you find out that your husband has a mistress, how will you deal with it?
If we have a kid, I’ll fight for him. But if we don’t, I’ll walk away.
What’s the downside of being beautiful?
People think that you can get anything you want, but that’s not the case at all.