Irma Adlawan: Watch ‘Oro’ and help fight injustice

Irma Adlawan

More than winning an award for her performance in the Alvin Yapan film “Oro,” actress Irma Adlawan said she wished for the film to be successful in the box office.

“The proceeds of this movie will all go to the community in Barangay Gata, Caramoan, Camarines Sur,” she explained. “Oro” is based on true events. It tells of the death of a group of men resulting from a mining dispute. “The families there have been fighting for justice for two years now. What they will get from this project will help them go on with their case,” said Irma.

“You know how the justice system is like here. You lose your case if you don’t have money. What the other party will do is simply prolong the court hearing until you can no longer afford to pay for your lawyer and just give up,” she pointed out.

Irma said she herself had experienced being part of a court case. In February, the police filed robbery and frustrated murder charges against a man who had burglarized her family’s home in Cavite. The case is still ongoing. Irma also said the domestic abuse case her daughter filed against a former partner ran for four and a half years before finally getting a decision.

“Oro” is an entry in the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), which will run from Dec. 25. to Jan. 3.

“The issue is still very fresh. We’re hoping that those who will see it will get touched by it,” Irma told the Inquirer. “We really made the film for the MMFF, which is the biggest film fest in the country. We were very happy when it got selected. This means we have a better chance at reaching more people now as compared to a regular screening. This is a big event for us because our promotion is backed up by the organizers of the MMFF, along with the seven other entries.”

Irma said she was pleased with this year’s lineup. “All the movies are interesting. This time around, we have a variety of films,” the actress said.

“Oro” also features Mercedes Cabral, Sue Prado, Sunshine Teodoro, Sandino Martin, Biboy Ramirez, Adrian Labios, Ronald Regala, Cedric Juan and Acey Aguilar.