‘Signal Rock’ Press Conference

‘Signal Rock’ is the latest movie from the multi-awarded and critically acclaimed veteran director of Philippine Cinema, Chito S. Rono, and which said movie he has described as his “passion project”.

‘Signal Rock’ is set in the not-so-distant past, the late 90’s. Its chosen location is in a semi-inhabited and somewhat isolated municipality called Biri in Samar.

There, the central character and main subject of focus is “Intoy” which is played by Christian Bables. “Intoy” is struggling to make ends meet for himself. But in time he learns he has to take on much greater challenges to financially help out his family, too. Therefore, he has no choice but to rely on his wits, street smarts, and resourcefulness so that he and his family may survive. I will end it there, though.

As a nation, we are no strangers to becoming witnesses to our fellow countrymen who have much less in life. It is only natural that they would want to climb out of the rut and misery they find themselves in. For us to be able to truly understand, relate, and empathize with them is to walk in their shoes–even for a bit–even if it is merely by way of watching a movie where they are perfectly represented in ‘Signal Rock’.

To watch ‘Signal Rock’ is everyone’s opportunity to touch base with others who have insurmountable struggles in life. It will serve as a reminder to all to not take anything in life for granted. That even getting through each day with three meals and waking up strong and healthy each morning ARE blessings.

For the entire cast and production crew of ‘Signal Rock’ to realize how blessed and fortunate they are in life, it was one of Director Chito S. Rono’s marching orders that they all uproot themselves from their comfort zones and relocate to the municipality where the movie was going to be filmed and literally live amongst the people of Biri, Samar, in order that they also experience and feel and understand firsthand the hardships of the locals.

Truly, the making of ‘Signal Rock’ became a total immersion for everyone involved in this movie. As if that were not enough, the bad weather conditions at the time when ‘Signal Rock’ was being filmed made it even more difficult and extra challenging for the cast and crew. A test it was for true professionals, they literally had to weather the storms that came their way!

I really hope this movie becomes commercially and critically successful because so much has been put into this.

‘Signal Rock’ is also an entry to the upcoming Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino Film Festival 2018.

‘Signal Rock’ is brought to us by CSR Production and distributed by Regal Entertainment, Inc.

Now, below, are my questions for Director Chito S. Rono, Christian Bables and Mara Lopez.

1) What memorable or outstanding qualities did you see in Christian Bables that made you decide to select him for this movie?

Director Chito S. Rono:  I would say it his sincerity. Although, malayo ang itsura niya sa pagiging isang native ng Biri, Samar. Nakikita ko naman ang intensity niya and charming quality niya. Kasi ang character niya dito na “Intoy” meron charming aspect about him.

So, above all, ang pagiging naturally charming ni Christian is a big help. Lastly, Christian is also a good actor.

2) In your professional experience, what in particular made the portrayal of your role in this movie more interesting and challenging for you?

Christian Bables: Yung experience po habang nag s-shoot kami was the most challenging for me. Sa mga eksena kumbaga naging parte na ng mga pag katao namin.

So, Hindi ko siya masasabi as challenging per se. Kasi, for me, dapat ma-immerse ka talaga sa character mo.

Siguro, ang naging most challenging para sa akin yung wala ka halos tulog, pakapa-kapa ka, tapos dalawang oras pa lang ang tulog mo. Papikit ka pa lang, call time mo na ulit. So, dun ko masasabi na-challenge ako.

Pero pagdating sa working environment namin dun, hindi mo mararamdam ang pagod. Ang “cheesy” pero makikita mo nandun ang love, yung fun, nandun yung saya.

3) When you were approached to do this movie, what were your initial thoughts?

Mara Lopez: First of all, ‘Signal Rock’ is a Chito S. Rono masterpiece! Maganda siya. It is not your ordinary drama. Pero for me, what really stands out is… it is another film that the Philippines can be truly proud of. Kasi talagang makikita mo ang beauty ng Pilipinas.

Even as a Filipino, I had no idea how beautiful Samar was and, especially Biri. And I really fell in love with the place.

So, those are my two initial thoughts. Director Chito S. Rono. And then, Samar.