MANILA, Philippines — Gabby Concepcion will replace Derek Ramsay as the lead actor for Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry horror film “(K)ampon,” Kris Aquino revealed Thursday.
Aquino pointed out in an Instagram post that Ramsay is a contract artist of GMA Network which had a long partnership with Quantum Films, the production outfit behind the upcoming film.
Noting how founder of Quantum Films Atty. Joji Alonso treats Ramsay “like a son,” Aquino bared there have been arguments between her and the former.
“This led to arguments between Atty Joji & myself because I felt like the “AMPON” since many adjustments were being made for @ramsayderek07,” Aquino wrote.
Aquino clarified she and Ramsay have ironed things out, but she did not disclose the reason for the actor’s exit in the project.
“Derek and I have spoken,” Aquino said. “Nagkasagutan pero dahil may pinagsamahan- nagkaunawaan. I respect that he has a GMA network contract that should be his top priority. CHILL kami.”
Aquino then thanked Concepcion and his manager Popoy Cartativo because if they had refused to accept the project, “(K)ampon” will not push through.
“We owe @popoycaritativo and @concepciongabby BIG TIME. MMFF rules state change of lead stars should be of equal status. Had Gabby said NO, wala nang movie, goodbye sa MMFF bond, sa preprod cost, sa mga downpayment etc. From my whole heart THANK YOU,” Aquino said.
Herbert Bautista turns down casting
As a co-investor of the film, Aquino also admitted her mistake of trying to cast actor and politician Herbert Bautista whom she was previously romantically linked.
“Nagkamali ako. I was asked to communicate with Herbert Bautista for a SPECIAL PARTICIPATION role. Siempre while studying the script and the role, nakita nya may negative comments na about him in my feed,” Aquino said.
She said she was “insensitive” for sending Bautista a copy of the script which included a love scene between the lead actors which will be portrayed by her and Concepcion.
“2nd insensitive ako, i sent a script containing a love scene between man & wife, Clark (Gabby) and Grace (Kris). In my mind, friends na kami pero totoo naman, sa isip nyo sya ang huli nyong alam na naging ‘boyfriend’ ko,” Aquino said.
“Hindi naman kayo witness sa naging magandang CLOSURE namin at hindi nyo alam na we openly share how proud we are about our respective children’s achievements. Kung alam ninyo yun, no issue. But we chose to protect the friendship by keeping details private,” she added.
When Bautista turned down the role, Aquino said she was initially hurt, but she eventually understood him and hopes they would become friends again.
“Kaya nung nag NO sya because he didn’t want to be part of the “gulo”, una na hurt at nagalit ako. Pero after praying, i understood. Nilagay ko ang sarili ko in his place. Kaya alam ko, i was asking for much. We’re not okay now, but hopefully in time we can be friends again,” she said. /muf
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