Viva on a roll, set to produce 34 films in 2020

Viva Films’ top honchos: Boss Vic del Rosario (second from left) with his daughters Veronique and Val, and son Vincent

I have fond memories of tagging along with my mom (Inday Badiday) to her meetings with Boss Vic del Rosario of Viva Films (VF) back in the day. He has always been so fatherly to me. It was such a delight to see him at the thanksgiving media con of VF.

Upon entering the ballroom of Novotel, he whispered to me, “I see old familiar faces. Isn’t there anyone new?” That only goes to show that Boss Vic is always on the lookout for something else and something more. After VF lorded it over at the box office during the Metro Manila Film Fest with its entry, “Miracle in Cell No. 7” (which has grossed P500 million gross to date), the winning streak continues with an impressive line of films that were presented as part of “Viva’s 2020 Vision.”

Boss Vic has earmarked a whopping P1 billion for the production of 34 films this year. 1(B)34 is VF saying, “I love you,” to its loyal audience. VivAmazing, indeed.

That is proof of VF’s confidence in Philippine cinema. Its originals include “Vodka, Beers, and Regrets,” “Devoted,” “Hindi Tayo Pwede,” “Rooftop,” “Tililing,” “Untrue,” “The Other Woman,” “Love the Way You Lie,” “Walang Ka-Paris,” “You F Oh,” “Pakboys,” “Mang Jose,” “Ultimate Oppa,” among others.

Its roster of reimagined films are “A Hard Day,” “Spellbound, “Wedding Dress,” “The Housemaid,” “A Man and a Woman,” “Sunny,” “More Than Blue,” “The Wedding Breaker” and “Instructions Not Included.”

VF will also produce its own Pinoy superheroes. From the creative genius of National Artist Francisco Coching and komiks king Carlo J. Caparas, Viva will bring us “Pedro Penduko,” “Joaquin Bordado,” “Elias Paniki,” “Gagambino,” “Kamandag,” “Valora,” “Berdugo,” “Totoy Bato” and “Panday.”

To pay homage to the man who keeps Philippine cinema alive, I interviewed the daughter of Boss Vic, Viva Communications’ senior vice president Veronique Corpus, to get to know her father a little more.

Viva la vida pelikula de Manila! Here’s my chat with Veronique:

What don’t too many people know about your dad? He has a sweet tooth.

How do you and your dad settle artistic differences? With my dad, everyone’s opinion is important. For him, the success of the final output is always a consolidated effort by a group he trusts. In our case, my siblings and I fill up that requirement. Ideas are not to be suppressed, and creativity will always be induced, welcomed and not blocked.

If there’s a deadlock after each session, Dad becomes the breaker of that and, of course, we all submit to it when that happens. His success, wisdom and experience are what guide us through every obstacle. So, there’s nothing to settle, really, because of this kind of process.

Does your dad play favorites? We can’t really call anyone a favorite. His approach varies with all our artists. He finds time to talk to our artists whether a superstar or a newbie. In fact, he devotes more time to newbies on how each company can synergize in building up the potential star.

For the superstars, he makes sure they’re given projects that would sustain their popularity and hone their craft.

What’s the best and toughest part of being the daughter of Boss Vic? The best part is learning. It’s like being able to play and learn for a living legend. How he goes through all the challenges. It’s amazing to see and absorb this process, which you’ll never be able to learn in any school or university.

The hardest part? I can’t think of any. I cherish each moment I have with my dad at the office. Each day is a learning experience.