JK Labajo as Ninoy Aquino. Image: screengrab from YouTube/Philstagers Films
With seeming finality, singer-actor JK Labajo closed off any possibility of him working with controversial director Darryl Yap.
“No, I definitely don’t want to be directed by Darryl Yap. I don’t want to work with him,” Labajo said during the well-attended premiere night of “Ako Si Ninoy” at Rockwell Cinema, Saturday, February 18.
When asked why, Labajo clammed up and said, “Because… ayoko nang sabihin.” (I don’t want to say anymore).
With films such as “Ako Si Ninoy,” “Oras de Peligro,” and “Martyr or Murderer” becoming increasingly popular nowadays, Labajo was asked why he chose to do movies that are replete with political undertones.
“Feeling ko, there’s a hidden sort of film war going on. Honestly, at the same time, basta gawa lang tayo ng movie (we just make movies). Masaya na ‘yun” (That’s happy),” he said, noting that while people have the freedom to make movies as an expression of art, he cannot be a part of anything that aims to change history.
“We all have the freedom when it comes to making art but I am not really sure if I have a positive opinion when it comes to changing history. That’s definitely something else,” he said. “But at the end of the day, we’re just making a film, following what’s on the books of what we learned in school.”
Of late, Labajo feels he’s impassioned in doing films after his Cinemalaya entry “Blueroom” and now “Ako Si Ninoy” where he plays the late Benigno Aquino Jr.
“Baka nga tumigil ako sa music this time,” he declared. “Actually, balak kong maglabas ng album for this year. Nae-enjoy ko ‘yung pag-acting. Dati kasi, na-burnout ako sa acting. Ngayon naman, medyo lie low sa music tapos focus sa acting,” he added.
Written and directed by “Katips” director Atty. Vince Tañada, “Ako Si Ninoy” also stars Sarah Holmes, Johnrey Rivas, Marlo Mortel, Cassy Legazpi, Joaquin Domagoso, Vean Olmedo, Nicole Laurel Asensio, JM Yosures, Bodjie Pascua, Jim Paredes, Pinky Amador, Lovely Rivero, Tuesday Vargas, Donita Nose, Sarah Javier, John Gabriel, Brylle Mondejar, Sharmaine Suarez and Lance Raymundo. EDV