Instant Daddy with Jerald Napoles with Althea Ruedas. Image from Viva Films)
Director Crisanto B. Aquino is hands-down, one of the best directors for wholesome, family-oriented, and drama movies that the industry has seen in years. I personally see a lot of talent in him that was previously only untapped potential for a long time. But given the right opportunities that have come his way lately, the tide of change has come in his favor, and this certainly bodes well for the betterment in terms of the quality of directors in the industry. Why so? Right now, if there is something that the industry badly needs, it is to bolster its ranks among credible, reliable, and dependable directors. Award-winning director Crisanto B. Aquino comes in here as a top choice.
Once you have gotten to watch any of the shows and movies he has directed, you will know why I have said everything I have said in the previous paragraph. I have always said a great director will bring balance to whatever he is directing; he will be able to bring together all the individual and unique strengths of the actors he is in charge of; most of all, he will be able to convey to viewers and moviegoers that he knows what he is doing.
Director Crisanto B. Aquino has a new movie under his direction. This will be his third and it is entitled “Instant Daddy” from Viva Films which stars Jerald Napoles, Danita Paner, Ryza Cenon, Althea Ruedas, Nikko Natividad, and many others. To learn more about the latest movie from Viva Films and to know a bit more about its director, here is my short interview with the director of “Instant Daddy,” Crisanto B. Aquino.
1. In a nutshell, what can you tell us about “Instant Daddy”?
“Instant Daddy” is the Filipino adaptation of the Mexican blockbuster hit from 2013, entitled: “Instructions Not Included.” In the Filipino adaption, this is the story of Valentin Roxas “Val” who comes from a dysfunctional family that leads him to believe he is not capable of having a real relationship. “Val” became a playboy and an easy-go-lucky person who will eventually discover that he has a child with “Julie,” one of his past girls, and this is where his life will change for the better.
Instant Daddy cast with Jerald Napoles, Ryza Cenon, and Althea Ruedas. Image from Jerald Napoles
2. What inspired you and writer Penzer Baterna to make “Instructions Not Included” into a Filipino adaptation?
I chose Penzer since I have worked with him in Raya Sirena mini-series of GMA Network. We established a good working relationship and so I decided that Penzer can give justice to the adaptation.
3. Who are the stars in “Instant Daddy”?
Jerald Napoles plays Val, the lead star of the movie. Althea Ruedas plays Mirasol (Mira). She is the daughter of Val.
I see great potential in Jerald Napoles. There were other actors on the list that were more popular than Jerald Napoles; however, I fought for him until Viva approved it. I want an actor who can represent the entire movie. For me, Jerald fits the role and I did not make a mistake on that. He’s an excellent actor and truly an artist. We also have an OST that features the song “Sa Piling Mo” by Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez who recorded the new version of it for this movie.
Danita Paner plays Julie Villabos, the mother of Mira. Ryza Cenon plays Kate, a childhood friend of Val from the province, and soon they will establish a possible romantic relationship with Val.
MC Muah plays Whitney, a childhood friend of Val, who will help Val raise Mira. Nikko Natividad plays Rico, the loving partner of Whitney, who works as a security guard. Nico Manalo plays Jani, a taxi driver and friend of Val. Benj Manalo as Mitoy, a taxi driver and friend of Val, and Luke Selby as Julie’s partner.
Other supporting cast members are: Jao Mapa, father of Val. Jobelyn Manuel is Val’s mother. Marnie Lapuz is the principal of Mira’s school. Christian Ty is Julie’s lawyer. Angel Reymundo is a family court official. Lucas Martin plays young Val. Kurt Delos Reyes plays young Val. Rabin Angles plays Young Whitney. Ruslan Jacob plays Young Whitney. Hurry up as one of the girls of Val.
4. Among all the movies you have directed and/or written, what can you say makes “Instant Daddy” special, different, and a must-see movie for everyone?
This is the first time that I did an adaption. My first time also to do a comedy. I would guess that compared to my two other previous films, this project has the wider audience range since this is a family drama-comedy and also my first time to do a movie for cinema under Viva Films.
5. When can everyone expect “Instant Daddy” to be shown in cinemas and/or on streaming services?
This will be shown in cinemas nationwide starting October 11, 2023.