I had another taping for "Lobo" at dawn last Wednesday 19 December. It was a last minute decision of the other unit of Lobo to call me for taping at 10:00 p.m. Tuesday. They advised me that I was on-call anytime. A little past 12 midnight, Cres of the Production Staff texted me that I had to proceed to City College of Manila and that the Unit was already on the way to the location. I got out of bed quickly and rushed to the location which was unfamiliar to me. I had a problem locating City College of Manila! When I reached Quiapo, I called up Cres to clarify the directions on how to get there.
Cres had to give her cellphone to a person familiar of the place! When I finally reached the place, as a person who had not been to Manila for a long time ( I spent most of the time in Quezon City), I was surprised to see a massive building in between the Manila City Hall and the dilapidated Metropolitan Theatre. I suddenly realized it was that controversial project of former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza which cutted century old trees in Mehan Garden. It is now the City College of Manila!
I am playing the role of a Professor and the City College of Manila is the location for my scenes to be taped that dawn.
I approached Cres and greeted her. I asked her who would be our director that dawn. I was glad to hear that it would be Director Cathy Molina – the other Director of Lobo. I would like to emphasize the other Director and not the second Director. This is to give equal importance to the two directors behind Lobo. The other director of course is Direk Eric Reyes.
I had the chance to work with Direk Cathy Molina for several projects in the past, notably some episodes of "Maalala Mo Kaya" and a couple of teleseryes. However, the last project that I had worked with her was maybe about three years ago that is why I was really excited to work with her since she already became a big name as movie director credited with box-office hit movies.
Direk Cathy Molina directed Star Cinema’s "One More Chance" starring John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, a full-length feature which opened last Nov. 14 nationwide. She also megged "You Are the One", starring Toni Gonzaga and Sam Milby.
That early dawn taping, I was the only actor and a few bit players who played the school security guard, passersby students and a double for a killer/stalker and the big white dog.
Unfortunately or fortunately, the sun was already rising at 6:00 a.m. and there was one more scene for me which is a night effect! So, I had another taping day este… night for Lobo. Direk Cathy jested then that I prayed hard for the sun to rise before we completed my scenes!
