Three major film outfits have joined forces for Bea Alonzo and Alden Richards’ first-ever movie together.
On Tuesday, March 2, Viva Films, GMA Pictures and APT Entertainment made official their partnership as co-producers of the Philippine adaptation of the Japanese drama Pure Soul.
The film — from which the hit Korean movie A Moment to Remember was also adapted — will see for the first time the big-screen pairing of two of the country’s biggest stars.
Seen during the contract-signing event from Viva Communications Inc. were president and COO Vincent Del Rosario, Viva Artists Agency president Veronique Del Rosario-Corpus, and senior vice president for Content and Production Valerie Del Rosario.
Representing GMA Network were GMA Films, Inc. president and programming consultant to the chairman and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, first vice president for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan, vice president for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier Cruz, and senior assistant vice president for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara.
For APT Entertainment Inc. were CEO and president Mike Tuviera, COO and CFO Jojo Oconer, and vice president for Production Operation Camille Montano.
Also present during the contract-signing was Bea’s manager Shirley Kuan.
Vincent Del Rosario shared what audiences can look forward to in the remake: “‘Yung script largely based sa Japanese na series pero ‘yung nuances ng culture ng Pinoy, sineed maigi ng writer para mas ma-appreciate ng local moviegoers.”
Gozon-Valdes, on the other hand, described the project as “perfect” for Bea and Alden. “Finally, this is now a reality, we’re very very excited. Napakaganda kasi ng pelikula na ito, lalo na we’re having both Alden and Bea in it. We feel that this project is perfect for the both of them. Sa galing nilang umarte, kayang-kaya nila itong project na ito. We are putting our own take on it kasi nga siyempre Philippine adaptation, gusto natin may ibang ipakita sa audience para talagang uniquely Filipino adaptation ito.”
Tuviera said that the film will be a theatrical experience. “Napakalaking chance to be a part of a project like this, I’m sure the people want to see Alden and Bea together. Gusto talaga namin maramdaman ng tao ‘yung pagka-big screen niya, ‘yung concept ng kwento, ‘yung characters, importante sa amin na ma-experience ng tao ‘yun in its full glory talaga, in a theater. We’re making the film as a theatrical experience.”
The film tells the story of a young couple whose relationship will be tested after the woman is diagnosed with early onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alden said that his new film, which happens to be his first remake, is meant for the cinemas. “It’s my first remake, and there’s always comparison. What we wanted as actors is to do our own take on how we understood the role. Ang ganda ng material, sobra. Kung babalik na ‘yung cinemas, it’s really for it. Mas dama mo ‘yung istorya.”
For her part, Bea expressed her excitement to finally work with Alden. “I’m excited na makakapag-trabaho na kami this time. We’re very happy na nag-inject sila ng Filipino culture doon sa script. We are working around the parameters of what Korea wants us to do, of course, to also maintain and respect the original form of the movie. It’s going to be a little different from the original title but we will make sure that it’s going to be a good one. It’s going to be extra challenging and also very inspiring.”
