Ronnabelle Lora

Five talented actors who did double duty at the 2024 MMFF

Article (news)

Rhea Manila Santos

<p>Some artists did double duty for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival. These versatile stars were chosen for the value they add to the production as well as their talent and passion that resonates onscreen. Here are just five artists we noticed more than once in different roles on the big screen for the MMFF.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Iza Calzado (Green Bones and The Kingdom)</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-46" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDn8bEcBfAB/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=449&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A46%2C%22os%22%3A8939128.100000024%2C%22ls%22%3A442358.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A442626.10000002384%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="717" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-46" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-47" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEEyJ08pMEu/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=449&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A47%2C%22os%22%3A8939147.299999952%2C%22ls%22%3A442358.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A442626.10000002384%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="844" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-47" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>With both of her films winning MMFF Best Picture and 1st runner up respectively, it’s no surprise to see actress Iza Calzado’s name attached to both projects. Although her roles in both films are not extensive, the characters she plays are pivotal in the story and are hard to forget. In <em>Green Bones</em>, she plays the role of Dennis Trillo’s older sister who has a deaf mute daughter and in <em>The Kingdom</em> she plays Piolo Pascual’s close friend and ally. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Sid Lucero (Topakk and The Kingdom)<br/></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-48" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDeC_fhyjyf/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=449&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A48%2C%22os%22%3A8939162.799999952%2C%22ls%22%3A442358.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A442626.10000002384%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="844" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-48" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-49" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDE7GF-zmz2/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=449&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A49%2C%22os%22%3A8940396.200000048%2C%22ls%22%3A442358.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A442626.10000002384%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="844" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-49" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-50" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEHETG1vj8K/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=449&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A50%2C%22os%22%3A8940430%2C%22ls%22%3A442358.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A442626.10000002384%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="494" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-50" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Being part of the cast of two projects that are from different genres is not a problem for Sid, who plays the ex-soldier turned dirty narcotic agent Romero in the action flick <em>Topakk</em> which has him being pitted against main character Arjo Atayde’s character Miguel in the film up until the very end. In <em>The Kingdom</em>, Sid looks like he had a blast played the role of Magat Bagwis Nandula, the eldest child and only son of the king, Lakan Makisig Nandula (Vic Sotto). </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Nico Antonio (Espantaho and The Kingdom)<br/></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-51" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEJeiGloT82/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=449&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A51%2C%22os%22%3A8940448.399999976%2C%22ls%22%3A442358.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A442626.10000002384%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="559" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-51" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-52" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDtzBGcP9rN/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=449&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A52%2C%22os%22%3A8940952.200000048%2C%22ls%22%3A442358.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A442626.10000002384%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="844" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-52" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-53" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDv2Nboxxtb/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=449&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A53%2C%22os%22%3A8941222.700000048%2C%22ls%22%3A442358.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A442626.10000002384%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="844" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-53" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Actor and comedian Nico Antonio has a serious take in his two MMFF roles this year and does it very well. In <em>Espantaho,</em> he plays the role of one of Judy Ann Santos’s house staff Henri who goes missing after bringing in a mysterious looking painting inside their antique shop. In <em>The Kingdom,</em> he plays the role of Tarek, a palace staff member who helps the kidnapped princess, Dayang Lualhati Nandula, return to her father the king (played by Vic Sotto).</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Eugene Domingo (And The Breadwinner Is… and Espantaho)<br/></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-54" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDwDcGbzG3X/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=449&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A54%2C%22os%22%3A8941270.100000024%2C%22ls%22%3A442358.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A442626.10000002384%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="590" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-54" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-55" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDCS-_8T5KM/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=449&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A55%2C%22os%22%3A8941598.399999976%2C%22ls%22%3A442358.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A442626.10000002384%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="844" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-55" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-56" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEEE1L7ToIc/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=449&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A56%2C%22os%22%3A8941905.399999976%2C%22ls%22%3A442358.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A442626.10000002384%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="494" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-56" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Everyone knows Eugene’s talent when it comes to comedy. In the Star Cinema entry<em> And The Breadwinner Is</em>, she goes head-to-head and holds her own against scenes with Vice Ganda, where she plays the role of his estranged older sister who disappeared from their family to go abroad and returns upon hearing of his passing. In <em>Espantaho</em>, Eugene adds color to director Chito Roño’s latest horror film by playing a faith healer who helps Judy Ann Santos identify the cursed object in her home. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Pocholo Barretto (Uninvited and Topakk)<br/></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-57" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DC5fs1YvSDQ/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=449&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A57%2C%22os%22%3A8942096.399999976%2C%22ls%22%3A442358.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A442626.10000002384%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="717" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-57" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>It looks like Pocholo Barretto is starting to build up quite a resumé of gritty characters as he racks up the violent behavior in both of his MMFF projects this year. In <em>Topakk,</em> he plays bloodthirsty anti-narcotics officer Aquinta who is hell bent on erasing all evidence of a fake drug bust he and his team undertook. In <em>Uninvited,</em> he plays loyal henchman Celso to sinister businessman Aga Muhlach, who has people clean up all of his dirty deeds for him.</p><p>The 50th Metro Manila Film Festival is currently ongoing and will run until January 7, 2025 in cinemas nationwide. </p>

<p>These guys are so talented and so in demand that it’s no surprise when you see them in more than just one entry at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.</p>

These guys are so talented and so in demand that it’s no surprise when you see them in more than just one entry at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.