With writer-director Zig Dulay calling the shots on ‘Sirkus,’ a whole universe of magic and adventure opens

Filipino values.” He added: “’Yung konsepto kasi nakasama na sa kamalayan natin na hindi masyadong nalalayo. It’s just that nagkaroon siya ng bagong bihis, nagkaroon siya ng bagong character.” Zig promised that aside from the main characters, new ones will be introduced regularly.

And before you know it, an army rises.

“Sirkus” stars Andre Paras, Chariz Solomon, Sef Cadayona, Cherie Gil, Klea Pineda, and Gardo Versoza. The pilot episode airs on Jan. 21. Zig is from Isabela where he grew up watching classic ’90s Filipino children’s television series as “Math Tinik,” “Bayani,” “Hiraya Manawari,” “Sineskwela,” and “Pahina” to name a few. “Lagi ko noon nilu-look forward (’yung mga children shows), tuwangtuwa ako sa mga programa na nagke-cater sa aming mga bata,” he shared. “Nakakatuwa na ngayon ay nabibigyan ako ng opportunity na gamitin at ipakita ang nalalaman ko, ’yung craft ko para magkwento ng ganu’ng klaseng programa.” One of his favorite characters on “Sirkus” is Sefira played by Klea who underwent fire poi training. According to Zig, he always feels nervous during shoots as they could

“Lagi naman akong willing magkompormiso lalong-lalo na kung ang nakataya ay health naman nila. Siyempre mas importante ’yun sa akin.”

It’s also important to Zig that viewers will see fresh performances. He shoots down suggestions that Cherie’s take on La Ora is “pegged” to Meryl Streep’s character in “Into The Woods.”

“Hindi, as in kakaiba siya (La Ora),” he assured. “Ako, sinisikap ko lagi na buuin ’yung character, ayokong hilaw o manggaya.”

“Sirkus,” Zig added, will be liked by kids though it’s really for young adults.

“Ito ’yung klase ng serye na maa-appreciate ng hindi super bata, ng nakakaintindi na ng buhay, may pang-unawa na.” Zig underscored that while everything looks fun and wow onscreen, “Sirkus” is not easy to do – especially since he is known for directing indie films tackling social realism. Some of these were “Paglipay,” “Bagahe,” and “Bambanti.” “Super challenging na lumabas sa comfort zone,” he intimated. “Kailangan mas lawakan ang imagination, mas lawakan ang pang-unawa.” He is learning the ropes by watching films of similar persuasions. “Parang alternative lahat ng ginagawa ko sa indie film na mga social realism, na laging may dinadala na institusyon pero dito naman kailangan mong mang-inspire, kailangan mong ipakita sa batang manunuod na importante ’yung personalidad, ’yung pagpapahalaga,” he related. Though busy doing TV works, Zig said the movies will always be his first love. “Hindi ko naman siya pinapabayaan. In fact pakiramdam ko na everytime nagsusulat ako, everytime gumagawa ako ng indie film mas nabubuo ’yung passion ko.”