Career ad-Vance
From acting in plays and musicals, Vance Larena makes a bigger leap into the movies via ‘Bakwit Boys’
From acting in plays and musicals, Vance Larena makes a bigger leap into the movies via ‘Bakwit Boys’
Thespian Vance Larena was taking up Law studies when he was invited to join the cast of “Bar Boys.” He's not looked back since.
Vance now plays one of the lead roles in “Bakwit Boys” from T-Rex Entertainment Productions. The movie, one of the entries to Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, was given an A-rating by the Cinema Evaluation Board.
His participation in “Bakwit Boys” is something he’s proud of.
“Actually, I was the last one to get cast. They were having a hard time looking for a guy who knows how to sing and at the same time, act.”
Challenges
Coming from theatre, Vance has had to make some adjustments.
“The first challenge is to undo some acquired process in acting. I need to lessen my acting because the theatre method is a bit large with movements,” he said.
Before this movie and “Bar Boys,” Vance was cast in “Spirit Of The Glass 2: The Haunted” of Joey Reyes, “So Connected” of Jason Paul Laxamana, and “Dalawang Mrs. Reyes” of Jun Lana. Playing the eldest in the brood of four (Mackie Empuerto, Nikko Natividad and Ryle Santiago) in “Bakwit Boys,” Vance said they received equal exposure. “We all have different story development in our characters. Being the eldest, I have to be authoritative and at the same you will feel that he cares for his siblings. I think you will see that in watching the movie,” he said.
So, what’s the dilemma of his character?
“I act as parent to my brothers. We needed to evacuate from our province and leave our parents because a typhoon hit our town in Isabela.”
Pluses
Vance imparted the good things about the movie.
“First, this is a musical and we are celebrating OPM (Original Pilipino Music). All the six songs in ‘Bakwit Boys’ are original. Second, this is about relatively unheard of but talented and exceptional artists.”
Vance revealed the story of the movie is based on the experience of director Jason Paul.
“He drew inspiration from his experience during the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. He was once a ‘bakwit’ (term for evacuees). It was there were he drew inspiration. For the musical side, Jason Paul experienced how to produce and direct bandas in the provinces which were not given enough exposure in Manila. He has experienced a series of rejection. That is what the movie is all about.”
The movie, Vance said, is the most unique among the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) entries.
“We want to offer something that is hopeful and inspirational instead of you leaving the theater sad and depressed.”
Vance realized some things after watching “Bakwit Boy.”
“You have to do hard work and have luck. Success is a mixture of hard work and luck. In the end, you will get what you deserve because you worked hard for it.”