Good year ahead
Kiko Estrada opens 2019 with gazillion projects under his wings.
What a start for Kiko Estrada who has a long list of movie projects for release this year.
Recall that in 2018, he had two big screen projects, namely fantasy-romance “My Fairy Tail Love Story” and friendship film “Walwal.”
In a recent interview, he revealed that this year sees him cast in the mature and sexy movie “My Stepmother’s Lover.” Starring Sunshine Cruz and Martin del Rosario, it is “90 percent done” with just one more shooting day left. The movie is directed by Adolfo Borinaga Alix Jr. for ALV Films.
With the teaser showing erotic scenes and several cliff-hangers, it seems the movie has a “gay” touch to it.
“For me you choose what you wanna think. Because it’s a film, we want you to watch it. So choose what you wanna think. I’m not gonna say anything about it,” he said.
And how was his kissing and bed scene with Sunshine, we asked.
Well, Kiko noted he had no qualms about it having done the same with the other cast members, namely Chanel Morales and Pinky Amador.
Another project that will show off Kiko’s versatility is the biographical film of General Bato dela Rosa, where the teen star plays the young version of the latter while Robin Padilla does the adult one.
First timer
In celebration of the 100th year of Philippine Cinema this year and National Arts Month in February, the Singkuwento International Film Festival Manila Philippines (SIFFMP) returns to the scene with Kiko’s drama film “Promdi” in tow under the full-length category.
It is a milestone for Kiko being his first time to be part of a film festival.
“Promdi” is about farm boy Fernie (Kiko) who dreams of a better future not just for himself but for his family. He leaves his simple life in the province to study in the city through a scholarship. He takes part-time jobs just to support his daily expenses.
It is directed by Charlotte Dianco. Kiko’s co-stars are Shaira Diaz and Chris Leonardo.
The SIFFMP founded by Perry Escaño is now on its fourth edition. The festival runs from Feb. 15 to 22 at the NCCA Theater in Intramuros, Manila, presented by MPJ Entertainment Productions, in cooperation with Asian Television Content Corporation (headed by Engr. Rey Sanchez), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and Film Development Council of the Philippines (headed by Chair Liza Diño).
The festival’s main objective is to feature works of various Filipino and foreign filmmakers. Wherein hopefully it will be an avenue for Filipinos both here and abroad to share their voice, sentiments and thoughts via the films they have created. Also, they aim to provide a channel for non-Filipinos to share their impressions of the Philippines and its people.
For this year the official finalists are a collection of films that explores topics ranging from the youth to personal relationships, from growing up to death, and other thought-provoking social issues.
Other films under full-length category are Nestor Malgapo, Jr.’s historical drama “Kapayapaan Sa Gitna Ng Digmaan,” Marvin Gabas’ fantasy drama-romance “Rendezvous,” Dave Cecilio’s drama “Playground,” and Alexander Cruz’s comedy-drama “Pur Laine.”
Other categories are Documentary Shorts with five entries while Short Film have 25 participants.
The jury members in the Documentary Shorts and Full Length Films are Ricky Lee, Marinel Cruz, Noy Lauzon, and Joselito Altarejos.
Meanwhile, the Jury members for the Short Film competition are Zig Dulay, Will Fredo, and Albert Almendralejo.
Feel good rom-com
Charlotte will also direct Kiko’s starrer “Man In My Dreams” with reelturned-real partner Devon Seron.
According to Kiko, the project was supposed to be a short film but eventually became full length.
Kiko added they worked on the movie for free as it was part of Movie Workers Welfare Foundation’s (Mowelfund) project, where his grandfather, Joseph Estrada, was one of the founders.
In the said romantic-comedy flick, Kiko and Devon play Ginny and Rafa, respectively.
The young star noted that “it is not just a love story” that’s why moviegoers should watch it.
Was it hard working with his girlfriend?
“Yes it was difficult because it’s a follow up to ‘Walwal’ and that one has a beautiful and inspiring story.”
In love
Asked why, unlike with his relationships before, he is vocal about their romance, Kiko said it is one of his ways to show respect for women.
“You have to treat her right. Sometimes it (admission of a relationship) has to come from guys first because it’s rude if you make the girls do it,” he pointed out. “When we were dating, she was asked repeatedly about it during interviews.
“I had no work that time so I told her once they (media) ask me about it, I’ll say my part because I’m not shy about my feelings towards this wonderful woman. Devon proved to me there is love, there’s light in the darkness because I was in a dark place when she came into my life.”
How long have they been together? “I asked her on Aug. 8 but she’s
dalagang Pinay so of course I did the proper and traditional way of courting her,” he shared.
On why they clicked as a couple, he thinks they “balance each other.”
Kiko is head over heels in love with Devon that he spent the New Year with her.
“It’s a blessing to be with her. She keeps me grounded. She makes me want to be just a simple man,” he said.