Akiko Solon takes charge of career
Since competing in “Star Power: Sharon’s Search For the Next Female Superstar” in 2010 and placing fifth, Akiko Solon has been part of several productions. But it’s not all big black cars and bottles of champagne when you make it to tinsel town. If anything, you have to work doubly hard once you’re in, and the only way to thrive is to fight for it.
Actors and performers are all too familiar of the dry seasons where parts, roles and projects are difficult to come by. Akiko, who had gone through that while living in Manila away from family, decided to take matters into her own hands and make her own destiny.
“You can’t just wait or else nothing is going to happen. So aside from waiting for projects from the management, I decided to look for gigs myself,” Akiko says during a press conference for the upcoming Cebuano film “Magbuwag Ta Kay.”
Coming home to Cebu, Akiko took a leap of faith when Rowell Ucat, also known as Medyo Maldito, asked her to audition for a role. Little did she know that she would be playing lead in a full-length Cebuano feature film. In a way, her role as Kay mirrored Akiko’s experience of pursuing her own ambitions.
Produced by Heritage Productions, “Magbuwag Ta Kay” is one of the very few Cebuano feature films produced the past years. Set for a commercial run this month of hearts, it is written by Therese Villarante and Jude Gitamondoc and directed by RJ Aquino and Janice Perez.
The romantic comedy is also said to be a look into the untold story of Medyo Maldito beyond his hugot king persona. In the movie, Roy, portrayed by Rowell and Kay’s (Akiko) relationship is put to the test when Kay has to go to Canada in a month’s time. Hence, the couple finds a way to end their relationship before the dreaded D-day.
Being a singer first and foremost, Akiko’s work in “Magbuwag Ta Kay” was a breath of fresh of air. Working with other Cebuano talents such as Ligaya Rabago, Dante Luzon, Kurt Fick, Alem Garcia, Denise Tan felt light and comfortable, she says.
“Lingaw ra gyud and chill. I honestly didn’t have any expectations when I auditioned for the role. I auditioned with the thinking na, why not? I didn’t even know it was Roy’s movie! We were all happy throughout the shoot, dili gyud makasapot,” the 23-year-old says.
“The film doesn’t only talk about love but also discusses friendship and family values. It also proves that love should not become a problem when pursuing your dreams,” Akiko muses when asked what “Magbuwag Ta Kay” means to her.
“Magbuwag Ta Kay” has come a long way. It’s had mall shows, school tours, title reveals, and even the progressive cinemagraph digital posters. The film is distributed by Viva Films, and after its advance screening last November at SM City Cebu Cinema 8, everyone is just waiting for its commercial run.
This is a big deal, not only for the people behind “#MTK” as it was initially known, but also for Cebuano artistry in general.
“It has always been my dream to see Cebuano films in cinemas. Basta Bisaya, we should really support that. I hope that Filipinos and Bisayas support ‘Magbuwag Ta Kay’ because this is ours,” Akiko says.