Cinemalaya’s Best Picture Respeto on commercial run starting Sept. 20
From his debut single Gayuma, Raymond Abracosa (a.k.a. ABRA) is now conquering his first movie break with 2017 Cinemalaya’s official entry Respeto. Respeto is one of the official entry of the recent Cinemalaya and was awarded the top honor as Best Picture.
Respeto tells the story of an amateur rapper and a veteran poet whose paths cross after a stand-off between the authorities and illegal settlers.
In an interview with Abra, he admitted that he never imagined how big the movie is.
“I feel nervous because a major role is given to me but at the same time I am excited kasi lahat ng aspect ng movie from cinematography, the execution and to my co-actors, lahat sobrang lapit,” he said during the movie’s celebrity block screening at Rockwell Cinema.
The Respeto lead star also added that his team is not after winning the award from Cinemalaya.
“Even without a Best Picture award, it’s already a winner to me, plus plus talaga yung feeling ng kasiyahan ko. We feel so blessed with or without an award.”
Will Abra consider doing more acting projects in the future?
“I really miss doing music. Perhaps, I’ll be focusing more on it but if there is another offer that would appeal to me, game tayo diyan,” he answered.
Aside from his recognition from Cinemalaya, Abra is also thankful for the positive reviews he received from both critics and netizens for Respeto.
“It felt good reading their comments on social media. Umaapaw at nakakagaan ng loob. I did not expect that they even share it and want to see it again,” said Abra who also believes that the movie is timely for this generation of moviegoers especially for the millennials.
Abra is set to continue his craft as a rapper and musician.
Respeto, directed by Treb Monteras II, also stars Dido de la Paz, Loonie, Kate Alejandrino, Chai Fonacier, Ybes Bagadiong, Brian Arda, Thea Yrastorza and Nor Domingo.