Amante Pulido, Angelina Kanapi, and other Cast Members of Matangtubig Experienced a Real Storm!

            "Totoong binagyo kami,tiyempong nandun kami that time,nandun din si Mailes (Angelina) at Cherry,akala ko nga mapapak ap kami kasi,ginaw na ginaw kami," Pulido recounted.

Picture from Amante Pulido's FB account

Amante Pulido is the lead actor in Jet Leyco's mystery film (the writer thinks it is) Matangtubig (Town in a Lake). The former plays Homil, a villager in a fishing community who bears witness to what really transpired prior to the disappearance of two girls. According to the director himself, this was inspired by true events in Balete, Batangas where two children went missing. Peppered with symbolisms regarding media's hyperrealism, the film is not for the normal moviegoer expecting a straight story. On it's Facebook page, its genre was written as "Supernatural Suspense/Hollywood Existentialism."

Picture from Amante Pulido's FB account

This is Pulido's first lead role yet he has worked with numerous productions before in playing meaty roles. He more recent appearances include supporting parts in films like The Grave Bandits (2012) and Maratabat (2014). He's happy with the dynamics between him and his co-actors. He has previously worked with Star Orjaliza (who pays Vivian, his wife in the film) and Cherry Malvar (mother of Teri Malvar who's the star of 'Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita). "Naku,angsaya namin,nakagaanan ko sila ng loob, WALA NI ISANG BAD VIBES O NAGMURA sa kanila. Bihira ang ganung production.To my fellow actors, I am so honored & grateful to work with them."

Angelina Kanapi (leftmost) and Rener Concepcion (rightmost) during the gala night of the film

Aside from Pulido, two actors that shone in their respective roles are Angelina Kanapi (Thelma Cruz) and Dylan Ray Talon (Justin). Their screen presence was so strong that you can't help paying full attention to them as they deliver their lines. Talon's billing in the film is "introducing", meaning this is his first major role. He isn't new to the acting industry though. "Naging part ako ng last film ni Jet pero minor role lang ako dun. Nakita niya ako, magkagrupo kami from FEU Theater Guild. Tas, kinast na niya ako."

Dylan Ray Talon after the gala screening

The film is also notable for its grain-free frames during very dark scenes. Leyco talked a little bit about the process during the Q&A session. "We used Sony A7S. We shot it in 10 days with a full crew and 2 extra days with a skeleton crew."

The film's poster designed by Miko Livelo

The film's remaining screenings are later October 27 (Tuesday) 6pm at the Gateway mall and on October 29 (Thursday) 1pm at Robinsons Galleria. The film is part of the 2015 QCinema Film Festival (Year 3).