They say that right timing is one of the key to success. E.R. Ejercito may have waited long, but the wait to enliven the Filipino audience’ penchant for Pinoy action movies once again has been worth it.
The movie, Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story in which he plays the title role garnered the coveted grade of “A” by the cinema board. The movie also bagged 11 titles which included Best Picture in the recent Gabi ng Parangal of the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) last December 28, 2011.
Emilio Ramon P. Ejercito is the son of the late action star George Estregan and a nephew to former president and action star Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Aside from E.R. Ejercito, the actor also used several screen monickers like Jorge Estregan (also spelled as Jeorge Estregan) or George Estregan Jr. (or Jorge Estregan Jr.). As an actor, he is known for his engaging acting skills especially in doing antagonist roles in action films. His years of experience in working with veteran action stars like his uncle and Fernando Poe Jr., Bong Revilla, and Philip Salvador among many others helped him gain a reputation of being one of the industry’s seasoned action stars.
E.R. believes now is the perfect time to bring action films back in the big screen. Thus, saying in a Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) interview last November that it’s about time Pinoy audience to be presented with an alternative aside from “fantasy, drama, horror, and comedy” films that are often shown especially during the MMFF.
Having been a former Mayor of Pagsanjan, Laguna for nine years and now currently serving as the Governor of Laguna, E.R. did not let the hectic schedule of filming the movie, Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story be a hindrance in serving his constituents because the shooting was done in Laguna.
With the vast amount of technologies available today, Gov. E.R also said that action films today should have more quality. And this he proved with the rest of the team that made Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story. Produced by Viva Films and Scenema Concept International, the lone action film entry in the recently concluded MMFF has gained praises both from critics and audiences alike.
The movie was in black and white all throughout. Even so, it was enough to make it stand out from the rest of the entries, rousing the interest of the viewing public even more. With the direction of acclaimed director Tikoy Aguiluz, Manila Kingpin: the Asiong Salonga Story is also aiming for a global release.
During interviews, Gov. E.R. was always proud to say that although this is the fourth installment of the Asiong Salonga story, Manila Kingpin’ “tell-all” element made it diffirent from its predecessors.
“This is the untold story of Asiong Salonga, kaya maraming hindi ipinakita du’n sa pelikula ni Pangulong Erap Estrada noong 1961, nung 1978 ni Rudy Fernandez at nung pelikula ko nung 1988. Pang-apat na version na itong Untold Story,” governor E.R. said.
Asiong Salonga is Nicasio Rodriguez Salonga in real life. He is considered as the real Pinoy Robin Hood who lived and died by the gun. He was considered a community hero of the poor in Tondo, Manila, by stealing from wealthy people and then giving what he gathered to the less fortunate. Asiong was also considered as Public Enemy No. 1 during his time in Tondo because of the crimes he committed.
A movie about faith, trust, and protecting one’s turf, the Asiong Salonga Story was set in the year 1950’s, when life was simple yet every notorious gangster wanted to claim their turf in Manila.
While the movie depicts many action scenes, Gov. E.R., stressed that there is still a lesson told in the movie.
“Kahit pa in the ‘50s siya (Asiong) nag-reign bilang Kingpin ng Manila, still ang mga karanasan niya ay nangyayari pa ngayon, and more pa, kung tutuusin, sa mga deadly gangs na gustong sumikat sa paraang puwedeng hindi naman gawin.”
Although he did not win as best actor in the recently concluded MMFF, Gov. E.R. was honest to say in interviews that he still hopes to be recognized in other award-giving bodies. He also hopes to do more action films in the future. But for now, he wishes to focus on his upcoming film, El Presidente which will also star veteran actress Nora Aunor.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(OCIE Jan 13-19, 2012 RedCarpet pg. 2)
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