Writer-director Mike Sandejas, known for his work in “Tulad ng Dati,” is brimming with confidence about his latest project, “Sinagtala.” He’s excited about the movie’s box-office potential, explaining why he believes it will be well-received.
“Unang-una, it’s an all-star cast,” Sandejas said at the press con at Seda Hotel last Tuesday. “These kids are really popular.” He added that the film isn’t a traditional Broadway-style musical but rather a drama about real-life struggles of five bandmates who use music to navigate their personal challenges. “They’re a band, they play music. It’s a drama. It talks about life. It’s something very relatable,” he explained.
For Sandejas, the talent film’s commercial appeal is undeniable. “Pangalawa, yung music po namin, I dare say we have one of the best musical soundtracks in Philippine cinema history,” he said proudly. “The music is excellent… It’s something anyone can relate to and it’s very relevant.” With the cast’s massive social media followings, he believes that the film has a solid foundation for success. “Sa Instagram followers pa lang nitong five, ilang million na ‘yan,” he pointed out.
He’s hopeful that word of mouth will further boost the film’s success. “There are a lot of twists and turns in the film as well,” he related. “As long as we get enough people to watch on the first day, I think word of mouth will spread.”
Sandejas also shared that “Sinagtala” is his most commercial film to date, though it’s also deeply personal to him. “It’s my most commercial film… so I’m hopeful. And what’s the biggest draw? My all-star cast and the story, of course!”
The film is clearly important to Sandejas, and it holds special meaning for the cast as well. Glaiza de Castro, who plays the bandleader, got emotional during the media conference while discussing how music has always been a crucial part of her life. “Bukod sa prayers, isa sa mga talagang masasabi kong nagsalba sa akin sa kalungkutan ay musika. Yun ang ano…” she said, her voice cracking. As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes. “Bakit ako naiiyak?” she laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “Sorry, guys, feeling ko lang may PMS ako ngayon, so medyo emotional ako,” she joked.
Music, Glaiza explained, has always been a lifeline for her, especially during tough times. “Gift talaga ‘yun ni Lord sa akin, sa pamilya ko. Kasi musically-driven na family,” she shared. Being part of “Sinagtala,” she said, felt like a divine blessing. “Kaya itong pelikula na ito, noong nakita ko, akala ko nga ‘di ko na magagawa. Pero in-allow ni Lord na mapasama ako rito,” she explained, reflecting on the personal connection she felt to the project.
Throughout the making of the film, Glaiza couldn’t help but feel emotional, often not fully understanding why. “Noong nagsho-shooting pa lang kami ng pelikula, nag-iiyakan na kami. Hindi ko talaga alam kung ano and mayroon sa pelikulang ito at bakit ako emosyunal,” she admitted. For her, music has always been a source of comfort. “Kasi ‘yung music din talaga is outlet din sa akin,” she said. “Sobrang grateful ako na sa industriyang ito, talagang nakakagawa ako ng kanta and na-se-share ko rin sa followers ko.”
Despite her insecurities, Glaiza found joy in singing. “Pero hindi talaga ako ‘yung tipo na bumibirit. Ang dami ko ring insecurities sa boses ko, sa kaya kong gawin,” she confessed. “Pero dahil nga mahilig kami sa pamilyang kumanta, bata pa lang ako na-train na akong kumanta, parang feeling ko lang dumating ako sa age na niyakap ko rin ‘yung boses ko.” For Glaiza, “Sinagtala” gave her a new sense of purpose. “Parang nagkaroon ako ng bagong purpose sa life as a band leader. Wow!” she joked.
The rest of the cast shares a deep passion for music as well. Arci Munoz, who is the lead vocalist of the rock band Philia, Matt Lozano, who starred in and sang the closing theme song “Chichi wo Motomete” for “Voltes V: Legacy,” and Rhian Ramos, who grew up surrounded by music thanks to her mother Clara, a singer, all have a strong connection to music. They are not only singers but also composers. Meanwhile, Rayver Cruz, who made his name as a dancer, has proven he can sing just as well, following in the footsteps of his famous musical family, which includes Donna, Geneva and Sunshine Cruz.
With a powerful story, a talented cast, and excellent music, “Sinagtala“ promises to be a film that audiences will connect with.
Produced by Sinagtala Productions, “Sinagtala” opens in theaters nationwide starting April 2.
