COUPLE Aljur Abrenica and AJ Raval are together in the high action-drama, “Sugapa,” directed by Lawrence Fajardo for Vivamax.
The movie is their reunion after starring in Fajardo’s “Nerisa” (2021), where the two met and eventually fell in love.
This time, they are more mature – not just on screen but also beyond as they essay their roles with aplomb.
Aljur is Ben and AJ is Anna, wide-eyed lovers who seek a brighter future in the city, only to realize that their aspirations might tear them apart.
They vow to stand together, conquering the odds side by side and carving their path to success. Fueled by the belief that the city holds boundless opportunities and a life of comfort, the couple embarks on a journey that tests their love in ways they never imagined.
Compared to her previous roles, Anna affords AJ the chance to show her dramatic prowess.
“Mahirap na nagawa ko dito is drama, kasi first time ko mag heavy drama kay Direk Law at si AJ (Aljur) pa ang kasama ko,” said the 22-year-old actress, once dubbed as “Vivamax Queen.”
“Na-miss ko po pag acting, pero sa pagkawala ko ng ilang buwan, marami akong nagawa. Nakapag-aral po ako, naka graduate po ako ng ALS (Alternative Learning System). Marami rin po akong naaral na ibang bagay.”
“Sugapa” may be the typical story of two lovers who embark on a journey to the bustling city with hopeful hearts but later become entangled in the gritty, murky world of the big city, but for director Law Fajardo, it is a very personal film.
“I represent this kind of film, meron naman kami pero sometimes the city can be cruel,” said the self-confessed probinsyano. “Hindi naman lahat good, gutom rin ako. Ganun lang din tong film na ito. The city can be dangerous sa lahat kasi lahat ng bagay hindi mo makukuha. Itaya ang puso sa lahat ng bagay na ito, we all have different stories. So it really deopends kung anong klaseng ending ang makakamit mo dito sa syudad. ‘Yan ang ‘Sugapa.’”
For the intimate scenes, AJ said she and Aljur are thankful for the direction of Fajardo.
“Naging professional po kami, ginawa kung ano ang kailangan, as usual, Ganun pa rin naman. Um-acting pa rin kami. Andyan sina Direk, ‘yung DOP,” she related, “Comfy kami kasi wala ng walls sa isa’t isa. ‘Yung feelings namin nalalabas namin kung ano ang totoo.”
Witness Aljur and AJ’s electrifying performances in the latest daring and captivating Vivamax Original Movie that challenges the very essence of love. “Sugapa” is set to exclusively premiere on Vivamax today, August 25.
