By GAY ACE DOMINGO
“Nice,” “calm” and “kind” are the words that close friends and co-workers consistently use to describe Jade Castro, writer and director of independent films “Endo” and “Zombadings: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington”, writer of the animated movie “RPG: Metanoia,” and director of mainstream movies “LSS,” “My Big Love” and “My Lady Boss” and many other films and TV series.
The unassuming Jade has been in the news since February 1, 2024 – not for a new project – but because he and three of his friends have been detained in Catanauan, Quezon, for alleged involvement in the burning of a mini-bus. The four maintain their innocence and there are testimonies and CCTV video to corroborate. The film and arts communities, and also lawmakers such as Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Cong. Dan Fernandez, are giving their full support so that Jade and company will be released from detention and that justice is served.
As the prosecutor’s office has filed a case of destructive arson against the four last February 16, the families and friends of Jade and his companions are heartbroken and outraged. They promise to continue the fight come what may. “’Di ka namin iiwan Jade. ‘Di namin kayo iiwan,” they posted on the Facebook page Free Jade Castro NOW.
As the filmmaker’s fate hangs in a balance, one thing is sure to those who love Jade: the image of a masked destroyer being painted by the authorities is the complete opposite of the truth.
“Jade is one of the nicest, generous, sincere and most gentle person I know!” actress Che Ramos wrote on Facebook.
Tales of Jade’s good heart abound. Filmmaker Kenneth Dagatan said, “I remember when I was writing my first script for my first film, and I felt really lost about what story I wanted to tell. Jade messaged me to find my voice as a storyteller.”
Siege Ledesma admitted she was far from satisfied with the first cut of her debut feature “Shift” starring singer Yeng Constantino. “Maraming naging problema sa shoot — at lumabas ang lahat ng iyon,” she said. Siege was ashamed to request her producer for an extension. “Ang tangi kong napagsabihan at napagkatiwalan sa bigat ng aking dinadala at insecurities ay si Sir Jade na Directing teacher namin sa Asia Pacific Film Institute at creative consultant sa ‘Shift’.”
According to Siege, Jade accompanied her right way to a meeting with the producer and together the three of them brainstormed on how the edit could be fixed. “Shift” eventually won Best Picture at the 2014 Osaka Asian Film Festival and the Cinema One Originals Milestone Award. “At malaking-malaki ang naitulong ni Jade Castro sa pagkamit ng mga tagumpay na ito,” declared Siege.
Jade is unselfish with his time and expertise as with his compliments. Producer-actress Iana Bernardez recalled that in 2018, Jade gushed about her performance in “Gusto Kita With All My Hypothalamus” in a tweet that she still rereads. “Yes, I revisit it…” she said. “That’s how much it helps me when I doubt myself, because somewhere out there, I know Jade believes in me.”
But every artist has a quirk, and Jade is no exception. For one, he can’t be rushed. “That’s why Jade can never do whatever those guys are accusing him,” said his friend Dan Patiag. “We used to hang out a lot sa Kapitolyo at napakabagal niyang maglakad when we’re transferring restaurants!”
Another idiosyncrasy? “Jade also needs to take a shower break at 7:30 p.m. when he’s on the set no matter what,” revealed writer-producer Monster Jimenez.
Two weeks into the ordeal, Jade must be feeling low but it is unlikely that he is angry and bitter. “He sees the goodness in people and situations,” said fellow director Antoinette Jadaone
Hope is ingrained in Jade’s DNA. “Kahit unfair na ang world,” said Monster, “he can shrug it off then power through.”
