Bringing a script to life on the big screen is no easy feat. What begins as an idea, a feeling, and a story, quickly expands to take on a whole new lease of life: the interpretation of the actors, lighting of the sets, cinematography, soundtrack, and so much more besides.
A successful film also relies on the hard work and dedication of the cast and crew involved, as ultimately, they are the conduits for how the story is told. Pangyao sat down with director Krishna Carla, producer Jay Martinez, writer Ledarose Delima, and actors Xyza Cada, Chef Boy Mangyan, and Pholymor ‘Pholy’ Garcia Galvez, for some insight into their new film, Salubsob (meaning ‘splinter’ in English)
How did you get your role in Salubsob and what were the challenges of portraying your character?
Xyza: Our Producer, Jay, reached out to me about this new project he was working on. He normally approaches me about roles in films working as an extra, the latest being Hello, Love, Again, starring Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo. So, I agreed without knowing 100% what it was about, as I am always supportive of anything related to mothers and our kababayans. This story is a real tear-jerker!
Chef Boy: I was part of the production team at ELL Film Productions, alongside Director Khrisna and our cameraman, Dadz Moore – so I already knew them before Salubsob. They discovered me during a music video shoot, then we started making short films, the first being Regalo (gift). Salubsob is the first big-screen production for us.
What was your experience during the filming?
Xyza: (laughs) Nako, malala! [Oh my, it was intense!] Normally, the roles I get cast in are playing characters who are easy-going. This one is a real story that will hit home with mothers, wives, and overseas workers alike. It’s a heavy role but you will learn a lot from her story.
Chef Boy: My character is a little rough around the edges and maangas (arrogant); it was a bit of a challenge for me to transform into this role. But the film’s primary focus is Xyza’s character, as the film is a celebration of mothers – I’m just there to give a bit of kilig (giddy thrill)!
Pholy: The audience will loathe my character because I am one of the villains of the story. There are some intense scenes with Xyza – I had to check in with her every time to make sure she was comfortable. Everyone was very professional.
Khrisna: Before Salubsob, we filmed I Love You, Tsuper under the production of Jay Martinez, but we wanted to produce a film for the big screen. I was so excited to work with Xyza as she has starred in a lot of indie films. At first, I wrongly assumed that Xyza would be a bit difficult to work with, but she
turned out to be amazing! She is so easy to work with and her tears just fall naturally.
Jay: I think the most challenging part is being cautious of everyone’s emotions. We have a team of very talented and creative individuals from the crew to the cast; they are so driven that it is sometimes difficult for us to conclude on certain things. We welcome suggestions to ensure that
everyone has a voice, and because I believe that we are all working towards a common goal – to come up with a great film.
How did the story of Salubsob come to life?
Ledarose: ELL Film Productions was holding a writing competition, and a friend of mine was pushing me to send in a story. So, I thought to myself, “Why not?” Director Khrisna selected my story, and even though it wasn’t finished, she wanted me to write faster! (laughs). The story itself is a testament to how resilient women are; there are always solutions to the
hardships we go through in life.
Khrisna: On my side, as the director and as a domestic worker, I wanted to show the challenges we go through. To show how we survive life’s troubles. The main character already had a splinter in her heart from the past, even before she arrived to work abroad. But she found a way to heal. I also wanted
the story to relate to families back in the Philippines, to show that we are working here not only for them but also to fight against our own personal problems from the past.
Jay: A few months back, I did an interview with Khrisna and Dadz, which is how I was introduced to ELL Film Productions. I admired their passion for their art, so I connected with them and brainstormed how I could lend a hand. We then agreed to do a Mother’s Day special, something I’d wanted to do
previously to honour my late mother, Dinah Martinez, but hadn’t quite managed to get off the ground back then. The saying, ‘In God’s perfect time’ really fits here.
What are your hopes for the future of this film, and what do you hope audiences will take away with them after watching Salubsob?
Jay: We are living in very challenging times. We all carry our own crosses; we go through a lot of turbulent storms in life and sometimes think that there is simply no way out. I hope after watching Salubsob, viewers will realise
that things can get better – that even in the face of difficulty, there is a path forward. That all they need to do is believe.
Leave a Reply