TRANSIT.

Another great film that I am glad to have been part of. It’s an entry for the upcoming Cinemalaya Film Festival and my very first Cinemalaya film! The storyline is heart-gripping and narrates the truth of what our fellow OFW’s have gone through and are going through in Israel. 

So overwhelmed by being in line with an indie power-cast involving Ms. Irma Adlawan, Ping Medina, and Mercedes Cabral, introducing Marc Justine Alvarez. I really had to up my game in this a thousand fold because I have to keep up with the incredible talent of everyone that’s part of it. Hopefully, I did the role justice! (Fun fact: I spoke Hebrew throughout the entire movie)

Along with making the film, we also got to roam around a bit and learn more about the Holy Land. We were able to visit Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Dead Sea while our accommodation was only a few blocks from the Mediterranean Sea in Tel Aviv. Incredible thanks to our producer, Paul Soriano, for giving us the lightest working trip and being so flexible, understanding and patient. 

Quick funny story: When we were in Bethlehem, we decided to visit the Church of Nativity. The line was crazy long and we decided that it would be worth the wait. We ended up waiting in line for 2 hours (check the 5th photo!) along with the shoving and quarrels of the tourists around us. Imagine different nationalities speaking their own language to someone from a totally different country! No one understood anyone. 

When we finally got to the coke bottle entrance of the Nativity room where the manger and star of Bethlehem is said to be found, I took one step in and tried to look at the manger. I felt my head become lighter with chills all over my body and my vision became blurry and black. Next thing I knew I was on the ground by the exit door with the people with me surrounding and Ms. Irma, my ima (ima is “Mother” in Hebrew) on the ground with me trying to help me regain consciousness. I completely passed out. Haha, my blood sugar level drained out, I was quite hungry and it was so so hot.  The three combined didn’t exactly make for a perfect match. 

We left the church with only 1-2 of us being able to see the manger! All because I fainted :( I felt really bad and agaw pansin but maaaaaan if only you guys felt the way I did. I really couldve stayed on the ground and just slept there when I passed out if no one was caring for me! Thank you my ima :) 

ANYWAY!

I promise to upload behind the scenes photos once allowed :) I hope that you guys are able to catch Transit once it’s out! Cinemalaya Film Festival will be on July 26-August 2 at Trinoma, Greenbelt, and CCP.