STOCKHOLM, Sweden – Multi-awarded Filipino actor John Arcilla, who played the lead role in the box office hit Heneral Luna, became emotional with the positive impact the film left among moviegoers.
Arcilla said he is still overwhelmed with the positive reactions people have on the movie.
A moviegoer one time approached Arcilla and asked “Gusto ko lang tanungin, gusto kong magtanong…may pag-asa pa po ba ang bayan natin?” Arcilla asked back the moviegoer– “Ikaw, anong tingin mo?” The moviegoer responded–Gusto ko pong sabihin na may pag-asa.”
Even colleagues in the showbiz industry continue to praise him for his portrayal of the Filipino general.
Arcilla hopes that the industry is able to create more meaningful films that would encourage the youth to be interested in history and instill love for country.
“Baka sinasabi nila nanood lang ng sine eh pinag-uusapan na ang pagbabago ng bansa. Why not? Why not? If a film can trigger that, why not? Because we need to be transformed. Sana mag-transcend ito sa social transformation. Yung naramdaman nila sa loob ng sinehan sana hindi lang nabuhay kundi isabuhay,” he said.
Meanwhile, the actor’s busy schedule is not getting in the way of his advocacies like the Capable Foundation.
He was in Stockholm to support the annual Masquerade Ball organized by the Adicon Charity Organization. He was one of the main guests of the charity event.
Arcilla showed his singing talent and also auctioned a painting and took selfies with Filipinos who participated in the event.
“For me, it’s a good chance to also meet the Filipino people here in Sweden. You’re helping people in a very fun way. That’s what’s fantastic about these things, helping people has to be fun. You have to enjoy helping people,” he said.
This is the ball’s third year, which started with a mother’s promise. Balitang Global correspondent and mother Vangie Rebot Jorquia made a promise that if her son survives a disease called arteriovenous malformation, a congenital brain aneurysm, her family would pay it forward by helping less fortunate Filipinos in the Philippines.
“Congratulations to all of us because we have recognized ourselves in the film, yun naman ang gusto naming mangyari. Pasalamatan din ninyo po ang sarili ninyo because na-recognize natin yung kundisyon ng ating bansa at sana po ay may gawin tayo po para doon,” Arcilla said. Original article on ABS-CBNnews.com
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