Pilar Pilapil, Gelli de Belen impressed by director Louie Ignacio in ‘Mantsa’

Pilar Pilapil and Gelli de Belen were all praises for director Louie Ignacio after they experienced firsthand his directing style while filming "Mantsa." 

For veteran actress and former beauty queen Pilar Pilapil, 75, it was her first time working with Ignacio, and she thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“I think it's my first time working with him and I did enjoy working with him. Magaan siya [katrabaho] and he knows what he's doing.”

Gelli, 53, also praised Ignacio’s creativity, particularly when it came to the film’s visuals and camera shots.

“And the shots are really beautiful. The shots with director Louie, he's so creative when it comes to shots, vision.”

Pilar recalled one particular scene that stood out to her. “There was a shot that he did of me where ‘yung hands ko, I was acting with my hands and that's the first time I did it in my whole career and I'm really looking forward to that scene.”

Gelli had also seen a preview of the scene after Ignacio showed it to them and agreed that the result was beautiful. “Because it's maganda. I saw the video pinakita ni Direk,” Gelli added.

The two actresses also talked about their approach to acting in the film, emphasizing the importance of keeping their performances natural and avoiding overacting. “No overacting whatsoever,” Pilar said.

“We tried our best. We tried our best not to overact,” Gelli added.

As Pilar put it, “No overacting. You know, acting is no acting, actually.”

“Iyan nga ang sabi ni Eric Morris,” Gelli said, referring to the teachings of the renowned acting coach.

“Exactly,” Pilar responded.

Pilar also encouraged audiences to watch the film, expressing confidence that they would enjoy it.

Produced by Dragon Entertainment Productions, “Mantsa” (Stain) serves as Pilar’s comeback film. The psychological suspense thriller is directed by Ignacio, whose film credits include “Annie B.” and “Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka,” as well as notable films such as “Laut,” “Area,” “Litrato,” and “AbeNida.”

Joining the two actresses are Shira Tweg and Kai Flores, with special participation from Janice De Belen and Snooky Serna. The cast also includes Lloyd Samartino, LA Santos, Bo Bautista, Than Perez, Ghia Garcia, Mill Marzo, RJ Ariar, Jass dela Torre, Raine Barreto, Miles Poblete, and Dino Guevarra.

The film features an original story by Bambbi Fuentes, with a screenplay by Krista Taclan-Fuschs.

The official trailer is already available on YouTube, giving audiences a glimpse of the suspense and thriller elements they can expect from the film. “Mantsa” is scheduled for release in Philippine cinemas on October 7.