'Walong Libong Piso' is coming to the big screen

The bold and provocative stage play "Walong Libong Piso" is set to make its cinematic debut.

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TEAM 'Walong Libong Piso' at the Manila Hotel on Oct. 15. From left: actor Jhon Mark Marcia, producer Engr. Benjie Austria, of BenTria Productions; actors Paolo Gumabao, Drei Arias, and newcomer Jorge Guda; and writer- director Dante Balboa. (Image by Rodel Fernando)

(Rodel Fernando)

This announcement was made by producer Engr. Benjie Austria of BenTria Productions and director-writer Dante Balboa during a media conference at the Manila Hotel on Oct. 15.

"This project was really intended for the movies. But we decided to launch the project through a stage play. It's like we're hitting two birds in one stone," said Dante during the media conference.

Dante explained that the stage version was created first so that the actor could easily memorize his lines before filming. Even the cinematographer needs to understand how the movie was shot without cuts.

"Walang Libong Piso" is a one-character film shot in a continuous sequence lasting an hour and a half. It features Paolo Gumabao in his most daring role to date. "Walang Libong Piso" will be released in theaters nationwide on Oct. 22.

Dante said, "I told Sir Benjie to make the stage version first so that the actor will be well-equipped by the time we shoot the movie version. Walang cut ang movie. Napakagaling ni Paolo rito. (The movie has no cuts. Paolo is good at it.) It is so hard to find an actor who's as good as Paolo.)"