Despite the heavy rains last Thursday, August 26,taping of the Midnight DJ episode went on smoothly as the efficient staff and crew went about their duties to ensure that every take was a success. In between takes, the actors passed their time with friendly card games and funny banters. It was just like, pardon the cliche, one big happy family. In one corner were young actors' parents huddled while exchanging notes on their experiences with other productions and networks, while on the far end of the make shift (but airconed) dressing room were a couple of actors immersed on the laptop.
So what was I doing there? Well, Direk Lore decided to make true his promise to provide me with more roles (para naman may pambili ako ng ulam) in the weekly mystery tv show over at TV5. And boy, was I in good company! Other guests in the 11th episode of the show's 8th season were my idol, Bembol Rocco, Kalila Aguilos, fellow Actors Workshopper Ces Aldaba and young actor Renz Valerio.
Most of my scenes (five, yes i counted them) were with child actor Renz Valerio who, in my opinion, is another dramatic actor in the making. I play the role of Father Barbatos, the kind old priest who ran an orphanage. But this is not the first time i played man of the cloth, i was also a priest in a stage play we did at the old St. Therese Auditorium, "Isang Libong Piso," directed by the late tv director Raffy Oyales. In the musical play "Eugenie", director Chingay Lagdameo cast me as the Archbishop of Paris, Affre. Thus, Father Barbatos was not really to alien to me. And yes, you may blink and not miss me.
Midnight DJ stars Oyo Boy Sotto, Desiree del Valle, Meg Imperial, Joaqui Tupas, Julia Chua and John Medina. Aired over TV5, Firdays, 8:00PM
Sa Ngalan ng Ama (In the Name of the Father)
Director: Lore Reyes
Assistant Director: Jo Macasa
Episode Writer: Jessel Duque
Head Writer: Randy Villanueva
SYNOPSIS
Samboy visits the old site of the orphanage where he grew up, now an abandoned house up for sale. This visit reminds Samboy of a strange event that happened to him when he was just a boy. It involves a forbidden room where angry spirits seem to be trapped. When grown-up Samboy finds this room again, he awakens the spirits. When a disfigured man appears, things turn even stranger because Samboy starts suspecting that this man is his long-lost father, Samuel.
CHARACTERS
SAMBOY
BODJIE
QT
ANDREA
SWIT
ARTHUR
GUEST CHARACTERS
MANONG: Late 40s or Early 50s. A hideously disfigured man. He seems to be a burn victim. Mysterious and secretive.
SIONING: Late 20s. The ghost of a burned woman. Angry and vengeful.
EMPOY: 10. The ghost of a burned boy. Sad.
YOUNG SAMBOY: 12. Samboy as a boy.
YOUNG LANDO: 12. Samboy’s friend. See Episode 10, “Kampon ng Jejemon”.
FATHER BARBATOS: 60s. A kind old priest who ran the orphanage when Samboy was still there.
FATHER INOCENCIO: 30s. The current head of the orphanage.
ORPHANAGE STAFF
ORPHANS
POLICE
