Opening in cinemas on August 15 is “Bakwit Boys,” one of the eight official entries of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) 2018. The romantic musical is written and directed by box-office filmmaker Jason Paul Laxamana, and produced by T-Rex Entertainment. Direk Jason Paul and T-Rex Entertainment were the frontrunners at last year’s PPP. Direk Jason Paul’s film “100 Tula Para Kay Stella” was the top-grosser of PPP 2017, while T-Rex Entertainment’s comedy “Patay Na Si Hesus” was the second highest-grossing film of the festival.
The title “Bakwit Boys” is derived from the word “bakwit,” an informal term for people who experienced a calamity and must evacuate (i.e., “mag-bakwit”) to a safer place.
The story tells of the struggles of the four Datul brothers—Elias (Vance Larena), Sonny (Mackie Empuerto), Joey (Ryle Santiago) and Philip (Nikko Natividad)—who are known as the band, Bakwit Boys. When their barangay in Isabela is ravaged by a supertyphoon, the brothers evacuate to their lolo’s sitio in Pampanga where they meet Rose (Devon Seron), a rich city girl who discovers their musical talent and offers to help the boys fulfill their dreams of becoming recording artists. Along the way, individual interests and personal conflicts create disharmony and test their unity as a family.
The premise is inspired by the personal experiences of Direk Jason Paul as a music producer. “I have collaborated with several musicians from different parts of the country, from Pampanga to Iloilo,” he reveals. “We compose songs which we release online and submit to local radio stations for possible airplay. Because local radio stations mostly prefer to play songs by Manila-based celebrities, sharing the music we create to a wider audience has always been a challenge. This aspect of my life was what inspired me to make ‘Bakwit Boys.’”
Direk Jason Paul also tapped into his being a survivor of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption to create the tale of the four boys who dream of rising from misfortune. “Hence, it is also a story about moving on and rising from the wreckage brought about by catastrophes, both natural and manmade,” he underscores.
“Bakwit Boys” features six original songs composed by Tarlac-based Jhaye Cura. These are “Ligtas Ka Na,” “Fiona,” “High On You,” “Patibong,” “Tayong Dalawa,” and “Kung ‘Di Ikaw.” T-Rex Entertainment executive producer Rex Tiri was only too happy to help bring these to greater awareness; let these songs be heard. He says, “When Direk Jason Paul pitched the concept to me and said he wanted to give a break to the composer, I said, ‘Game!’ I didn’t need to hear the songs. I was already hooked by what he wanted to achieve.”
Movie and music lovers will be hooked, too! Two of the songs in the OST have pop renditions by Jay-R and Kyla. “Bakwit Boys” will be launched at a special gig at Saguijo Bar on August 3, wherein each song from the film will be performed by popular OPM bands.
For updates about the film, check out @prodsthatmatter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
