Paolo Herras Breathes Life To BUHAY HABANGBUHAY In Movie Form
Two years ago, we had a chat with local comic book writer and indie film helmer Paolo Herras. One of our topics delved upon his collaborative magnus opus with artist Tepai Pascual, Buhay Habangbuhay. Truth be told, it was an exercise in cinematic composition brought to comic book form. We even remembered asking if it’s meant originally as a film given the manner of the story’s depiction, and alas, it was a resounding yes. However, the time contraints brought by ad work kept the idea in the back burner for quite some time, until he decided to pick it up and translate it into a different medium.
The desire for its film version didn’t stop, though. It was a project Paolo was keen to do.
And he delivered.
Photo: Norby Ela
Buhay Habangbuhay is Paolo Herras’ latest film project since Manghuhula. Like the comic book, the story revolves around the lives of Joel and Sandy, a husband and wife couple whose relationship seems to be strained. A freak accident sends Sandy into her early demise, prompting her to spend the next five years of her afterlife guarding Joel.
Casting calls for the film’s key characters started last October, with the protagonist roles given to consummate actress Iza Calzado (Sandy), and Jake Macapagal (Joel). Principal photography for the movie ushered last November, and ended early January, just in time for their CineFilipino filmfest bid. Rounding up the cast are indie stalwarts Meryll Revillame and Ricci Chan.
If there is one thing Buhay Habangbuhay had proved, it is the fact that local comic books possess the capacity to cross to other forms of media. Perhaps it is the beginning of a new renaissance for the industry, and we hope that it sets an example for other works to follow.
Buhay Habangbuhay premieres at the CineFilipino film festival this March, and will be screened from the 16th to the 23rd at select cinemas in the Metro.
Yuri Mangahas
