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It is never too late to learn.
This is the core message of “Silay,” a film produced by Rachelle Umandap of Mace Ascending Entertainment Productions.
Directed by Greg Colasito and starring Malou de Guzman, Francine Diaz, among others, the film had its red carpet premiere recently at Trinoma in Quezon City.
In an interview, Rachelle explained why she decided to produce “Silay.”
“I love films that inspire,” she said. “With ‘Silay,’ I want to do the same. I want to inspire moviegoers, focusing on education.”
Malou was quite happy to join the effort.
The actress shared, “Gaya ni Rachelle gusto ko rin maka-inspire. Sana makatulong ang pelikula namin na maipakita sa mga tao na hindi hadlang ang edad para matuto.”
In the film, Malou’s Silay, an ageing market vendor, decides to return to school after some prodding from Leslie, her granddaughter, portrayed by Francine.
Although hesitant at first, particularly with people around her making fun of the idea, Silay would eventually join a back-to-school program as spearheaded by their congressman.
She would go on to inspire people she would meet along the way, including her teachers, classmates.
Familiar faces pepper the film, including Yul Servo as Mr. Ventura, Emilio Garcia as Armando, Long Mejia as Mang Isko, Ramon Christopher Gutierrez as Cong. Tolledo, Rob Sy as Nimrod, Krista Miller as Miss Mendoza, Merab Soriano as Karen, Russel Umandap as Lance, Jervin Mendoza as Celso, Astra Pimente-Naik as Sylvia, Joni McNab as Melai, Coco Naik as Barrameda, Pau Umandap as Greta, and Rolando Inocencio as Mang Berto.
Given her ongoing popularity, Francine was asked why she agreed to play a supporting role in the film.
The 20-year-old smiled and answered, “I like the film’s message. I think, more than anything that is very important. I also enjoyed working with Miss Malou and the rest of the cast.”