THIS is the first time actress Geraldine Tan, a native of Ormoc City, has made a film and it’s a story worth telling.
In case you’re not familiar yet with Geraldine, she has been one of the most reliable and credible theater, film, and television actresses the Philippines has ever produced. Consider her filmography: Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s “Lola”, Fil-Brit director Jowee Morel’s “Mona Singapore Escort”, and “Latak”, Rommel Tolentino’s “Si Baning, Si Maymay at ang Asong si Bobo”, EJ Salcedo’s “Third World Happy”, Will Fredos’s “Filemon Mamon”, among others.
“I am always challenged by show business. I want to explore a lot of things. After acting in many movies, TV, and stage, I thought of producing a film,” Geraldine confided.
Tan was orphaned when her parents left her some years ago. She had to fend for herself, although she was bequeathed by her mom and dad with pieces of inheritances. Yet they aren’t the be-all and end-all of her life. She loved her parents dearly as the unica hija.
To continue living is one of Geraldine’s fiercest challenges in life because, as a single person, she had to bear all the burdens the world had to offer. She rose above everything because of her faith and determination to live.
Producing a film is one of those challenges that makes her life more meaningful. “Film is an art and it mirrors life. There are challenges, but they must be hurdled. So I told myself I have to make the most of it,” she confessed in our exclusive interview in her house in the idyllic part of Quezon City near Ayala Heights.
Tan has a bank of stories to inspire people and this “Makeover” is one of them. “So, I finally put in modest money where my mouth was as I got in touch with a Spanish director, Santiago Larrauri, a very dear friend. I talked to actors Nelsito Gomez and Anne Gauthier das Neves and they finally agreed to do the roles that were assigned to them.
“This is like an autobiographical film but with a twist. I also have a special appearance in this project. As an actress, I always miss acting before the cameras or a live audience. Besides, why do I have to hire another actor when I can do the part? Santiago also appeared in this project,” Geraldine intimated.
And who wouldn’t be honored and touched by all the hard work and sacrifices one offered when the film has recently won in various international film fests?
“Makeover #2dye4” has just received three awards, namely Best Short Editing presented to David Olson and Honorable Mention Indie Short was given to Larrauri at the prestigious 2021 Venice Shorts and Best Music at the Hollywood International Golden Age Film Festival awarded to Raymond Roldan.
“They are all bonuses for me and my creative team. I am proud of Sandbox Production and myself,” chuckled Geraldine.
Her next project, according to Tan, is more exciting and cutting edge.
“Till my next production, he quipped.