Hollywood comes to Manila via the martial arts film ‘Wages of Sin’

By KAYE VILLAGOMEZ
source: MB.com.ph

The doors to Hollywood have opened to Filipino hopefules via the international production “Wages of Sin,” a political thriller to be shot and produced entirely in Manila next year and is scheduled for global release in 2008.

Starring G Tongi and Charlize Theron’s martial arts trainer, Fil–Am actor Neal ‘Xingu’ Rodil, “Wages of Sin” is in its early stages of production, including casting and auditioning Filipino actors to join the international cast that will most likely include Kelly Hu and Lou Diamond Phillips, producer-director Shane Trace disclosed to local media on Monday.

The 26–year-old filmmaker described the movie to be a “cross between ‘Ong–Bok’ and ‘Bourne Identity’ with interesting sub–plots the characters of the movie will confront” while non–stop action skates through the streets of Manila.

Set to be filmed in October, 2007, Trace and Rodil have set the wheels in motion in the Philippine shores. The entire creative team is currently in Manila holding auditions and even talking to possible production houses here for technical support. Trace said, “so far, I have been meeting with several production houses and some talents because we really want this film to be almost 100 percent Filipino-made but for global release. I’ve fallen in love with your country so much that I wanted to do this for you,” Trace said.

Trace’s film outfit, Umbrella Six, is a subsidiary company under Hollywood’s Universal Pictures.

Trace developed the edgy action–suspense in “Wages of Sin.” “This movie will reveal some truths in the system that may be cruel but these things really happen. It’s also going to be a kind of martial arts movie that’s never been seen and done in Hollywood before. We’re really very excited about this project which will include the best stunt people from Hollywood like Jacky Chan’s crew that will work here in Manila with of course, local talents who will be also part of the movie.”

Trace revealed that one of the reasons he’s in Manila is his pursuit of Filipino actors who may be able to play pivotal roles in “Wages of Sin.” “So far I’ve seen so many talents in this country. We’ve been watching local shows and we’re looking into candidates because this project is a good vehicle for Filipino actors to be known in Hollywood.”

G Tongi, who is also in the country with Rodil and Trace agreed with the director’s vision: “Beyond me making it internationally, the reason why I’ve been residing in the States is because I am hoping that somehow I can help put the country on the map. I’ve been struggling in the States for six years for this goal. Whatever happens, I’ll be a Filipino and I’m proud of this country and the actors and talent that we have.”

“She’s very choosy and particular about her roles and she really hones her craft,” Trace said of Tongi. “She’s bound for stardom in the States. I just think she needs the right vehicle for her talent and this film could be it.”

 

 

Meanwhile, Filipino–American actor and Arnis master Xingu Rodil treats his visit to Manila as an opportunity to discover his roots. Although his parents are both Filipinos, Rodil grew up in the US—born in San Francisco and raised in San Jose, California.

“I grew up not really knowing my roots and now finding it in the Philippines turned out to be an incredible experience for me. There is so much that this country and its people can offer to the world,” the 28-year- old actor who has starred in music videos of Shakira, Green Day and Prince said emotionally during the press conference held last Monday at a restaurant in Quezon City.

About “Wages of Sin,” Rodil, whose next commitment includes hosting the upcoming TV series “X–Factor,” added, “I really believe in what we’re doing. I’m sorry if I get emotional talking about it but it’s because I really believe in this project.”

“With ‘Wages of Sin,’ I really hope to set the record straight and say that Arnis is a Filipino martial art. We’ve seen it used in most Hollywood action films but it’s hardly known that it originated in the Philippines,” Rodil explained.

Rodil is touted to be one of Hollywood’s most promising action stars following the heels of Jacky Chan and Jet Li. “Hollywood has been very kind to me. Now I want to pass along this good fortune to the Philippines, the home of my family and friends.”

This proud Pinoy continued, “It’s my pleasure to represent the Philippines and the Filipino community. It’s one of my goals to associate with as many Pinoy’s in this industry.”

An expert in martial arts, Rodil thought Capoeira (a Brazilian martial art) before moving to LA where he pursued a career in entertainment while training big Hollywood names and starring in music videos and TV commercials.