By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Inquirer
Last updated 11:57pm (Mla time) 11/11/2007
BASCO, BATANES—His pinoy fans will finally get to hear Ken Zhu’s real speaking voice—in a drama movie, no less.
On the TV hit “Meteor Garden,” his voice, like the rest of the boy band F4, was dubbed by Filipino talents. In Adolf Alix’s and Dave Hukom’s romance drama “Batanes,” Ken is using his own voice.
It wasn’t just his voice he lent to the film, but his total commitment, says Ignite Media producer Arleen Cuevas.
His management company was reportedly reluctant at first, but Ken insisted on accepting the project.
He also gave suggestions to improve the screenplay’s Taiwan segments. “He asked that his character’s name be changed from T-Sai to Kao, which was more modern,” says Arleen.
In shooting the love scene, he was just as cooperative, says Adolf.
“Originally, we were limited to head shots, but he allowed us to shoot his bare back, up to his waist,” Adolf recounts.
On his last day in Batanes, Ken told Adolf: “I bet you that I’ll be back.”
Less than a week later, he was shooting additional scenes with Iza in Tali Beach, Batangas.
“Ken assured me that he didn’t want to rush and that he was willing to come back if needed,” Adolf says.
More significantly, the extra day of shoot was still part of his contract—meaning there’s no extra pay.
“He stayed until 6 a.m. to finish his scenes with Iza even though his flight to Taiwan that same day was 12 noon,” associate director Arman Reyes says.
Adolf says that Ken promises to return for the movie’s Manila premiere on Dec. 5.
What attracted you to the script of “Batanes”?
I fell in love with the story. That was why I decided to do it. I liked the idea that Batanes is actually closer to Taiwan and that there are (foreign) fishermen who drifted to this island.
The conflict is real; the story, powerful. I also like the love story.
What attracted you to the role?
I have to say that this is the hardest role I’ve ever done because there are very few lines and we mostly had to rely on body language. Luckily, my partner Iza is supportive and allows me to do the part well.
How similar are you to your character?
We’re both Taiwanese. (Laughs) Well, I’m also into water sports like scuba diving. I just started surfing. It helped that I know a few fishermen in my country. One thing I share with Kao is our affection for the ocean. That was why it wasn’t hard to understand and develop the character.
What is it like working with directors Adolf and Dave?
Adolf is one of the best directors I’ve worked with. He knows exactly what he wants. Even if we’re in a hurry, Dave remains cool. He’s also very insistent about the cinematography, which is good because that means we have great shots.
What are your hopes for this film?
I hope that this movie will be shown in other countries. It’s good because it combines art and commerce.
What do you mean by “fusion” and Asian co-productions as the wave of the future?
The entertainment industry has been messed up for a while. But since the Asian market is growing bigger, what Asian artists need to do is collaborate in different projects. By sharing ideas, we will become stronger and we’ll be able to fight the so-called Western invasion. But the first step is to educate people about copyright laws and the harmful effects of piracy.
What is it like working with the other Filipino actors?
I love them. They’re like family to me now. Sid (Lucero) is a very funny guy. We got along well. We talked about boxing and martial arts.
Uncle Bem (Bembol Roco) is the coolest guy on earth. One day, we were shooting in a beach and he suddenly said: “The ocean is calling me.” Then, he jumped into the water. He’s so cool.
How were the people?
The people are friendly and simple. The only problem is they drink too much (laughs)!
Are you planning to buy property in Batanes?
I’m thinking of investing here. This is a very promising site. But I think that the major problem Batanes is facing now is not developing the place, but preserving its beauty.
If I’m allowed to invest here, the first thing I’ll do is to improve the people’s living conditions—provide better education, better medical care.
What will you tell your friends in Taiwan about Batanes?
I will tell them how beautiful this place is. But I will not try to convince them to come here. (Laughs) I would like to keep it private for a while. Exclusive to myself.
Inquirer
Last updated 11:57pm (Mla time) 11/11/2007
BASCO, BATANES—His pinoy fans will finally get to hear Ken Zhu’s real speaking voice—in a drama movie, no less.
On the TV hit “Meteor Garden,” his voice, like the rest of the boy band F4, was dubbed by Filipino talents. In Adolf Alix’s and Dave Hukom’s romance drama “Batanes,” Ken is using his own voice.
It wasn’t just his voice he lent to the film, but his total commitment, says Ignite Media producer Arleen Cuevas.
His management company was reportedly reluctant at first, but Ken insisted on accepting the project.
He also gave suggestions to improve the screenplay’s Taiwan segments. “He asked that his character’s name be changed from T-Sai to Kao, which was more modern,” says Arleen.
In shooting the love scene, he was just as cooperative, says Adolf.
“Originally, we were limited to head shots, but he allowed us to shoot his bare back, up to his waist,” Adolf recounts.
On his last day in Batanes, Ken told Adolf: “I bet you that I’ll be back.”
Less than a week later, he was shooting additional scenes with Iza in Tali Beach, Batangas.
“Ken assured me that he didn’t want to rush and that he was willing to come back if needed,” Adolf says.
More significantly, the extra day of shoot was still part of his contract—meaning there’s no extra pay.
“He stayed until 6 a.m. to finish his scenes with Iza even though his flight to Taiwan that same day was 12 noon,” associate director Arman Reyes says.
Adolf says that Ken promises to return for the movie’s Manila premiere on Dec. 5.
What attracted you to the script of “Batanes”?
I fell in love with the story. That was why I decided to do it. I liked the idea that Batanes is actually closer to Taiwan and that there are (foreign) fishermen who drifted to this island.
The conflict is real; the story, powerful. I also like the love story.
What attracted you to the role?
I have to say that this is the hardest role I’ve ever done because there are very few lines and we mostly had to rely on body language. Luckily, my partner Iza is supportive and allows me to do the part well.
How similar are you to your character?
We’re both Taiwanese. (Laughs) Well, I’m also into water sports like scuba diving. I just started surfing. It helped that I know a few fishermen in my country. One thing I share with Kao is our affection for the ocean. That was why it wasn’t hard to understand and develop the character.
What is it like working with directors Adolf and Dave?
Adolf is one of the best directors I’ve worked with. He knows exactly what he wants. Even if we’re in a hurry, Dave remains cool. He’s also very insistent about the cinematography, which is good because that means we have great shots.
What are your hopes for this film?
I hope that this movie will be shown in other countries. It’s good because it combines art and commerce.
What do you mean by “fusion” and Asian co-productions as the wave of the future?
The entertainment industry has been messed up for a while. But since the Asian market is growing bigger, what Asian artists need to do is collaborate in different projects. By sharing ideas, we will become stronger and we’ll be able to fight the so-called Western invasion. But the first step is to educate people about copyright laws and the harmful effects of piracy.
What is it like working with the other Filipino actors?
I love them. They’re like family to me now. Sid (Lucero) is a very funny guy. We got along well. We talked about boxing and martial arts.
Uncle Bem (Bembol Roco) is the coolest guy on earth. One day, we were shooting in a beach and he suddenly said: “The ocean is calling me.” Then, he jumped into the water. He’s so cool.
How were the people?
The people are friendly and simple. The only problem is they drink too much (laughs)!
Are you planning to buy property in Batanes?
I’m thinking of investing here. This is a very promising site. But I think that the major problem Batanes is facing now is not developing the place, but preserving its beauty.
If I’m allowed to invest here, the first thing I’ll do is to improve the people’s living conditions—provide better education, better medical care.
What will you tell your friends in Taiwan about Batanes?
I will tell them how beautiful this place is. But I will not try to convince them to come here. (Laughs) I would like to keep it private for a while. Exclusive to myself.
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