Epy plays Onassis Hernandez, a Pinoy OFW who has his own restaurant inside Lucky Plaza. When his business goes bankrupt and he falls victim to a financial scam, he resorts to hostage-taking. He hostages Sky (Terence Chia), the debt ridden con artist who scams him. Sky’s wife, Michelle (Judee Tan), a schoolteacher, is tired of her marriage to Sky and seduces their pastor (Shane Mardjuki). All the characters are somehow flawed, making them all very human.
When Epy asks the cops to give him a helicopter, Sky tells him: “This is Singapore, not the bloody Philippines. We don’t do negotiation here. We won’t turn a hostage situation into some fucking soap opera.”
The movie became controversial in Singapore as it critically satirizes many cultural transgressions in its own country, but it got lots of acclaim in the international film festivals where it was exhibited.
What can Director Ken Kwek say about working with a Pinoy actor? “I’m very proud of Epy’s work. I work very closely with my actors and I do lots of rehearsals. Epy is hardworking so when he won best actor in Manhattan, I’m very happy for him and I wasn’t surprised at all.”
This is Epy’s second international award. The first was in the Brussels Filmfest where he won for “Markova” along with his late dad, Dolphy, and brother Eric. “Actually, the awards are secondary. Mas fulfilled ako watching the reactions of the viewers habang nanonood sila. When they respond well, that’s the biggest award any actor can get, especially when after the screening, someone approaches me to say ‘you did a good job’. Sobrang nakaka-proud yun. Pero siempre, the awards are also very fulfilling. I’d be a hypocrite if I’d say I’m not happy with them.”
“Unlucky Plaza” is distributed in the Philippines by Viva Entertainment and opens in theatres this Wednesday, April 20. Don’t miss it!
