RYZA CENON is back on the big screen in the Viva horror movie “Rooftop” which will be shown exclusively in SM Cinemas nationwide as part of the Asian Horrorfest that will also show horror flicks from Vietnam and Thailand.
How does she feel that their movie is the first film to be shown in actual theaters since the last Metro Filmfest?
“Nakaka-pressure," she says. “Kinakabahan ako kasi kami ang unang ire-release sa mga sinehan after a long time.
"We know people are still scared to go to cinemas, kasi kulob siya, pero sana suportahan pa rin nila ang aming movie.
"Siempre iba pa rin yung experience watching a movie on the big screen, lalo na kung horror film like this, mas nakaka-excite.
"After all, they go na naman to the malls na laging puno ng mga tao sa ngayon. So manood na kayo ng 'Rooftop' and we assure you it’s gonna be worth it.”
“Rooftop” is about a group of friends who are on their summer break. Ellie (Ryza Cenon) and her friends, Lance (Marco Gumabao), Wave (Ella Cruz), Martin (Marco Gallo), Jessica (Rhen Escaño), and Chris (Andrew Muhlach) hold a secret party at their campus’ rooftop.
They also invite Paul (Epy Quizon), the janitor in their school.
Trying to keep things exciting at the party, the group decides to play on what they thought was a harmless prank on Paul. Things go on a downward spiral when they push Paul from the rooftop and he ends up falling down to his death.
Being young, reckless, and afraid to face the consequences of their actions, they cover up the incident but Paul returns as a ghost to haunt them. The movie is directed by Yam Laranas.
“First time ko to work with Direk Yam at sobrang galing niya,” says Ryza. "We had a meeting before shooting started and he explained eveything to us, the story, our roles.
"Siya na ang writer and director at siya pa rin ang cinematographer, so he’s really in control. Pati buong creative staff niya, magagaling sila lahat, mabibilis kumilos.”
It’s also her first time to work with all her co-stars.
“Yes, first time ko to work with the cast in a movie. Mga bagets pa sila, so hindi ko sila masyadong nakakausap. Kasi tahimik din lang ako sa set dahil masyado rin akong focused sa role ko, but we all got to work along well.”
What is her role exactly?
“As Ellie, ako yung eldest sa group namin. And also in real life, ako talaga yung pinakamatanda sa cast. Ako lagi ang nagde-decision on what we’ll do.
"Boyish manamit si Ellie at ganon din ako sa totoong buhay, so na-feel ko talaga ang character ko. This is a barkada film about friendship, so manood kayo ng buong barkada nyo kasi tiyak na makaka-relate kayo.”
Her role is very taxing.
“Ako’ng pinakamaraming ginawa sa amin, pati sa pagtakbo-takbo. Nakakapagod, kasi sigaw ka ng sigaw. Maraming water akong ininom sa pagod ko. Tapos, may blood effects pa.
"I played a manananggal before in my first horror movie at akong nananakot, but now, ako yung tinatakot. Mahirap kasi, we shot in an abandoned hospital at may nararamdaman talaga ako sa set kasi haunted daw talaga yun.”
She says she can really feel paranormal activities.
“Bata pa ako, may third eye na ako. Sa kuwarto ko, may sumisipa sa kama ko, may sumasabunot sa buhok ko. Kaya may nakikita talaga ako doon sa set at doon na lang ako humuhugot para sa scenes na tine-terrorized ako.
"Nakakatakot yung set kasi parang cliff yung rootfop at kapag nahulog ka, ikaw na ang susunod na magiging multo.”
What does she think is the film’s message?
“Don’t do bad pranks. Don’t bully other people kasi hindi natin alam kung ano ang pinagdaraanan nila. At maging loyal ka sa friends mo. Don’t be selfish na sarili mo lang ang inaalala mo.
"As an Ate to my friends, I always try to be there for them. Inaabot kami ng madaling araw with me giving them advice. At walang laglagan, basta kung ano yung napag-usapan namin, amin lang talaga yun.”
Ryza says she’s happy to be back to work.
“Na-miss ko talaga ang magtrabaho at ang showbiz. Since nagka-pandemic hindi na ako nag-work. But now, I’m really ready to work again, lalo na at one and a half years old na ang baby ko. Sana, after ‘Rooftop’, magtuloy-tuloy na.”
