Broadcast journalist Atom Araullo is no stranger to the camera but playing a character before it is, as he said, not as easy as drinking water. Atom Araullo (Photos from Citizen Jake's official Facebook acct.) In “Citizen Jake,” Atom is Jake Herrera, a journalist and blogger in conflict with his family. “It is my first time (to do acting) and I would really admit na it was really challenging for me,” he told Bulletin Entertainment. While shooting, he was on “survival mode” from day to day. If anything, Atom thinks the best preparation he had was being part of the team that put the story together. Note Atom co-wrote the story of “Citizen Jake” with director Mike de Leon and Noel Pascual. “Talking about the ‘preparations,’ siguro I would say na I learned the basics like, knowing your character, memorizing lines, rehearsing with co-actors,” he explained. “But more than that, the good thing is I had a clear idea of who Jake is so I reached into my own personal experience in able to portray the role competently.” Also worth mentioning is that Atom worked with several veteran actors in the film. They are Cherie Gil, Nonie Buencamino, Dina Bonnevie, Teroy Guzman, and Lou Veloso, among others. Who’s Jake? “Jake is a person who doesn’t like showing emotions. He doesn’t like to show his vulnerable side, he doesn’t like looking like he is hurt or sad. He always wants to show his anger and aggression,” he said. Atom is fully aware this film might affect his work as a journalist in one way or another. So what, he said. “Sabi ko nga, ‘If I risk a few, maybe I would be full,’” he related. “I’m aware there are risks on how people will look at me as a journalist after this pero whatever ’di ba? This is just a special opportunity and sabi nga ng mga millennials, ‘YOLO’ (You Only Live Once). I guess whoever is put in this position – to work with Mike de Leon and to portray a journalist in a film that is politically and socially relevant – bakit ka tatanggi ’di ba?” Does this mean he is open to do more acting in the future? “Yes.” ‘Unchanging society’ “Citizen Jake” is set amid current political and social events. Jake, a journalist, is the estranged son of powerful senator Jacobo Herrera (played by Teroy de Guzman). Scenes from ‘Citizen Jake’ Driven by disdain for his father, he moves to Baguio City where he attempts to build a new life as a blogger and teacher. However, circumstances force him to try to solve the brutal killing of a young, female student in the university where he teaches. Jake conducts an investigation – a move that brings him face to face with corruption and his personal demons. Atom said he identifies with Jake’s doggedness and “faith in the power of stories.” The latter is characterized as an intelligent person with deep social conscience, describing him more as a “product of circumstances.” Given its theme, Atom said “Citizen Jake” is a metaphor of an unchanging society that Filipinos continue to resist. Note the film has numerous references to Martial Law and the Marcoses. According to Atom, the film is a “small contribution,” just the “latest in a series of action” that Filipinos should do in order to end corruption and tyranny. “‘Citizen Jake’ is a very thought provoking film na kailangan mapanood ng mga Pilipino lalo na ng mga kabataan,” he said. The activist Atom is no stranger to a life immersed in socio-political issues as his parents were activists. He himself is a “lider-estudyante” in college. Mike de Leon The journalist believes the country would be a better society if it could “change the system.” “Inaamin ko na may mga frustrations ako, kawalang pag-asa sa ating bayan na minsan ginusto ko na lamang umalis ng Pilipinas,” he shared. “Sabi ko nga, ang hirap mahalin ng Pilipinas. Nu’ng pumunta ako ng ibang bansa, tinatanong ko bakit dito kapag pwede kong iwan ang cell phone ko at pwede ko ring balikan na walang kumukuha. Bakit hindi makaalpas ang Pilipinas sa ganitong klaseng burak? “Mula sa aking mga karanasan, dinala ako sa pagkakataong ito kung saan naging bahagi ako ng isang pelikulang mahalagang mapanuod ng mga kababayan natin. Naniniwala ako na itong ‘Citizen Jake’ ay isang ambag sa lipunan para sa isang mabuting kinabukasan.” Completing the cast are Gabby Eigenmann, Luis Alandy, Richard Quan, Anna Luna, Elora Españo, and Max Collins. Produced by Cinema Artists Philippines and distributed by Solar Pictures, “Citizen Jake” hits cinemas tomorrow.