Atty. Ferdie Topacio has achieved celebrity status (‘yung dinaig pa ako!) not just because of the controversial cases he has handled in politics, but also his love for show business.
He has represented several entertainers in their legal battles, even being linked to several actresses. (Buti di kami nalilink!)
Topacio also has what is deemed to be a love-hate relationship with fellow celebrity lawyer, Atty Lorna Kapunan. Once, I remember inviting them to perform a duet on our TV5 talk show. (Di kaya sila ang original na JaDine?!).
The lawyer regularly writes reviews on local and foreign films all of which he intends to compile for his book.
Recently, he launched his film outfit called Borracho Film Production. Its maiden project is a movie about the Mamasapano Massacre titled “26 Hours: Escape from Mamasapano.” (Ay, serious ito!)
“It’s about those who survived the massacre and those who tried to get them out. Itong storya ng SAF 44 ang aming initial offering dahil naniniwala kami na dapat malaman ng bawat Pilipino ang tunay na nangyari,” Topacio said.
Actors Edu Manzano, Ritz Azul and Myrtle Sarrosa have committed to join the cast.
“Gusto ko rin sana makasama sa film si Arjo Atayde at si Matteo Guidicelli,” he said. “Si Matteo kasi may training na sya, pero mag-aasawa na kaya baka hindi (na siya) pupuwede…” he said. (Papayag yun basta ako leading lady!)
While it is Topacio’s first time to venture into filmmaking, he used to produce a TV series for former mayor Alfredo Lim. (Dahil dyan, magproduce ka rin for me!)
“Being a movie enthusiast, I believe in the power of the medium of cinema to elicit emotional response to certain issues.
“It is said that if you want to convince someone logically, you write a book. But if you want to convince someone emotionally, you ake a movie,” the lawyer said. (May boylet akong gustong iconvince!)
He hopes the movie would support his venture.
“‘Mamasapano’ is not a propaganda film. We based the script only on two sources: the board of inquiry report of the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the senate investigation report. Wala pong ibang opinion o hearsay o rumor,” he said. (Bawal ako sa movie dahil bawal ang tsismis, eh!)