Our grateful nation calls them “heroes,” the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who brave the loneliness of being away from their families so that they can provide a better future for their loved ones and the country as well. The new movie musical "Pera, Kwarta, Salapi" pays tribute to these heroes by showcasing the lives and struggles of OFWs who are in the entertainment industry.

In an interview, Erasmo “Rusty” Mallillin, CEO of Erasmostar Talents & Entertainment Management, who is currently based in the UK and producer of "Pera, Kwarta, Salapi" shared his thoughts and experiences regarding the movie.

“As an Overseas Filipino Worker, I fully understand the struggles felt by all of us Filipinos working abroad. 'Pera, Kwarta, Salapi' highlights the sacrifices and aspirations of every OFW through songs and dances. I saw it relevant to make a movie musical about OFWs who are in the entertainment industry because Filipinos are known globally as great performers both in singing and dancing. They are resilient and always give their best performance even when faced with heart wrenching-problems,” said Mallillin, a school teacher in the Philippines who later moved to London and became a nurse.

“The role of Vino Reyes, an altruist, naive, vindictive, envious and benevolent character played by Marvin Velasquez aptly mirrors my sentiments and vision as shown in the movie’s plot. Marvin is the talented singer who interpreted the song 'Pera, Kwarta, Salapi' that I composed which became the basis for the movie,” he added.

Mallillin is also an award-winning songwriter, musician, concert/record producer, and now a movie producer. He conveyed the memorable experiences he gained while producing the film, “As it was my first movie to produce, I had to learn how to create a balance on all the elements I wanted to be in the film; elements such as the love story, drama, comedy, action, intrigue, songs and dances, money matters, family disputes and forgiveness. Also, the cast, myself included, had to learn how to act because we’re all newbies in the acting profession. We had to discern the correct body language like facial expressions and gestures that would go well with our acting. I played the role of Don Erasmo, a rich, talent manager/producer in the film.”

“Since the movie was made during the height of the pandemic, we had to observe strict health protocols and procedures while filming. The financial commitments were also challenging but when the film was finished, I really felt fulfilled that we have created an uplifting movie that pays tribute to our hardworking OFWs,” Mallillin further stated.

Asked about his future plans in terms of being a movie producer, Mallillin said, “I am planning to do a sequel of 'Pera, Kwarta, Salapi'. If everything comes out well for this film, hopefully, we will have another lovely movie. I am also thinking of producing a family-oriented movie sometime in the future. I invite everyone to watch 'Pera, Kwarta, Salapi,' a must-watch movie musical filled with valuable lessons and an inspiring story that highlights and honors our overseas Filipino workers.”

A private red carpet screening and sneak preview for "Pera, Kwarta, Salapi" was held last Oct. 22 and Nov. 27, respectively, in the Philippines at Gateway Mall Cinema 3 and 4, which was well-attended and highly appreciated by the audience. The whole cast and crew of the film were in attendance and the screening was covered by media groups, PMPC, and various vloggers.

"Pera, Kwarta, Salapi" will have screenings in London, United Kingdom on the following dates: Feb. 25, 2023, Saturday, 12nn UK time; Feb. 26, 2023, Sunday, 12nn UK time; March 4, 2023, Saturday, 12nn UK time; and March 5, 2023, Sunday, 2pm UK time. The screenings will be held in Phoenix Cinema, 52 High Road, London N2 9PJ. For more information visit www.phoenixcinema.co.uk or call 0203-074-1967.