Making waves on the international scene with his numerous indie films, actor-turned-director Mike Magat shows his passion by creating timely and heartwrenching films. 

During an intimate media conference for his new film "Seven Days" at Max's Restaurant in Quezon City on Dec. 4, Mike shared he wants to work with Liza Soberano. 

"Actually marami, eto na nagsisimula na tayo sa may mga pangalang artista. Kasi diba napapansin narin naman tayo sa ibang bansa, nanjan si Liza Soberano," Mike said. 

(Actually, there are many, here we are starting with famous artists. Because we are being noticed in other countries, then there's Liza Soberano) 

He emphasized that he wanted to work with Liza since they are now both on the international scene. 

"Eh ang gusto niya international, ehhh ako naman gusto ko rin nasa international. Mai-direct ko lang siya masaya na ako, pero yung maging leading lady ko pa ay hindi na," he added. 

(She wants to do international movies, and I also want to do international movies. If I can direct her, that would make me happy. But for her to be my leading lady is too much.) 

Aside from making films, Mike also wanted to help aspiring artists who wanted to pursue showbiz.

"Dedicated sa trabaho, ayun ang number one sa akin. Ako tumutulong ako sa mga nangangarap mag artista. Kaya masarap turuan para sa akin yung mga dedicated, walang pagod kahit anong hirap ang gawin niya at nag aaral," he added. 

(Being dedicated to work is number one for me. I help those who dream of becoming an artist. That's why it's nice for me to teach those who are dedicated, not tired, no matter how hard the role, and lastly they studied the role) 

Mike continues passion for filmmaking 

He started his career in directing in 2015 with his film, "Isang Hakbang," which gained awards from international and local film festivals. Since then, Mike has sparked a new flame to continue his love and passion for films. 

"Actually hindi mawawala ang industriya ng pelikulang Pinoy, kasi hindi lang naman yan para sa pera or kita. Yung passion natin para gumawa ng storya. Kasi ako na director at actor kung ano lang yung kaya natin iproduce, mag adjust tayo dun," Mike said. 

(The Pinoy film industry will remain because it is not just for money or profit. Our passion is to create a story. I'm both a director and an actor. We can only produce what we can; let's adjust to that.) 

Headlining his new film, "Seven Days" with Catherine Yogi, Mike shared that he plans to submit the film to the International Film Festival Manhattan next year. 

"Plano ko muna siguro magpascreening or isali sa mga film festival then after nun dito naman sa pinas, target ko siguro dito sa pinas ay Feb or March next year," Mike said. 

(My plan is to screen or participate in film festivals then after that here in the Philippines. My target here in the Philippines is probably February or March next year) 

Working again with director Mike, former Mrs. Tourism World Japan-Philippines 2021, Catherine Yogi shared that she is happy to be in the film. 

"Si Direk Mike po, napaka professional niya po katrabaho and pag dating din po sa acting. Talagang natutulungan niya po ako sa bawat eksena," Catherine said. 

(Mike is the director; he is very professional to work with, especially in acting. He really helped me in every scene) 

"Seven Days" is directed and written by Mike Magat.