Nick Banayo

Nick Banayo wants to prove he's more than a faith healer.

During a media conference with the entertainment press at Palm Grill Restaurant in Quezon City recently, Banayo announced that he's shooting a movie, "Hiwaga," which will be shown in the theaters soon. He is also the lead star and producer of the upcoming flick. Bayano has done several movies in the past - "Double Cross" and "Alias Kumander Bantugan" - but they were only shown on YouTube.

"Matagal ko ng gustong gumawa ng movie. Hindi naman kasi naipapalabas sa big screen yung mga nagawa ko so this time susubukan ko talaga na maipalabas sa sinehan. Eto talaga ang gusto kong mangyari," said Banayo.

(I've been wanting to make a movie for a long time. So this time I'm really going to try to get it shown in the cinema. This is what I really want to happen.)

The 32-year-old actor said he was ready for his movie debut, hoping to submit his project to the Metro Manila Film Festival later this year.

"Nag-shoot na kami. Pinaghandaan din namin ang visual effects nito. Plano namin ipasok ito sa Metro Manila Film Festival. Pambata at pang buong pamilya ito.

(We have already shot. We have also prepared its visual effects. We plan to submit this movie as an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. It's for the children and the whole family.)

"Pangarap ko talaga ito eh. Pumatok man ito o hindi at least natupad ko yung pangarap ko. Mawala man ako sa mundo at least meron akong nagawa. Bata pa lamang ako gusto ko na talagang mag-artista. Gusto ko pong matawag ang sarili ko na isang actor," Bayano added.

(This is really my dream. Whether it succeeds or not, at least I've fulfilled my dream. Even if I disappear from the world, at least I've done something. I really want to be called an actor.)

Nick Banayo and Ynez Veneracion

Also starring in "Hiwaga" is Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados, former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, actor Joaquin Domagoso, and veteran stars Ynez Veneracion and Elizabeth Oropesa. It is directed by Vince Tanada.

Many people know that Banayo is a faith healer from Cavite. He's been into faith healing for 20 years. One day he found a medallion by the river in San Pablo, Laguna when he was only 20. Banayo lost track of the number of patients he treated. But the most serious case that he cured was an individual with cancer.

"Nasa lahi na namin na may healer sa bawa't henerasyon. Noong napulot ko ang medallion, hindi po ako makatulog. Tinago ko na lang sa bag. Tapos parang inuutusan na niya ako gumamot at binibigyan niya ako ng mga salita. Yung mga Latin words na binubulong sa akin sinusulat ko hangga't sa na memorize ko. Yun ang ginagamit ko sa panggagamot," Banayo recalled.

(It is in our race that there is a healer in every generation. When I picked up the medallion, I couldn't sleep. I just hid it in the bag. Then it was like ordering me to heal and it was giving me words. The Latin words that are whispered to me, I write as much as I memorize. That's what I use in treatment.)

Gazini will be the leading lady of Banayo in the film. Asked if there would be kissing scenes, the actor smiled and said: "Meron naman po."

Banayo said that he idolizes the late actor-senator Ramon "Revilla" Sr. Given the chance, he would like to work with Sen. Robin Padilla.

"Isa si Ramon Revilla sa inspiration ko pagdating sa pag-aartista. Gusto ko rin sundan ang yapak niya. Lahat ng pelikula niya napanood ko na kahit malalabo," he added. (Ramon Revilla is one of my inspirations when it comes to acting. I also want to follow in his footsteps. I have watched all his movies even if they are blurry.)