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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Sylvia Sanchez tells moviegoers: 'Topakk' is home'

Sylvia Sanchez tells moviegoers: 'Topakk' is home'

Published Dec 26, 2024 01:35 am

At A Glance

  • The heart-stirring movie was initially screened at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2023. Then, it premiered at the 76th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland in August 2023.
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The cast of 'Topakk' poses on the float at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival Parade of Stars last Dec. 21. (Images courtesy of Nathan Studios Inc.)

Award-winning actress Sylvia Sanchez shared her excitement about the highly anticipated action movie "Topakk," featuring Arjo Atayde, which is now available in the Philippines.

Topakk, one of the 10 official entries for the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival, which has garnered attention for its thrilling plot and impressive performances, marks a significant addition to the local cinema landscape. Sylvia's enthusiasm reflects the excitement of many fans eager to see it on the big screen.

"Topakk is home," said Sylvia, as she welcomed viewers before the special screening of the movie at Gateway Cinema in Araneta City on Christmas Day.

The heart-stirring movie was initially screened at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2023. Then, it premiered at the 76th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland in August 2023.

Sylvia, who produced the movie for Nathan Studios, expressed her admiration for the results of this action-packed film.

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Sylvia Sanchez

"Sobra kong hinangaan ang project na ito ni Direk Richard Somes with Arjo (Atayde), Julia (Montes) at lahat ng cast ko.

(I really admired this project by Director Richard Somes with Arjo (Atayde), Julia (Montes) and all my cast.)

"Gusto kong sabihin sa lahat na ang action movie natin sa 'Topakk' ay naglevel up. Kaya natin kahit papaano basta may pagpupursige.

(I want to tell everyone that our action scenes in 'Topakk' have leveled up. We can do it at least as long as we have perseverance.)

"Or hindi man pumantay sa iba pero lumelevel-up ang action movies natin. Lumelevel tayo sa international. Hindi ko sinasabi ito para bolahin kayo," said Sylvia.

(Or maybe not on par with others, but our action movies are leveling up. We are leveling up internationally. I'm not joking.)

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Sylvia encouraged moviegoers to message for comments about the movie.

"Kung hindi ninyo nagustuhan ang Topakk, sabihin po ninyo sa akin. Kung magustuhan man ninyo, isa lang ang hiling ko sa inyo: mag shout po kayo.

(If you don't like Topakk, please tell me. If you do, I only ask you one thing: give it a shout.)

"Ito ang nababagay ngayon na mga pelikula para sa ating mga Pilipino para pagdating sa ibang bansa, hangaan tayo. Na kaya pala natin sumabay sa ibang bansa.

"These are the right movies for us Filipinos today so that other countries will admire us.)

"Sa totoo lang, pagdating sa paggawa ng pelikula, medyo naghuhuli tayo. Yung Asian countries nandun na pero tayo huli. Bahala na kayo humusga sa Topakk," the actress also said.

(To be honest, when it comes to making movies, we're a bit behind. The Asian countries are already there, but we're behind. It's up to you to judge Topakk.)

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Sylvia expressed disappointment about the 38 theaters assigned for the movie 'Topakk,' but she stated that her team is not complaining.

"Kailangan ko ang tulong ninyo dahil 38 theaters lang ang Topakk. Hindi kami nagrereklamo po ganun talaga ang buhay. Pero naniniwala ako sa word of mouth dahil karapat-dapat ang pelikulang ito, kahanga-hanga at karapat dapat mapanood ng mga Pinoy," Sylvia added.

(I need your help because 'Topakk' only has 38 theaters. We're not complaining, that's just how life is. But I believe in word of mouth because this movie is worthy, amazing and deserves to be watched by Filipinos.)

According to the official synopsis of the film from Variety, “Topakk” tells the story of Miguel (played by Arjo), a security guard who was discharged from the military due to PTSD. He becomes involved in a new kind of battle when a young woman asks for his help to protect her from a corrupt police death squad.

"Topakk" will be showing in theaters across the nation from Dec. 25, 2024, to Jan. 7, 2025.

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