Actor Tony Labrusca revealed that his role in the movie "What You Did" is one of the most challenging projects he has undertaken.

"This is one of the hardest projects I've done, but this is officially the project I am most proud of. This is my best acting piece by far," during an interview in Quezon City recently.

Tony added: "It is so meaningful to me now. There are so many behind-the-scenes relationships that people don't see."

In the movie, Tony plays two characters, Arvin and Ace, whose lives unexpectedly intertwine as they navigate the aftermath of childhood trauma and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There’s such a complexity to the role. If I’m constantly attached to the people I’m working with, it makes me work harder," he said.

Tony discussed his preparations for "What You Did," one of the official entries for the Sinag Maynila 2024 film festival, which runs from Sept. 4-10, 2024.

"Direk Joan (Lopez-Flores) just gave me instructions by giving me pieces to read related to the theme of our movie, like movies and references to watch. Honestly, I was never truly ready for this one, but sometimes you must do it," the actor said.

Joan, who co-produced and wrote the film's script, debuts as a director in the movie. The movie, she said, was inspired by her struggles.

“This is about what people go through psychologically after being subjected to challenges throughout their life. 

“This doesn’t have to be during a pandemic. It can be another global crisis, anything big that will take away opportunities.

“This is the story of a person who is robbed of opportunities in life and seemingly has nothing left to do. Then there’s all the backlog in his life that he had to deal with.

“That was something I went through similarly, not just as an adult, but even during my childhood. This is something that people can relate to and learn from, especially now when discussions about mental health is very common.

“It’s no longer taboo to talk about what you’re going through psychologically and mentally after being subjected to different kinds of challenges," Joan added.

‘What You Did’ also stars Mercedes Cabral, Epy Quizon, Ana Abad Santos, Mary Joy Apostol and Joel Saracho.

Traumatic

Tony, 29, remembered a difficult moment in his life as he fought his personal battles.

"I was sued three years ago by my own best friend. That was very traumatic. I am a victim of being blamed for sexual harassment. I won my case. 

"It is such a real thing. I almost had my career taken from me. It ruins lives," he said. "Lahat tayo mag pinagdadaanan. Everybody goes through unknown battles."

In March 2022, the Makati City Prosecutors Office cleared Tony in acts of lasciviousness case.

Synopsis

In "What You Did," Arvin and Ace, haunted by past traumas and dreams shattered by the pandemic, collide as they chase online fame, forcing them to confront buried secrets and redefine their identities.

Arvin Espiritu and Ace are two young men whose lives intersect in unexpected ways as they navigate the aftermath of severe childhood trauma and the crushing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

For Arvin, the pandemic not only disrupts his long-awaited fresh start but also reignites the unresolved pain from his past, threatening to unravel his fragile sense of self. 

Meanwhile, Ace, driven by a fierce determination, seeks to rise above the challenges by creating an online persona that promises fame and fortune.

As they embark on a joint YouTube venture, the pressures of maintaining their newfound online success begin to expose the deep-seated wounds they've tried to bury. 

"What You Did" explores the devastating effects of trauma, the relentless pursuit of validation, and the harsh reality of dreams being shattered by a global crisis. 

As their stories unfold, Arvin and Ace must confront the secrets and choices that bind them, leading to a powerful exploration of identity, redemption, and the quest for meaning in a world turned upside down.