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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider Sheryl Cruz and EJ Falcon return to the big screen via 'Kappa-tiran'

Sheryl Cruz and EJ Falcon return to the big screen via 'Kappa-tiran'

Published Feb 26, 2026 12:32 pm  |  Updated Feb 26, 2026 01:53 pm

The cameras have started rolling on the upcoming drama film "Kappa-tiran" from Mamay Productions, which tackles issues within the school fraternity.

Sheryl Cruz (Images courtesy of Facebook)
Sheryl Cruz (Images courtesy of Facebook)

"Kappa-tiran" marks the return of actors EJ Falcon and Sheryl Cruz, who were absent from the silver screen for many years, although they were active on television.

"I'm grateful kasi I was tapped for this project. Active naman ako sa TV pero namahinga ako sa movies. But this is something very special for 2026, kasi ito yung paglabas ko sa silver screen. Kaya maraming salamat sa tulong in advance sa ating mga members of the press dahil hindi nila pababayaan ang pelikulang 'Kappa-tiran.' (I'm grateful because I was tapped for this project. I'm active on TV, but I've taken a break from movies. But this is very special for 2026, because it is my first appearance back on the silver screen. So thank you very much in advance to our members of the press for the help, because I know you will help the movie 'Kappa-tiran)," said Sheryl when asked about her movie comeback during a media conference in Quezon City.

EJ said this was the first time he and Sheryl would be working together on a movie. In the film, the stars play brothers and sisters.

"Thank you kay Mayor Mamay na gumagawa ng ganitong klaseng pelikula na may message. Proud ako na maging part ng movie dahil sa ganda ng message. Ramdam ko ang concern ni Mayor Mamay na maghatid ng magandang mensahe sa atin. (Modesty aside, I'm not thinking about the return on investment (ROI). What's important is that we can help the movie industry. And then we can deliver the message of the movie.)"

Sheryl Cruz and EJ Falcon on the set of 'Kappa-tiran'
Sheryl Cruz and EJ Falcon on the set of 'Kappa-tiran'

"Ate ko si Sheryl sa movie.. First time po namin magtrabaho together, kaya excited po ako.  Second movie ko na ito kay Direk Neil. Una kaming nagsama sa 'Homeless' noong 2015. So may chemistry na kami ni direk. Kaya thankful ako. (Sheryl is my sister in the movie.. It's our first time working together, so I'm excited. This is my second movie with Director Neil. We first worked together on 'Homeless' in 2015. So the director and I have chemistry. That's why I'm thankful.)"

"Natutuwa rin ako kay Mayor dahil binigyan niya ng chance yung mga baguhang artista. Pagpasok ko, natuwa ako dahil may mga bagong artista na binigyan ni mayor na maipakita ang kanilang galing sa pag-arte. (I'm also happy with the Mayor because he gave newcomers a chance. When I entered, I was happy because there were new faces who the mayor gave the opportunity to show their acting skills)," EJ also said.

Shot in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, "Kappa-tiran" also stars  Bembol Roco, Baron Gesler, Patricia Javier, Mygz Molino, Bernie Batin, and more. It is line produced by Shiela Lintan Torres.

Nunungan, Lanao Del Norte Vice Mayor Marcos M. Mamay, producer of the movie, said "Kappa-tiran" also aims to uplift the movie industry, especially young actors.

"Modesty aside, hindi ko muna iniisip yung return on investment (ROI), ang mahalaga siguro muna is makatulong tayo sa movie industry. At saka maihatid natin yung mensahe ng movie. (I'm not thinking about the return on investment (ROI), what's important is that we can help the movie industry. And then we can deliver the message of the movie.)"

Nunungan, Lanao Del Norte Mayor Marcos M. Mamay, Sheryl Cruz, and EJ Falcon.
Nunungan, Lanao Del Norte Mayor Marcos M. Mamay, Sheryl Cruz, and EJ Falcon.

"Bilang politician, hindi lang isang sektor ang dapat nating tulungan, but as much as possible, tulungan natin ang lahat ng sektor. Bilang adviser ng Actors Guild of the Philippines, napamahal na rin ako sa showbiz, kaya gusto kong tulungan ang industry na ito. (As politicians, we should not just help one sector; as much as possible, let's help all sectors.) As an adviser to the Actors Guild of the Philippines, I have also fallen in love with showbiz, so I want to help this industry)," Mayor Mamay also said.

Director Neal 'Buboy' Tan said the movie revolves around EJ, a graduating law student who joins the fraternity. 

Neal said that it is a dream come true for him to be working with Sheryl. This would be his second project under Mamay Productions. In 2024, Neal directed the award-winning biographical film "Mamay: A Journey to Greatness" about former Mayor Mamay.

At the 73rd Famas Awards, "Mamay" won best picture, best actress, best supporting actor, best director, best screenplay, best production design, best cinematography, best musical score, best sound, and best original song.

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