Rising HIV cases in his hometown of Oriental Mindoro prompted filmmaker Lawrence Roxas to create "Behind The Smile," an advocacy-driven film aimed at raising awareness about the disease, with fellow Mindoreño actor Ejay Falcon readily lending his support to the project.

Produced by GO Films and EVTR Trading and Construction, the film tackles HIV awareness through a story that Roxas hopes will educate audiences, particularly the youth, about the realities and consequences of the disease.

According to Roxas, the project was inspired by alarming HIV statistics in Oriental Mindoro, particularly in Calapan City.

"Na-inspire po ako dito kasi sa lumalaganap na cases dito sa Pilipinas," he said.

"At sa MIMAROPA, ang Calapan po, ang Oriental Mindoro ang pinakamaraming cases ng HIV. So that is why, nung inilapit namin ito sa mga producers and investors, parang hindi na sila nagdalawang-isip na gawin ito."

The director said the film's primary goal is to promote awareness and prevention.

"Talagang maipakita kung paano i-prevent kasi talagang awareness nga ito," he added.

The advocacy aspect of the project immediately resonated with Falcon, who said he made room in his busy schedule to be part of the film after hearing its message.

"Nung sinabi niya sa akin tungkol sa HIV, biglang 'Wow,' sabi ko, napapanahon," the actor recalled.

"And bilang isang artista, hindi naman kasi tayo basta-basta gumagawa ng parang basta may trabaho lang. Hindi kasi ako ganun. Basta kumita lang ng pera, kahit saan puwede ka nang isalpak. Nung sinabi niya sa akin yung role, yung character, yung story, nagustuhan ko agad."

What began as a proposed special appearance eventually grew into a more substantial role after Falcon became deeply invested in the material and even contributed creative suggestions.

Beyond the film's advocacy message, Falcon said he was especially proud that the project was spearheaded by fellow Mindoreños and shot in their home province.

"Very proud po ako na ang director namin, si Direk Lawrence, taga-Oriental Mindoro. At ang producer po namin, taga-Oriental Mindoro din. At yung pelikula po ay ginawa sa aming probinsiya," he said.

For Falcon, bringing a film production to Mindoro also gave local residents a rare glimpse into the filmmaking process.

"Hindi kasi sila madalas nakakakita ng shooting. Kaya kami, pag nagsu-shooting kami sa Calapan, nakikita nila kung paano ginagawa ang pelikula," he shared.

Joining Falcon in "Behind The Smile" are Jennica Garcia, BJ "Tolits" Forbes, Mike Lloren, and beauty queen Dana Alexa, who makes her film debut in the project.

With support from the Calapan City government, Roxas hopes the film's message will reach audiences across the country and spark conversations about HIV awareness, prevention, and education.