'Firefly' stars, director Zig Dulay, and GMA executives face the press

The stars of 'Firefly,' GMA Network's official entry to the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival, faced the press as they answered their questions about the movie.

Seasoned actress Alessandra De Rossi became candid when asked why she accepted the project. She said, "Maganda 'yung kwento, 'tsaka kuwentong nanay. 'Pag nakabasa ka ng ganitong script na alam mong bihira lang, gusto mo sumali sa project kahit ano 'yung role mo."

In the movie, Alessandra portrays Elay, the loving mother of Tonton (Euwenn Mikaell). It was Elay's bedtime stories to Tonton that inspired him to search for the mythical island of fireflies.

To prepare for his first movie, Kapuso child star Euwenn Mikaell attended acting workshops.

Euwenn plays the role of Tonton, who searches for the mythical island of fireflies based on his mother's bedtime stories.

Miguel Tanfelix told the press that he was excited to work with one of his favorite directors, Zig Dulay. Miguel and Direk Zig first worked together in GMA's epic drama series 'Sahaya.'

In 'Firefly,' Miguel plays Billy, a mysterious and stubborn young man who meets Tonton on their journey.

In her first movie, Kapuso actress Ysabel Ortega revealed why Direk Zig is one of Miguel's favorite directors. "I was excited to work with him. Talagang sobrang grateful ako kasi I felt like I was guided throughout the movie," Ysabel said of their director.

In the movie, Ysabel is Erika, someone who runs away from her toxic home and travels alone to find herself. Along the way, she finds Tonton and she decides to help him find the mythical island of fireflies.

Although she is used to portray mother roles, seasoned actress Yayo Aguila described 'Firefly' as something unique. "Ang tagal na rin nating hindi nagkakaroon ng ganitong fantasy na proyekto. I think it's about time na ma-motivate tayo after nung mga pinanggalingannatin," she said.

Yayo portrays Carmen, the loving wife of Mang Louie (Epy Quizon) who is longing to be reunited with him.

Throughout her years in showbiz, seasoned actress Cherry Pie Picache has worked with several young stars who already made a name for themselves in the industry. Working with Euwenn Mikaell, Cherry Pie saw the young versions of Dingdong Dantes and Patrick Garcia in him.

Tonton's second mother and her only relative in Manila, aside from her mother Elay, is Auntie Linda, portrayed by Cherry Pie Picache.

In Firefly, Max had a reunion with Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes, who portrays adult Tonton. "It was nice to work with him again kasi 'yung last time na nakatrabaho ko siya, siguro [it] was 10 years ago," Max said.

With a special participation, Max Collins is Gabbi, an up-and-coming journalist who is trying to find out the truth behind Tonton's stories.

Although he already won numerous awards for his previous films, director Zig Dulay admitted that he felt challenged doing the masterpiece based on a well-written script. "Bago sa akin 'yung genre, bago sa akin 'yung porma, bago sa akin 'yung kuwento. Sobrang challenging [pero] nagawa namin nang maayos at nagustuhan ng mga tao," he proudly said.

More than the awards that Direk Zig would get because of Firefly, he wants the public to love and be moved by the film. "'Yung mga nababasa sa soc med, o 'yung mga text ng mga taong nakapanood, walang halong etchos, mas better pa 'yun kaysa doon sa award," he admitted.

Kapuso talent Martin Javier hosted the press conference held at Wildflour Cafe and Bakery in Quezon City.

GMA Pictures Senior Vice President Nessa Valdellon and GMA Public Affairs Assistant Vice President Anj Atienza were also present at the event.

Catch 'Firefly,' one of the 10 entries to this year's Metro Manila Film Festival, in cinemas nationwide beginning December 25.