GMA Films starts shooting I.T.A.L.Y.

After the successful runs of Ouija and My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend, GMA Films sets out to capture the moviegoers’ hearts once more with a touching film that goes beyond the ordinary love story. Led by a powerhouse cast including Dennis Trillo, Jolina Magdangal, Eugene Domingo and Rufa Mae Quinto, I Trust and Love You (ITALY) is the story of destiny, and of personal sacrifices made by Overseas Filipino Workers. The Replacement “Mga two weeks ago, nabalitaan ko nga na ako na ‘yung kapalit," Dennis Trillo shares that he was surprised at first, but eventually his excitement overrode everything else. “Siyempre, grabe ‘yung pressure na mula kay Gabby, tapos ako na agad ‘yung (second choice.) “Malaking pressure ‘yun para sa akin." “Siyempre, Gabby Concepcion ‘yun eh," Dennis adds that being considered for the role meant for Gabby was already a big enough honor. But GMA Films President Annette Gozon-Abrogar reveals that they’ve long been considering Dennis for the project. A certain sponsor of the movie prohibited the inclusion of Dennis who endorses one of the sponsor’s main competitors. “Tinanggal namin," Miss Annette says, “(so) wala nang sponsor na nagbabawal." “And bagay na bagay din naman sa kanya ‘yung role," the production outfit’s president adds. “Dati pa namin gustong makita ang Dennis-Jolina Magdangal team-up. May potential." Another stumbling block they had to pass was Dennis’s exclusive contract with Regal Films, but Miss Annette divulges that they were able to ask permission to borrow Dennis from Mother Lily, Regal Film’s president, without any hitch. “Talagang thank you kina Mother dahil pinahiram nila si Dennis sa amin." As for the role Dennis will be playing, GMA Films’ Program Development Manager and Head of Synergy Noel Ferrer says that there were hardly any changes to the script. He articulates that the role was written with a good actor in mind, and Dennis is a very good actor. First Times I.T.A.L.Y. is the first time that Jolina and Dennis would work together in a movie, and both are equally excited. Jolina even jokes, “First time with Dennis sa movie na hindi horror!" stars“Light na mage-enjoy ‘yung mga tao" is how Jolina describes the movie -- which is also a first for Dennis. “Feeling ko mas magiging kumportable ako sa (light)," Dennis says, saying he thinks that adjusting from heavy to light drama would be easy for him. “Dahil madadala ka doon sa script pag binasa mo." For Jolina and Mark Herras, this is their first time to portray their respective roles: Jolina as a chambermaid and Mark as part of a cabin crew. Mark says, “first time kong maging waiter, first time kong magse-serve ng food. Actually, first time lahat." This is also the first time for the whole cast to film in a cruise ship -- and in Europe! Eugene Domingo reveals with much excitement, “pangarap namin ni Rufa Mae (Quinto) talaga na makapag-Europe. So natupad na dito (through the movie)." Trained to serve To ensure that the cast will only give their best, Jolina, Eugene and Mark underwent training that would help them understand their roles better. And through Magsaysay Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts, the three were given the basics for their roles. stars“Kailangan kasi dapat mahusay naming maipakita (ang mga gawain namin)," Eugene explains, “Kasi nire-represent namin ang mga crew at mga staff (ng isang cruise ship). So kailangan dapat alam namin kahit papaano alam namin 'yung basic rules and regulations, para naman authentic ang pagkakarepresent. “Gagawa ka na lang rin naman ng pelikula, e itama mo na." Eugene adds that they had to make sure that all of their scenes are possible in the context of the life being lead by a cruise’s service crew. Eugene and Jolina, as chambermaids, have the same training, wherein they must learn how to properly make up and turn down beds, among other things. Meanwhile, Mark trains to become a cabin boy. “Nagbuhat ako ng breakfast tray," Mark details with a laugh. He shares that his training mostly involves balancing trays and knowing how to approach and greet guests properly. “Parang ‘room service, may I come in.’ Parang ganoon. Tapos kung Italian, biongiorno." For the three, their training is very important for the movie because it is through the little details that people would appreciate the movie. Jolina says, “pelikula siya, pero para hindi naman mukhang very pelikula ang dating na (mala-)fairy tale, na sa movies lang nangyayari. ‘Yung reality ang ipapakita namin, kung ano ang buhay sa loob ng barko." I.T.A.L.Y. starts its filming this week! - iGMA.tv