DIRECTOR Temi Cruz Abad has worked in a number of films in his career. In director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo’s Kita Kita (2017), he served as language consultant since he studied in Japan.

Originally from Star Cinema, Direk Temi’s first film project was Wenn Deramas’ ‘Ang Tanging Ina’ (2003), starring Ai-Ai de las Alas.

The last 12 years, he has been with Viva Films as creative consultant, but it’s only recently that Direk Temi gets a chance to direct for Vivamax.

“I was with Sari-Sari Channel, medyo wholesome, for five years,” Direk Temi granted. “After Miss Tess (Fuentes) passed on (2021), we transferred to Vivamax and Viva One.

“Actually, I’ve been restraining myself from directing a Vivamax project. Ang branding ko before, wholesome at mainstream. Not for anything else. I just had to hold on to the dying wish of my beloved boss (Fuentes).”

However, when 2024 started, Direk Temi was offered to direct for Vivamax. “I told them my intention when the New Year came,” he shared. “Maybe providential. Ang ganda ng story, ang ganda ng pagkakasulat.”

Direk Temi’s lead stars are Shiela Snow, Arah Alonzo and Van Allen Ong. “It took me two years to be able to direct a Vivamax project,” the director admitted. “My biggest concern was how not to violate the artists.”

Written by Nigel Santos and JC Bacala, ‘Kalikot’ tells the story of a part-time auto mechanic who enjoys not only fixing cars, but also fantasizing about the woman who lives across the auto shop.

Van Allen Ong plays Arnold, a Mechanical Engineering student who works part-time in his uncle’s auto shop while on a semester break.

One day, he sees and gets mesmerized by the sight of Salve (Shiela Snow), a beautiful woman who moves into an apartment building just across the shop.

Even during his sexual encounters with Jenna (Arah Alonzo), his no-strings attached partner and classmate, he still thinks about Salve.

The two female leads were mainly concerned about the sexy scenes. “I told them, definitely, walang penetration or we will all lose our jobs,” said Direk Temi.

The first scene I did was with Shiela and Van Allen. One take, I wasn’t even breathing. I was very careful in giving them instructions. I previously discussed with them my requirements for the shoot.

“Ipinaubaya ko ang scene sa kanila and hindi naman ako nabigo. So much so that after I shouted ‘Cut!,’ tumakbo ako sa banyo at humagulgol ako. Na-overwhelmed ako. Na-bothered ang cast ko.”

“Van Allen approached me and said happy sila kasi the fact na overwhelmed ka, that means may dating ang scene. If only for that, I’m very, very grateful to my actors.”