THE advocacy film about HIV/AIDS (Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus/Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome), ‘Sugat sa Dugo,’ was shown online in 2022, but up to now, the film does not cease to create its ripple effect to the public because of its universal theme.

In the recent Star Awards for Movies of the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), ‘Sugat sa Dugo’ romped off with five trophies – Best Supporting Actress for Janice de Belen, Best Indie Theme Song, Hindi Ka Kulang, by Myra Aquino, Best New Actor for Khai Flores, Best New Actress by Shira Tweg and Christa Jocson.

“Hindi pa rin tapos ang Sugat,” Janice told to Sugat sa Dugo executive producer, Bambbi Fuentes and associate producer, Christine Areola of Dragon Entertainment Productions.

“Hindi pa,” agreed Bambbi. “Hanggang end of the world, hanggang buhay tayo. Buhay pa rin ang Sugat sa Dugo.”

Directed by Danny Ugali, Sugat sa Dugo (Wounded Blood) is about life, love, survival and death of a family member.

Janice even bagged the Best Actress trophy in the Manhattan International Film Festival Autumn in 2021 for her portrayal of a mom of an AIDS victim in the film.

“We want to include Sugat sa Dugo in the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) and Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), so they can consider our film, but we do not know how to go about it,” lamented Bambbi. “We do not know how.”

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Khai was thankful that his acting ability was recognized in the film, where he played a sex worker and engaged in love scenes both with female and male actors.

That was Khai’s first film, although back in 2020, he did the horror thriller, Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan, directed by Chito Roño. The film has yet to be shown.

Khai’s second film was director Mel Magno’s Huling Hibla, where the young actor played a deaf mute.

When the challenging and sensitive role of Jack in Sugat sa Dugo was first offered to Khai, he immediately had second thoughts. “I did a scene where I needed to wear undies, I was not comfortable with briefs. Mas gusto ko boxer briefs.

“I got conscious and uncomfortable. But I simply trusted my director, Danny Ugali, and my producers, Tine Areola and Ms. Bambbi. I thought about the flow of the story, my role (Jack).”

He gets to work with veteran actress Janice de Belen, who played his mom. “Initially, I felt nervous working with Ms. Janice,” said Khai. “Nakaka-starstruck. I was speechless while acting with her. Idol siya ng lola ko.”

Khai is expecting more doors to open for him in 2025. “I want to do a teleserye,” he said. “I want to be also recognized on TV.

He wants to work again with Joshua Garcia and even with Zijian Jaranilla, Filipino-German artist Daniela Straner and Pinoy Big Brother 2024 grand winner, Sofia “Fyang” Smith and housemate Jarren Garcia.

Khai earlier won the Promising New Actor plum from a youth organization.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Shira Tweg was stunned after her name was called last Sunday as one of the Best New Actress winners, with Christa Jocson.

“I was really surprised,” said Shira. “I wasn’t really expecting the award. After I received the award, I cried to my mom backstage. Thankfully, I didn’t cry after I received the award. I wanted to thank a lot of people.”

She is thankful to the Lord for giving her the talent. “Without Him, I wouldn’t be here to receive the award,” Shira said. “I also thanked my parents for supporting me since Day 1, when I told the I wanted to enter the business. They never really gave up on me.

“I also want to thank Ms. Bambbi, my management, all those who were with me from the start and the actors who joined me in the film that gave me the award. Of course, I won’t forget direk Danny Ugali and his team. All of these would not have happened without them.

“All of my friends, my supporters. I want to thank them, too. Net25, who continues to guide me to this day. And to everyone who has been there for me.”

Sugat sa Dugo is Shira’s acting debut. She played the youngest of Janice’s three children, with Khai as the eldest and Christa Jocson as the middle child. Shira was the shy and timid daughter who dreamt of finishing her studies.

She was immediately thankful for being given a supporting role in her film debut. She was undoubtedly challenged, but Shira undoubtedly delivered.

“Especially, I know, it was my first ever film,” she said. “It was a success. It was fun and exciting to do.”

She had a scene where she needed to break down and cry in front of her classmates. “That was when I learned that my brother was sick and he was dying,” she said. “It was my first time to do that scene. But I was glad I was able to do it well.”

Shira relished the time she had scenes with Janice. “It felt like she was really my mother on the set,” Shira said. “She helped me and gave me advice to do what I really want to do and love my job.”

Honestly, when Shira learned she would be working with Janice in Sugat sa Dugo, the young star was initially intimidated. “But after we saw each other and started to work together, she was super welcoming and easy to work with.”

There’s apparently big plans in store for Shira, especially now that she is with Net25, where she previously appeared in a sitcom, 3 in 1, with Maricel Sorino, Eric Quizon and Epy Quizon.

Next year, Shira is slated to release her mini-album with three tracks penned by Christa Jocson and Myra Aquino. “The three of us helped each other write the songs in my album,” Shira granted.

The young actress is interested to resume modelling and wants to try action, too. Something in the mold of Angelina Jolie.

Bambbi bared the next project of Dragon Entertainment Productions, a horror thriller that already has a script. “We are looking for a funder to pursue with the project,” said Bambbi who is keeping her fingers crossed for their production outfit.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio