Gabby Concepcion, who portrayed the role of Ka Eraño G. Manalo in the much awaited biopic film “Felix Manalo”, expressed his gratefulness that he was chosen to be a part of one of the greatest films produced in the country.
Concepcion was chosen to play the role of the late INC Executive Minister in the movie after careful and meticulous screening as to who is fit to portray the iconic character of “Ka Erdy.”
The actor expressed his gratitude for not only being part of the movie, but also for getting one of the biggest roles in the movie although his character would only appear at the end of the film.
“Iyan po ay isang malaking karangalan na ako’y naging bahagi ng pelikula. Hindi lang ho bastang nakasama, kundi nagkaroon pa ng magandang role” the actor said.
Gabby said he was excited as he browsed through the thick script and discovered more details about the story of Ka Felix Manalo. He realized how significant the offered role to him was. “Iniimagine ko pa lang eh, block buster na sa puso ko. Sabi ko sa sarili ko paano kapag nasa pelikula pa?” he said.
“Nung ako ay napili nito, sabi ko ang ganda, napaka hirap sigurong gampanan ng role na ito dahil unang-una napakalaki ng responsibilidad ni Ka Erdy at maging ang responsibilidad ko bilang isang tao tagapagpaganap ng karakter.” Gabby confessed.
Gabby also said in his interview in Pambansang Almusal, that when he was in high school, he dreamt of going inside the church of the INC along F. Manalo Street in San Juan. He said was looking forward to knowing who owned the place as he passed the INC chapel every day when he was still going to his school in Saint Thomas Aquinas, not knowing that his wish would someday be fulfilled as he discovered more about the INC and its first executive minister, Ka Felix Manalo, in the film.
“Hindi ko talaga akalain na makakasama ako rito. Although, noong bata ako iniisip ko na talaga, noong ako’y nasa high school palang nakikita ko na talaga ang Iglesia Ni Cristo. Noong mga panahon na ako’y pumapasok sa aking paaralan dito sa may Aquinas sa San Juan. Ang unang naitayong Iglesia. At itong kapilya na ito ng Iglesia ay napaka-ganda, napakalaki. At dinadaanan ko iyon mula first year high school, second year, third year, naglalakad ako papunta sa aking eskwelahan at dinarasal ko lang na sana, one day ay mapasok ko iyan at makilala ko kung sino yung may-ari nung bahay. Hindi ko akalain noon na makakasama ako at talagang lumaki ang aking tiwala at respeto sa Iglesia,” Gabby said.
The actor also said that the film left a great mark on him and his admiration of the INC deepened. ”Talagang lumaki ang aking tiwala at respeto sa Iglesia… napaka colorful, napaka powerful at karespe-respeto talaga ang ginawa ni Ka Felix,” Gabby said in the interview.
It was his first time ever to act in a true to life biopic film, although he became part of “Bilibid boys”, a film based on a true story. Gabby was also thankful for being able to work with a stellar cast and professionals that supported him all throughout the film.
He even said in his interview that everybody should watch the movie, “Felix Manalo”, because it does not only tackle the life of the first INC executive minister but also the good and bad things that people are experiencing in their lives.
“Ako naman ho ang gusto ko sa pelikula kaya ko panonoorin dahil ang pinaniniwalaan ni Ka Felix ay ang Biblia kaya makakarelate ho tayong lahat rito. Isa lang ang pinanindigan niya, isa lang ang pinaniwalaan niya. Ang Biblia. Kaya sabi ko, paano naman hindi gugustuhing panoorin ng kahit na sino ito? Ang ipinaglaban at ipinagtanggol lang niya ang Biblia. Makikita ninyo kung paano ang dedikasyon ng isang tao na makakarating siya sa narating niya ngayon na hindi niya na nakita. Lahat ng magandang nangyari, lahat ng hindi magandang nangyari, nangyayari yan sa lahat ng tao at nangyari rin yan kay Felix Manalo. Pero inspite of it all, andidito tayong lahat. Dahil sa kanya.” Gabby said.
“Felix Manalo” will be hitting 300 theaters nationwide tomorrow, October 7.
“This movie will be part of our history. Hindi lang para sa mga manonood na taga-Iglesia pero kundi sa pangkalahatan talaga,” Concepcion added
(Eagle News Service Written by AB Mass Communication Novinm Murillo and MRFaith Bonalos)