Francis Ho, a producer of the historical action film 1521: The Quest for Love and Freedom, has apologized to Bea Alonzo for the issues she went through during the production of the film.
The conflict started when the actress allegedly had disappointing experiences during filming, causing her to be unwilling to promote the work. Reports say that she had unreasonable demands that weren’t in her contract, but Alonzo’s manager Shirley Kuan refuted these claims.
Speaking to entertainment reporter MJ Felipe during 1521‘s advance screening, Ho admitted that he made some mistakes in handling the situation because of his lack of experience.
“As a first-time producer, I made some calls that [weren’t] able to somehow help her in a way that would have been helpful. And I take full responsibility for that,” Ho said.
“I could improve the next time around and hopefully, there would be another chance,” he added.
Alonzo did not attend the film’s advance screening despite Ho saying that they had sent out invitations to her. Nevertheless, he stressed that he does not take it against her.
“I totally understand and I want to let people know that even if she doesn’t show up, it’s not her fault,” Ho said.
1521 is spearheaded by American director-actor Michael Copon, who also portrays the Filipino hero Lapu-Lapu. Alonzo meanwhile plays the role of Diwata.
Other celebrities making up the cast are From Dusk Til Dawn’s Danny Trejo, Australian actor Costas Mandylor, and Kapuso actress Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan.
The historic Battle of Mactan in April 1521 serves as the backdrop for the historical drama, which centers on a beautiful native princess falling in love with a handsome Spanish soldier. Their love is challenged by their loyalty to their own people.
Ho previously said in a press con that 1521 film aims to impact people with the goodness and greatness of the Filipinos.
“Our team’s desire is to make a great movie that will make the Filipino proud, that will make God please, and that will make our family proud and will impact people with goodness and greatness of the Filipino people,” the producer said.
“But this is not only about Filipinos,” he continued. “We have Magellan and other characters… This is a global story.”
1521 will be shown in cinemas starting June 5.
