As the star of the upcoming esports barkada film GG (Good Game): The Movie, Donny Pangilinan said he was able to use part of his own experience with gaming for his role as a talented and aspiring pro gamer.
“Sobrang iba kasi itong role na ito, mahilig ako sa games dati as a child pero it’s different kasi pag esports pros na talaga and I think we really had to have a lot of preparation for this. Kasi hindi naman ako hardcore gamer na pro talaga,” he shared during the GG (Good Game): The Movie in Makati held earlier this month.
In the film, Donny becomes leader of a team formed by a former gamer named Kurt (played by Baron Geisler) who dreams of fulfilling his childhood dream of being a top winner.
“I play the role of Seth, yung gamer tag ko ay Escape. Siyempre part rin ako ng Tokwa’t Bad Boys. Isa rin akong aspiring pro-gamer. So nakikita niyo naman sa trailer na medyo adik ako maglaro and medyo magaling din talaga ako maglaro. Magaling talaga si Seth. Makikita natin dito kung paano ko nababalanse lahat ng aspeto ng buhay ko, hindi lang yung gaming. Siyempre may pamilya, may barkada, may schooling and everything. And wewill see just how it all falls into place,” he added.
Also included in the cast of the film are Donny’s parents Anthony Pangilinan and Maricel Laxa. His father Anthony has a cameo as a games show host while his mother Maricel plays his onscreen mom with whom he has an estranged relationship.
“I had a blast working with my mom. Medyo awkward minsan pero okay naman. Minsan hindi nag-si-sink in sa eksena na nanay ko yun eh. Kasi ayoko isipin. Kasi hindi kami close dito. Hindi ko iisipin na nanay ko siya kasi pag inisip ko yun eh di yung mga nuances namin maiiba. Pero ang galing kasi sobrang talaga sa amin in real life because mommy’s boy ako and dito kasi (sa movie) may problema kami. Masaya lang. Siyempre it’s a privilege talaga na makasama ko si Maricel Laxa sa isang pelikula. Matagal ko ng dream ito eh and I’m really glad na finally reality talaga. Hindi lang game but in real life,” he explained.
Another unforgettable experience for Donny while doing his first major solo film was the opportunity to work with veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez who played his grandfather in the film. The 72-year-old actor unexpectedly passed away last December.
“Sobrang privileged ko because I was able to work with him. He was such a joy to have on set. Ang dami niyang jokes. He was very fun to be with and made us feel very comfortable around him. Kahit na dito medyo strict siya on set, medyo malalim yung sinasabi niya, offscreen naman hindi yun yung na-fi-feel ko at all. And I’m just glad that we were blessed with his presence during the whole making of the film,” he shared.
GG (Good Game): The Movie stars Donny Pangilinan, Baron Geisler, Maricel Laxa, Boots Anson Roa, Ronaldo Valdez, Igi Boy Flores, Johannes Rossler, Gold Aseron, and Kaleb Ong. With cameos by Kuya Kim Atienza, Bigboy Cheng, Ragnarok Legend Jake San Diego, Jake Ejercito, Nicole Borromeo, Anthony Pangilinan, and John Arcilla.
It opens in cinemas nationwide starting January 24, Wednesday. Produced by Mediaworks, Cignal Entertainment, and Create Cinema, in collaboration with Smart, Predator Gaming, Acer, Rudy Project, Volvo, and Chatime Philippines. Star Cinema partners as GG’s marketing and distribution arm.
