Why Atom Araullo finally agreed to star in a film

MANILA, Philippines- Umagang Kay Ganda host and journalist Atom Araullo is stepping into the limelight in his upcoming film with acclaimed filmmaker Mike de Leon.

Araullo, who recently resigned as a reporter of ABS-CBN News, is the perfect person for the lead role as he will play a reel-life reporter in de Leon’s comeback movie. It’s a big risk for De Leon considering that Araullo is not an actor, but the director happily announced that the heartthrob journalist is “firmly on board, having been given the all clear by his bosses.”

Atom Araullo Citizen Jake
PHOTO CREDIT: Cosmo.ph
In his interview with Inquirer, Araullo revealed his reason why he finally decided to act in front of the camera.

“I just couldn’t say no to Mike de Leon. I am taking this leap of faith because I believe in his ability to produce films of exceptional quality that are always imbued with social relevance,” Araullo said.

Araullo also disclosed that aside from acting, he is also exchanging ideas with De Leon and writer Noel Pascual in the development of the screenplay.

“Mike is a genius obviously, and I’m just trying my best to keep up. I really appreciate the trust he has given me in helping shape the script and its message,” Araullo added.

As for De Leon, he believes Araullo is an “intelligent person with a deep social conscience”. Despite the fact that working with a nonactor is an unfamiliar territory for De Leon, he said Araullo is an interesting subject matter.

Atom Araullo Citizen Jake movie
PHOTO CREDIT: Cosmo.ph
Titled Citizen Jake, the movie will focus on a fictional journalist in an investigative crime story with political overtones. Calling it a “hybrid film of sorts”, De Leon said the title Citizen Jake refers to “the world of citizen journalists, social media and politics.”

The filmmaker behind uncompromising movies like “Batch ’81” and “Kisapmata said he is hoping to set up his production team before Christmas.

Araullo was part of the children’s show 5 and Up before becoming a field reporter and producer at ABS-CBN News. He is an Applied Physics graduate from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

--Mini, The Summit Express



Previous Post Next Post