Rocco Nacino in the title role of Saridandan Films’ Lam-ang, partly based on the Ilokano epic poem.

Manila, Philippines -  Literature and history are rich sources of materials for big-screen narratives. Examples are the lives of Dr. Jose Rizal and Gen. Macario Sakay and characters in the stories Ibong Adarna, Juan Tamad, Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo and Ang Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang.

Treading the same path is the indie movie titled Lam-ang of Saridandan Films with Ilocos Sur Vice Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano as producer and Dennis Evangelista as line producer. The cast and crew recently wrapped up the movie’s first leg with the verdant upland and lowland landscape of Ilocos Sur as backdrop.

The Lam-ang team recreated the 1600 and early Spanish colonial community, which is different from the epic poem’s vernacular-indigenous setting, in places near and within the town of San Ildefonso. A tree house complete with furniture and a church made of thatch and bamboo were built, adding realism to the film. This is a far cry from the rural-modern houses and concrete establishments outside the location areas.

“Lam-ang is the ultimate Filipino action hero,” offers director Ana Agabin. “His story has been handed down (orally from one generation to another). He is the epitome of a male ideal Filipino hero.”

Playing the hero in G-string and gifted with fighting skills and extraordinary strength is Rocco Nacino. Rocco entered the indie movement scene via Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa and won the 2012 Guillermo Mendoza Most Promising Male Star of the Year award.

“I trained for more than a month (learning the ropes of) arnis, sibat and knife fighting,” Rocco recalls. “(In one of the sword-fighting scenes,) I would be using itak and apply the art of arnis.When I didn’t tape for The Good Daughter, I would attend arnis classes every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in my coach’s place in Muntinlupa. (On location,) I’ll run along the beach and do a lot of push-ups. What I can only do here is run and do arnis. (While I’m running,) I’m able to appreciate nature and the people’s way of life here.”

The role of Lam-ang was not something presented on a silver platter to Rocco. He auditioned and was pitted against two other actors trying their luck to land the role. This experience was something new to Rocco as actors like him are only cast for roles instead of them going through the elimination/call-back process.

“I think he got the character,” says direk Ana. “I asked him to do some improv(isation) exercise. Para siyang tumalon galing sa scriptko. He had it — the (Chinito) looks, the presence and the way he acted out. (I was looking for) someone who (could) do action, comedy, some drama and yet look like he is Superman. Parang ang hirap ng standards ko. But he got it.” So, the Lam-ang role is somewhat tailored fit for Rocco.

Rocco with Alchris Galura and Nathaniel Britt playing Lam-ang’s friends and travel companions who can transform themselves into animals.

Opposite Rocco is Rochelle Pangilinan as Saridandan. According todirek Ana, Rochelle will look great in the fight scenes since she is also a dancer. The scenes could be stylized like dance. One couldn’t help but imagine some lyricism in them similar to that ofCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

“When I reviewed the (audition) footage, ay naku may pinaghuhugutan ‘to (I knew she was coming from something that helped her bring out the emotion). When we asked her to do some moves, we were impressed.”

Also in the cast are Jun Urbano playing the Chinese merchant Pas-ho and Alchris Galura and Nathaniel Britt as Lam-ang’s friends Diway and Bayek, respectively, who can transform themselves into animals.          

Asked about the Spanish presence in Lam-ang, direk Ana replied, “When you read the actual epic, you can put it in any time (or period). I felt (that) to make (the movie) relevant it should have a social context. I placed it in 1600s when the Spanish tried to conquer tribes in Cordillera including (Lam-ang’s) village.”

The film version takes off in the middle part of Biag ni Lam-ang. That’s why a sequel and a prequel are possible to happen in the future. According to direk Ana, Lam-ang is “not formula” kind of movie. It is an ambitious project fueled by passion because everybody on the set loves the material. Adding to the crisp visuals is the CGI to be used in the post-production.

With co-star Rochelle Pangilinan as Saridandan

“I think there’s an audience looking for something new,” concludes direk Ana. And if I may add, there are also new filmmakers and producers who search for innovative ways to tell stories that are socio-politically and culturally close to the audience.