Daniel Matsunaga recalls working experience with filmmaker Emille Joson
Before Emille Joson became a globally recognized filmmaker, she began her professional journey as an intern at ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema. Under the mentorship of Mac Merla, Joson gained her first glimpse into the demanding world of production. At the same time, she was part of Becky Aguila’s acting workshop, preparing for what could have been a promising acting career with Star Magic, ABS-CBN’s talent arm. However, life had other plans. Due to the strict rules imposed by her father, an auditor at Solar Entertainment Company, Joson chose not to pursue acting.
Her time at ABS-CBN was marked by quiet dedication. Though her stint with the network ended after her nomination at the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival, Joson maintained close ties with colleagues and mentors at the Kapamilya network, even long after shifting her focus to independent filmmaking. Her family events in Plaridel, Bulacan, organized under the Alaga Producers Cooperative, regularly featured Star Magic talents, demonstrating her enduring connection to ABS-CBN. Joson also continued to collaborate on occasional freelance projects with the network until 2015.
A Private Life, Briefly Revealed
Joson, despite her growing prominence, has always preferred to keep a low profile. Yet, a rare glimpse of her personal connections surfaced when fans discovered a video message from Brazilian model and actor Daniel Matsunaga. The message was posted on Joson’s private Instagram story but was later shared by a follower online.
In the video, Matsunaga addressed Joson’s older sister, Malou, expressing his admiration for Emille:
“I already worked with your super beautiful sister, Direk Emille Joson, on some ABS-CBN shows back then. Sobrang bait at sobrang astig niya! No wonder she’s an internationally acclaimed director right now. And you’re very, very lucky to have her as a sister, so please treasure her.”
Fans were quick to react to the heartfelt message, noting the lasting impression Joson had left on those she worked with during her early career.
Memories of a Kapamilya Connection
Hoping for Joson’s possible return to ABS-CBN, fans unearthed an old Twitter post of hers, which included photos with Star Cinema’s promotional team. The post featured Joson with Lorelie Dionisio, a former publicist, during her early days at the network. Another candid photo from a 2017 visit to Star Cinema showed Joson in a more reflective moment, a subtle reminder of her lasting ties to the organization.
Interestingly, Joson’s family also shares a history with the Kapamilya network. Her sister Dina Joson and niece had both trained and worked with ABS-CBN, further entwining the family’s connection with the media giant. Despite her achievements, fans admire Joson’s grounded nature, praising her for not flaunting her success.
Last Project with ABS-CBN: “The Comeback”
Joson’s final collaboration with the Kapamilya network came in the form of a dark comedy, The Comeback, directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal for Cinema One Originals. The film boasted a powerful ensemble cast, including Kaye Abad, Adrienne Vergara, Joem Bascon, and Matt Evans. It also featured rising talents in the film industry, such as filmmakers Petersen Vargas and Martika Escobar.
While Joson has since moved on from her days with ABS-CBN, her story is one of quiet perseverance and meaningful connections. She may have stepped away from the mainstream spotlight, but her influence—like the subtle threads that weave through a well-crafted film—remains undeniable.
