Heartwarming: Why Epy Quizon waived his talent fee in Sinag Maynila 2024 entry ‘As The Moth Flies’
“He is such a cool, cool Tito. Don’t quote me on the Tito,” director Gayle Oblea of Sinag Maynila 2024 entry As The Moth Flies laughingly described what it is like working with character actor Epy Quizon. Epy has long carved his own place in the industry as an artist and left the shadow of his iconic father, the Philippines’ King of Comedy, Dolphy.
“He’s such a cool person talaga to act with and to work with. I feel like ang advantage kasi doon because he’s also a filmmaker, an award-winning filmmaker, and he’s also an amazing, amazing actor,” Direk Gayle continued to share. “He knows both sides. Kasi paminsan kasi ‘pag walang background sa production ‘yung actor or actress, doon medyo tough katrabaho ‘yung actor. Hindi ko naman nilalahat. Pero si Tito Epy, sobrang cool niya lang, chill. Paminsan ako na yung mainit ang ulo, pero siya yung chill lang siya.”
The actor, according to Direk Gayle, was proactive in helping her out. “Sabi niya huwag masyadong alalahanin yun. At the same time, very careful din siya sa mga terminologies na ginagamit. And what I love about him is that he does not stop himself from really telling you or guiding me here kasi ‘di hamak na mas matagal na siya sa industriya. And he guided me on a lot of things, both in production and making sure of how I handle or talk to actors and actresses.”
Director Gayle Oblea
As The Moth Flies lead actor Boo Gabunada agreed and shared that while people on the set seemed intimidated by Epy’s mere presence, the actor did something to make others feel comfortable. “At one point, nire-create niya yung Banayad Whiskey [TVC],” Boo said. Direk Gayle continued, “Opo, nire-create niya yung Banayad Whiskey. I think ginagawa niya talaga ‘yun to loosen up everyone. Kasi syempre medyo stiff lahat, takot sa kanya. Kasi nga, ano siya eh, technically he’s a legend. Tepos dumating siya doon, nakamotorsiklo lang siya. Sobrang humble, sobrang down-to-earth. Tapos pagdating namin doon, lahat kami stiff. Tapos nagroleplay siya ng Banayad Whiskey. Ginaya niya yung Papa niya. Tapos lahat kami tawa. Okay na kami lahat.”
Boo Gabunda with the director
Aside from being easy to work with, Direk Gayle paid tribute to Epy for being very considerate and generous with his craft that he waived his talent fee for the project. Asked if it was something she expected, Direk said, “Hindi po.” She went on to share how thankful she is for the actor’s kindness. “Siyempre po, sobrang thankful ako. Kasi noong nalaman niya na biglang nag-disappearing act po yung original [actress] na kinuha namin tapos nakapag-shoot na kami at nalaki na ng ginastos namin, sabi niya, ‘Saka mo na isipin ‘yan [his talent fee].’ Siya mismo nagkusa.” The director admitted they were in shock, “Kami parang, ‘Grabe naman si Tito Epy!’ And I found out na he does that din pala talaga even with other actors. Basta gusto niyo yung script.”
Direk Gayle said she recently met another filmmaker who raved about Epy. She shared, “Sabi niya, ‘Grabe, tinulungan niya [Epy] lang din ako.'” Epy, according to the director, seems to be doing pro bono work on the side to help the industry. When the press prodded if Epy still did not charge for the reshoot fee, Direk Gayle nodded and said, “Hindi po talaga.” She talked about insisting on giving an honorarium to which Epy declined and he remained sincere with the gesture.
As The Moth Flies is a 15-minute short film that delves deep into the complexities of mental illness and its impact on personal relationships. Directed by Gayle Oblea, the film follows the story of a woman attempting to assess her mentally ill partner and navigate their turbulent relationship, only to uncover haunting truths about their shared past. Starring Jeffrey “Epy” Quizon, Mina Cruz, Boo Gabunada, and Pam Arambulo, the film offers an immersive exploration of mental health struggles, aiming to evoke empathy and understanding among its audiences.
Originally conceptualized as an eight-episode limited series, “As The Moth Flies” was adapted into a short film during the pandemic to effectively convey its powerful message and advocate for mental health awareness. After earning recognition at prestigious international film festivals such as the Brussels Short Film Festival, Little Venice Film Festival, Greenwich Film Festival, and Urban Dreams Festival, the film is set for its highly anticipated Asian premiere. Audiences can catch “As The Moth Flies” during the SINAG MAYNILA Independent Film Festival 2024, running from September 4 to 8, with screenings at select cinemas across Metro Manila including Gateway and SM Manila. This homecoming marks a significant milestone for the film and Filipino cinema, as it continues to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding mental health in the Philippines.
