LOOK: Screenwriter-producer Bambbi Fuentes’ debut film ‘Sugat Sa Dugo’ breeds new generation of Stars
Bambbi Fuentes is a household name in the entertainment industry as the legendary makeup artist and hairstylist to the stars, including Marian Rivera, sisters Janice and Gelli De Belen, Ruffa Gutierrez, Dawn Zulueta, Kris Aquino, and more.
But it was during the midst of the pandemic that the beauty expert discovered that there’s more that she can do. She launched Dragon Talent Management, a talent management company that she co-owns with businesswoman Cristine “Tine” Areola.
Her passion project, Dragon Talent Management, now serves as home to 21 talents, most of which will star in her debut film as a screenwriter and producer titled, Sugat Sa Dugo or Wounded Blood. This is the same film that gave Janice De Belen, Bambbi’s long-time client and dear friend, her Best Actress Award at the 2021 International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM Autumn) in New York.
An advocacy film inspired by Bambbi’s late best friend, Sugat Sa Dugo follows the heartbreaking story of an absentee mother whose son is about to die due to HIV/AIDS.
Albeit new to acting, this 42-minute film features the undeniable talent and natural charm of young stars under Bambbi’s management company including Khai Flores, Christa Jocson, Shira Mae Tweg, Mira Aquino, and Mosh Gerodias.
Some of Sugat Sa Dugo’s producers and casts posed for a photo during their media pocket interview this September 12 at Bambbi’s Beauty Salon in Timog Avenue. [L-R] Khai Flores, Bambbi Fuentes, Janice De Belen, Tine Areola, Shira Tweg, Mira Aquino
Khai will be playing the role of Jack, a sex worker, a loving brother to his two sisters played by Christa and Shira, and a supportive boyfriend to Daniela played by Mira.
The “most experienced” among his fellow young stars, having worked in ABS-CBN teleserye Kadenang Ginto as Kyle Echarri’s best friend and Chito Rono’s Ang Mga Kaibigay ni Mama Susan, twenty-year old Khai admits to feeling nervous shooting his scenes with Janice.
What made him say yes to his role? “Unang una, syempre produced po ito ng Dragons. And then, ako po yung parang panganay, actually kaming dalawa ni Christa Jocson, and then maganda yung role – challenging. At sabi ko, ‘di ba gusto mo maging actor? E ‘di pag-aralan mo. Pag-aaralan ko naman po, nagawan ko naman po ng hustisya, naipakita ko po talaga yung role ko as Jack.”
Prior to their four-day lock-in taping, Khai watched documentary films with the same theme, interviewed and visited bars and workers on the field, researched as part of his preparation as Jack.
Khai also gamely shared his working relationship with Janice and how she unknowingly motivated him.
Mira, on the otherhand, didn’t think twice when she was offered the role of Daniela due to the film’s advocacy.
She was eager to help “educate” and shed light to what she considers a taboo topic in the country.
In an interview with Random Republika, she said, “narealize ko na yung discrimination ng mga taong merong ganito is malala. Parang bumababa ‘yung self-esteem mo. Kung ilalagay mo yung sarili mo sa sapatos nila, parang ang hirap lumabas ng bahay na ganon, kahit hindi nila alam, kasi alam mo di ba, parang feel mo, alam ng lahat ng tao na ganon ka… Dapat mas open yung mga tao kasi this is a sickness na kailangan tugunan din, bigyan ng pansin…”
There’s more to celebrate for Mira as she also wrote and sung the movie’s theme song titled “Hindi Ka Kulang,” inspired by America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer Jane “Nightbirde” Marczewski.
Sugat Sa Dugo will be available on cinemas this September 28.
Catch their official trailer below:
