Known for starring in films with romantic themes, JM De Guzman said he really looked forward to joining the cast of director GB Sampedro’s latest action drama film Selda Tres, which has him playing a complex role of a hardworking man caught in the country’s faulty justice system. During the Selda Tres presscon held earlier this month, JM shared more details about his latest character.
“I play the role of Julius, isa po siyang messenger sa isang law firm. Kapatid ako ni kuya Buboy pero magkaiba kami ng nanay. Na-akusahan siya ng mali sa story at nakulong. Nakilala niya yung mga tao sa loob ng kulungan at na-in love siya dun sa ugali at pagkatao ng mga tao dun kaya pinanindigan niya na pagkalabas niya, tutulungan niyo itong mga ‘to. Siguro (naka-relate ako dito dahil) may nangyari rin sa past ko na nakulong ako sa isang controlled environment and hindi rin yun naging madali sa buhay ko, like Julius,” he said.
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The project also marks JM’s first time working with his more experienced co-stars Cesar Montano and Carla Abellana, which was a bonus for him. “Sobra po akong kinilig nung narinig ko na kasama sila kuya Buboy! Talagang idol ko po si kuya Buboy. And kay Ms. Carla, na-starstruck talaga ako nung una ko siyang nakita. Medyo nahirapan din ako ng slight. Pero sobrang blessed ho talaga ako na naging part ako ng movie and working again with direk GB. Sobrang blessed talaga. Sobrang dami kong natutunan, yung work ethic nila, sobrang professional,” he admitted.
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During the presscon, JM also shared his thoughts on how important it is for actors to choose their roles carefully. “Responsibilidad yun ng mga actors na makapag-deliver ng mensahe the best way they can. Sa akin, kung mag-kontrabida o support, hinahanapan ko ng empathy yung characters na pino-portray ko para mas lubos ko na maintindihan kung bakit nila ginagawa yun. And hopefully, sana, maintindihan din ng audience na kung bakit yung mga choices natin binibigay ko or decisions sa acting ko,” he said.
When asked to comment on the current national issue that is also mirrored in Selda Tres, JM said, “Medyo nakaka-trigger yung mga nangyayari sa bansa natin. And siguro I’m hoping na sa pelikula namin, may mensahe kaming maibigay, na may mapulot din yung audience natin with regards nga dun sa nangyayari sa bansa natin.”
Catch Selda Tres, at the Sinag Maynila 2025 film festival, which will run from September 24 to 30 at cinemas at Gateway 2, Trinoma, Market Market, SM MOA and Fairview, and Robinsons Manila and Antipolo. The film also stars Cesar Montano, Carla Abellana, Arron Villaflor, Kier Legaspi, Victor Neri, Isay Alvarez, Jeffrey Tam, Perla Bautista, and Mickey Ferriols. Directed by GB Sampedro, written by Eric Ramos, and produced by Five 2 Seven Entertainment Production.