'Third World Happy' tells sad story of a US balikbayan

Celebrity World
'Third World Happy' tells sad story of a US balikbayan
By CRISPINA MARTINEZ-BELEN
June 2, 2011, 7:00am

MANILA, Philippines -- The drama, “Third World Happy” should have been entitled “Third World Sad” because it evolves from the tragic experience of a balikbayan who, after staying in the US to pursue the American Dream, comes home to the Philippines to attend a funeral.

The lead role of Wesley is played by Sam Milby, while Jodi Sta. Maria plays Aylyn, Wesley’s former girlfriend.

Sam’s notable performance in “Third World Happy” won for him the “Best Actor” nomination in the 34th Urian Awards of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino. For the movie, Jodi earlier won a Best Supporting Actress in the Cinema One Originals 2010 Awards.
The story tells the desire of Wesley to pursue a career in painting in the United States, but has to come back to the Philippines because of a tragedy – the death of his former girlfriend.

Director EJ Salcedo said he needed an actor who could speak with an American accent as Wesley stayed in the US for years.

“We shot [the film] eight days straight,” Direk EJ stressed. “I feel so honored working with well-known actors!”

The director, who also wrote the script, said that the movie is based on his experiences in the United States, until he came home to witness the funeral of a former girlfriend.

Salcedo writes, produces, and directs short films, TV commercials, music videos.

“This is a semi-autobiographical story. I combined homecoming and the stories of artists not being able to pursue their dreams to build the story of Third World Happy,” Salcedo said.

Asked what role Sam would prefer in forthcoming movie projects, “I would like to do something like being a vampire or something weird. It would challenge me,” he said.

Sam claimed he is “loveless” at the moment.


http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/320815...-us-balikbayan