Joshua Garcia’s acting matures in Regal’s ‘Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan’

After suffering from major delays because of the pandemic, the highly anticipated film adaptation of Bob Ong’s best-selling novel “Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan” starring Joshua Garcia has finally arrived.

The mystery-thriller by celebrated director Chito Roño was first meant to be an entry to the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival. However, co-producers Regal Entertainment and Black Sheep decided to pull it out.

Joshua Garcia INSTAGRAM PHOTO 

Indeed, good things come to those who wait as three years after its initial release, the film can is now available to a larger, global audience via streamingplatform Prime Video.

“Times have changed, and people’s behavior have change. After the pandemic, they seem to prefer to stay at home. And during the pandemic, the digital format became really strong,” Regal Entertainment CEO Roselle Monteverde said in media conference.

“That’s why we thought of bringing this to streaming platform because of its audience is wider. This can be watch not just in the Philippines. It would be better for our film to be seen in other countries as well,” she added.

“Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan” follows the story of Galo (played by Garcia), a Manila-based student who returns home to an island where he was raised by his grandmother, Mama Susan after learning she is ill. Galo writes in his journal the string of mysteries he uncovers which lead him to question his sanity.

This is Garcia’s first solo lead role and what makes it even more special is that he gets a chance to work with veteran actress Angie Ferro who plays Mama Susan.

With ‘Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan’ stars Inigo Delen, Angie Ferro and Jewel Milag PHOTO COURTESY OF BLACK SHEEP 

“I always wanted to experience working with Regal. Apart from that, this is also my first project with director Chito. I’m really enjoying the process when it comes to my career. Whatever happens, I’ll be happy,” Garcia mentioned.

“I am really impressed with Ms. Angie because at her age, she memorizes all the lines even if they were very long. I’m just so happy I get to share the screen with her. It’s a different experience when you get to work with veteran actress like her.

“I’m so thankful because she’s been guiding me all through out. Even if she’s focused on her scenes, and I remembered she had a two-page lines in one scene, we never had any issues because her memory is still sharp,” Garcia added.

The 25-year-old heartthrob also shared that a lot of things have changed since they started working on the project, especially when it comes to his perception in life.

“During those times, I was very immature. I can’t say I’m mature now, but I know there’s progress. I learned that the simpler, the better. I also learned to take care of the people who has been giving me importance because not everyone truly cares,” he ended.

Now available for streaming via Prime Video, “Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan” also stars Kelvin Miranda, Patrick Quiroz, Miko Gallardo, Henz Villaraiz, Inigo Delen, Jewel Milag, Mon Confiado, Melisa Mendez and Ricardo Cepeda.