An Afternoon with Direk Joey Reyes - My House Husband, Ikaw Na! Press Launch

I am a big fan of Kasal, Kasali Kasalo and Sakal, Sakali Saklolo. When the opportunity to spend an afternoon with Direk Joey was presented to me, I immediately grabbed the chance. I love chatting with other fellow artists and I was not disappointed. In fact, I was rather impressed. It was truly an afternoon to remember.

The press launch for My House Husband, Ikaw Na! was held in Dulcinea along Tomas Morato. It was a pretty casual gathering between a few bloggers and Direk Joey himself. We were given free reign to ask questions and interact directly with him, and that we did. He is truly such a joy to converse with! But more on that later...
My House Husband is a modern look into the lives of a young couple which Judy Ann and Ryan portray. According to them, they were able to relate more to this movie than to previous ones they've top-billed together in the past.

“We’ve been married for two years now so we know exactly what marriage is about unlike in previous films where it was purely acting,” Ryan said. “Plus we’ve had Yohan and Lucho for quite a time so we can truly say we relate to being parents.”

Proudly produced by OctoArts Films, “My Househusband” is a light comedy about husband and wife who have exchanged roles, at least in the traditional sense; that is, Rod stays at and tends to home while Mia earns a living. They deal with various situations in such a set-up.

Ryan points out that the film is no “andres de saya” tweak. “It’s not as if Rod is a ‘yes’ man. He still gets to wear the pants in the family except that he also dons the apron come meal times,” he said.

The cameras have started grinding for “My Househusband.” It is being helmed by the award-winning Jose Javier Reyes with whom Ryan and Juday worked in 2007's "Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo" and 2008’s “Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo.” Both movies were topgrossers in their respective filmfest seasons creating a lot of excitement for this next franchise from the loveable husband and wife tandem and their favorite director. It wouldn’t be a surprise at all if “My Househusband” will emerge as a great contender once again in the 2011 film festival box-office race.

Ryan is especially excited to do this movie because it is a homecoming of sorts for him who actually began his acting career within the OctoArts camp via his role in the 2005 movie “Kutob.” He said, “Masayang masaya ako because Boss Orly Ilacad was the very first producer who trusted me enough to give me a role in a movie. It’s nice to go back to where you started basically. I know we are in good hands here,” he said.

“Direk Joey is a cool guy. It’s very easy to work with him provided that you come to work prepared---which should be the case anyway,” Judy Ann said. “He knows how to strike the balance between maintaining a happy set and keeping everything running with clockwork precision.”

In reading the script of “My Househusband,” Ryan and Judy Ann found themselves empathizing with the lead characters though not necessarily according to gender. “Some of the things that happen to Mia, I myself have gone through in life,” said Ryan.

“And there were instances when I can relate to how Rod reacts to a situation because I feel I would do the same if it were me,” said Judy Ann. The actress notes that Mia is the supportive and patient kind of wife versus the loudmouthed, obnoxious and strong-willed ones she has played before. Ryan, on the other hand, says Rod is a very principled guy and one with a lot of heart.

The pair is confident that more than entertaining the audience, “My Househusband” gives a realistic idea of what a marriage is like. “You realize that the vow about staying together ‘for better or for worse’ is no lip service,” he said.
Judy Ann rejoined: “If anything, we hope the people would leave the audience enlightened that conflicts actually spice up a marriage if handled correctly. These problems can actually make the husband and wife stronger for their family.”
"My Househusband" under OctoArts Films is an entry to this year's Metro Manila Film Festival.

Back to Direk...

Just let me gush for awhile because I am still quite star-struck even after a couple of days. I still can't get over how friendly and warm he is.

Direk Joey is critically acclaimed because he is witty, funny, compassionate and very talented. His views go beyond the movies that make it to the mainstream. Direk Joey has big dreams for the Philippine movie industry and I am very much excited for what he has in store for us in the future. I wish him luck and hope that his dreams turn into reality. I also hope I get to chat with him again soon.

My favorite Director: Joey Reyes

I can tell from this Press Con that My House Husband is gonna be a barrel of laughs but more importantly My House Husband tells the story of something we can all relate to... and that's always a good thing. So don't miss it at this year's Metro Manila Film Festival! :)

You can visit Direk Joey's personal blog HERE

Don't forget to join my 2 ongoing giveaways!!!

Asian Vogue Giveaway

Maxi Skirt Giveaway from Dandy Threads