MONTHS after the manager of Bea Alonzo went public to air their side on the mishap while shooting the historical drama “1521: The Quest for Love and Freedom,” it is now the turn of the film’s producer to publicly apologize.
Inspire Studios head Francis B. Lara Ho said he is “taking responsibility” for decisions made on the set that eventually inconvenienced the actress. He already reached out to Bea and her manager Shirley Kuan prior to speaking with the media last week but has yet to receive a response.
“I hope she hears this: I apologize. Because of my limited knowledge and experience — I’m a first-time producer — I made some calls that apparently didn’t help her, and I take responsibility for them. It wasn’t my intention to hurt her,” Francis told Inquirer Entertainment during the media gathering organized by Viva Entertainment, the film’s distributor in the Philippines.
He continued: “Shirley is a family friend. Her family would spend time with us in America. We’ve known each other for three or four years.”
‘Unreasonable demands’
In September 2023, a report was published quoted the producer saying that Bea made “unreasonable demands” that were not included in her contract, and that she failed to show up during the fitting of her costumes. This was also why Bea ended up paying for the repairs, he was quoted to have said.
On the other hand, Shirley claimed they were not aware of the fitting schedule. She also said the costumes were ill-fitting so Bea had them repaired to avoid any possible wardrobe malfunction while filming.
Francis said he was also preparing to send invitations to Bea and Shirley to attend the special screening on May 29 in Manila. Another screening is scheduled in Cebu City on May 30. The film will have its local nationwide run starting June 5.
Set in the pre-Spanish era, “1521” is the story of a beautiful native princess named Diwata (Bea), who falls in love with Enrique, a Spanish soldier (Hector David Jr.). They fight for their forbidden romance as they are pulled apart by their loyalties to their own people.
Francis said the film was a “gift” to the country when it celebrated its 125th independence last year.
The film was shot in Tagkawayan Beach in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and not in Cebu where the actual Battle of Mactan happened.
Directed by Michael Barder, “1521” also features Michael Copon as Lapu-Lapu, Vic Romano as Udong, Costas Mandylor as Lorenzo, and Larissa Buendia as Humayhay. (Marinel Cruz © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
