Excited was an understatement for what he was feeling at the time. He was excited about getting to travel again, but even more so about the opportunity to represent the Philippines at this annual trade show in the French town of Cannes. This was a first not just for Arjo but also for the country, as 'Cattleya Killer' was the first Filipino production to screen at MIPCOM after 38 years since the world's largest content market was established.
Prior to this milestone, Arjo also made waves globally when he was named the Best Actor in a Leading Role for the iWant web series Bagman at the 3rd Asian Academy Creative Awards. The annual awarding ceremony recognizes excellence in the film and television industry across 16 nations in the Asia-Pacific region. And Arjo, who now serves as Quezon City District 1's representative, delivered a stellar performance in the role of Benjo Malaya, a newly-elected governor who survived an assassination attempt and set out to find the one who plotted this crime.
Due to the pandemic, Arjo couldn't attend this event in Singapore, so gracing the MIPCOM Cannes alongside his parents Sylvia Sanchez and Art Atayde (who are co-producers of the Cattleya Killer) and sister Ria Atayde (his fellow cast member in the said series) meant so much to him. They shared that proud Pinoy moment with the team from ABS-CBN and co-producer Nathan Studios, Inc., as well as ABS-CBN International Production head Ruel S. Bayani.
Promoting Cattleya Killer and selling it to an international audience serve as the primary goals for this market screening. But ultimately, in the grand scheme of things, this is a significant leap to more global recognition for the local film and television industry.
'This is not just about Cattleya Killer,' Arjo emphasizes. 'It's about pushing the whole Philippine [entertainment] industry out there. And if we could be a door or ticket to that, then so be it.'
Arjo's latest project—which is filmed in Filipino with English subtitles and overdubs—has its story based on the 1996 Star Cinema movie Sa Aking Mga Kamay that starred Aga Muhlach as Gene Rivera; the character is a psychotic serial killer with the alias 'Cattleya Killer' who's notorious for murdering women.
A two-minute trailer for the highly-anticipated six-part series was recently released. And it revealed that the 2022 version is, in fact, not a remake but a sequel where it's believed that a copycat of Gene Rivera, the infamous serial killer who terrorized Manila two decades ago, has surfaced一or has the 'Cattleya Killer' been reborn?
Arjo's character is Anton, the son of NBI agent Joven (played by Christopher de Leon) who will handle the murder case. From the trailer alone, the versatility and duality of Arjo were remarkable. In order to give justice to his role, this 31-year-old actor made sure to do his homework. He did a lot of research on similar portrayals, watched documentaries, as well as observe and absorb the nuances of his character.
More than his personal preparations, however, Arjo wants to highlight the process of working with ABS-CBN International Production. 'I'm so happy that in this series, they actually implemented the discipline that was being done in other countries,' he tells Metro.Style. 'They set the standards. They set the profession on a different standard. Everyone's on point, everyone's on the same page. They're all so passionate about what they're doing, so it was an experience.'
Cattleya Killer was filmed in part of the 2021 Full Circle Series Lab, a Southeast Asian talent development initiative by the Film Development Council and French film company Tatino Films, with creative development guided by international mentors from South Africa, Israel, and Germany.
Arjo has nothing but great words about Cattleya Killer executive producer Ruel S. Bayani and director Dan Villegas, too. 'Direk Ruel Bayani, very creative. He knows what he wants. He has a vision. He has an eye. And I should say that it's actually a gift,' he says. As for direk Dan, Arjo shares, 'I have one explanation: wild. He's wild. He's a good director. He gave me the freedom but I'm an actor's director. I owe it to him, I owe it to the production, I owe it to the people. This type of job is all about collaboration. It's so fun working with him. He's a wild director in the sense na not wild na inuman ha (laughs) but wild na very collaborative just like direk Ruel.'
Today, when the quality of Filipino-produced films or series is a matter of debate, a topic that causes a stir among netizens to no end, the action-packed Cattleya Killer proves that churning out world-class Filipino content is possible, and that such outputs deserve the spotlight. Joining Arjo in the series is a killer cast which includes Jake Cuenca, Jane Oineza, Ria Atayde, Ricky Davao, Nonie Buencamino, Ketchup Eusebio, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Jojit Lorenzo, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, and Zsa Zsa Padilla.
'To champion Filipino talent in the global stage is one thing but to provide them joy, honor, and inspiration一that to ABS-CBN is a true measure of our success,' says direk Ruel.
Arjo adds, 'I'm looking forward to where this project will lead us.'
The Philippine entertainment industry is indeed at an exciting point where standards for creativity and excellence are constantly revisited, encouraging and allowing for experimentation and innovation. In the same vein as the industry's goal are Arjo's personal career aspirations. He has already made a mark with his characters in TV series like FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, Hanggang Saan, and The General's Daughter. Now, he sees himself doing more roles that help convey real-life stories.
'There [are] so many stories to tell, so many things about human reality,' Arjo says, citing a biopic as one of his dream projects. 'I prefer real-life stories… Let's say, in television, we use it as MMK [Maalaala Mo Kaya], but definitely, there are other stories that we could tell… you know, it's not really trying to show the bad side of the Philippines or something. There are good and bad sides all over the world and to show them is reality. To show them is an interesting journey for any viewer to watch.'
Everything seems to be coming up roses for this Cattleya Killer star, and it's easy to say that he's winning (or killing it) in life, love, and even his line of work. But he'll be the first to tell you that he's 'a work in progress.' Especially in politics, where he's just starting to ease into his role and planning his next steps, he acknowledges there are so many things he must still learn, so many things he must do 'to give the most efficient governance a congressman could ever give.' 'But definitely,' Arjo remarks, 'my values are with me. I'm focused on what I need to do, who I need to help, where I need to be.'
The rest of the time when showbiz and politics are set aside, he spends it with his family and fiancée, Maine Mendoza. Arjo proposed to Maine last July 28 (the same day she fangirled over the actor and tweeted 'Arjo cutie' nine years ago), and the two are still basking in newly-engaged bliss. 'Right now, to tell you honestly, we are enjoying the proposal,' he says.
In the process of planning their wedding, they're getting to know each other better, too. Asked what he likes about Maine, Arjo tells us, 'That's such a hard question. It's cheesy to say everything, but everything… I don't know, we found our way together. I don't know how to say this without being cheesy. We found our way together. It was a story. It was a journey. And I just don't love everything about her but I love everything about our love story. It just happened. It wasn't a forced thing. So [many] stories to tell, but one day we will…'
We're staying tuned for the next chapter in Arjo's life and love story.
Photography by Cyrus Panganiban
Sittings editors: Geolette Esguerra and Justin Convento
Creative director: Raff Colmenar
Interview by Justin Convento
Videography by CJ Reyes
Grooming by Ryan Panaligan
Styling by David Milan
Grooming assistant: Felicito Nato
Photography assistant: Michaelangelo Pabon
Shot on Location at Seda Vertis North
Special thanks to Allyssa Dizon of Seda Vertis North
Cannes set:
Photography by NJphoto-Cannes / Szwemberg-Cegalerba
Hair and makeup for Arjo Atayde: Ryan Panaligan
Hairstylist for Ria Atayde: Antonio Papa
Makeup Artist for Ria Atayde: Denise Go-Ochoa
Hair and makeup for Sylvia Sanchez: Elnar “Monica” Reyes
Hair and makeup for Art Atayde: Ryan Panaligan
Stylist for Arjo Atayde: David Milan
Stylist for Ria Atayde: Cath Sobrevega
Stylist for Art Atayde and Sylvia Sanchez: Frankie de Leon
ABS-CBN Team: Ruel S. Bayani, Head of International Production; Pia B. Laurel, Head of International Sales & Distribution; EJ Mallari, Supervising Producer; Barbara Candano, Producer
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