Clickthecity.com Article: "Pera-perahang Lata" Nears Completion

After the success of her first two short films "Aninag" (New York International Independent Film and Video Festival 2005, Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival 2006, New York Filipino Film Festival 2005, UNESCO Audio-Visual E-Platform, 3rd Place at Viva's PBO Digitales Film Competition 2006) and "Karsel" (Kodak Film Award 2003 and Best Production Thesis 2003 of the UP Film Institute, International Women's Film Festival 2006 and Nominee for the Gawad Urian Best Short Film 2003), writer-director Rianne Hill Soriano saw an opportunity to make a third film with "Pera-perahang Lata," a film that explores the journey of a young factory worker during the Christmas season.

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Nilo: Von Arroyo

“Pera-perahang Lata” is the debut film of singer, TV host, Pinoy Dream Academy (Seasons 1 and 2) Diction Master, John Robert Powers instructor, and V-Factor Events and Promotions project manager Von Arroyo.

Amidst the extensive auditions, Von is Rianne’s only choice to play the role of Nilo. Professional and good-natured as he is, he had that look that she found solely on him among the roster of talented actors vying for the role.


Von is best known for his musical talents with his very early and yet successful singing career. He was a Ryan Cayabyab music scholar and member of Cayabyab’s 14K. He had a number of music hits under his belt: his first self-titled album “Mr. Lonely” under Viva Records; “Maisip Mo Lang Ako” and “Reborn” under Prime Music and distributed by Viva Records; and the 14K Music album from 1989-1993. His hit singles include “If You Leave Me,” “Single Rain,” and “Through the Fire.”


He appeared in TV commercials for Coke, RCBC, Toyota, and PLDT. He also had his share of theatrical performances including the musicals “Princess of the Moon” at the Aliw Theater from 2002 to 2004 and “Belen” at the Star Theater, Star City from 2002 to 2004. He hosted PAGCOR’s Spin2win Magic 5 and also starred on “Fidel,” his second independent short film.



Von also attended ABS-CBN acting workshops and the 11th batch of Ricky Lee’s scriptwriting workshop.


He is an instructor for Conversational English, Voice and Communications, Believability, Acting, VTR and Eye Contact for John Robert Powers International.

Gary: Arnold Reyes

More than being a very talented film, TV, and theater actor, Arnold’s attitude and work ethics is an inspiring breath of fresh air. After the dire need of the production for a new actor to play the role of Gary, he is indeed a blessing for the production. And he is undoubtedly the best "Gary" to play the role.

This is his first time to collaborate with Rianne and it has been a truly wonderful experience to have him portray one of the film's major characters.

A familiar face on television, Arnold Reyes did numerous ad campaigns. He was a featured model for Smart, PLDT, McDonalds, San Miguel Beer, Downy Fabric Conditioner, Wrigley’s Orbit Chewing Gum, Lucky Me, Sarsa ni Mang Tomas, Talk N’ Text, Benadryl, Kawasaki, Bacchus, Knorr, among others.

For theater, he acted for: "Hamlet Redux,” Atlantis Productions’ "Rent Manila," Actor’s Repertory Theater’s "Romeo and Juliet" and "Florante at Laura," CCP’s entry to the International Theater Festival 2006 "Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal" for which he was voted Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance as Dodong (Best of Theater 2006, Philippine Daily Inquirer), and “Orosman at Zafira,” an entry to the “1st International Komedya Fiesta” of the University of the Philippines Centennial Celebration.

He is also into song writing. His song "Paano Na?" interpreted by Bituin Escalante garnered Second Prize Honors at the Metro Pop 2000 Song Writing Festival. In 2003, his composition "Kung Ako Ba Siya?" interpreted by Piolo Pascual made it to the Finals at the Himig Handog Love Song – winning him the coveted Texters’ Choice Award.

He also proved his versatility as an actor playing various roles for renowned independent films including "Big Time," "Pisay," "Ang Huling Araw Ng Linggo," “Imoral,” “Manila,” “Adela,” and “UPCAT.”

He’s also part of the ensemble in Camera Café, the five-minute French comedy show which was adapted by some of the country's leading playwrights to suit Pinoy sensibilities. Arnold also starred in the ABS-CBN “teleserye” “Dragona” and French producer Henri de Lorme’s and director Mark Meily’s “You Women.”

Adult Beggar: Gio Respall

Gio Respall is an Industrial Design/Fine Arts graduate who does lots of artistic things. As a top dancer, he is member of Douglas Nieras' Powerdance. He also starred in the Cinema One Originals film “Yanggaw.”

Apart from being a dancer and a character actor, he is also known for his hosting and choreography stints.

During the course of filming "Pera-perahang Lata," Rianne and Gio realized that they already worked together years before for a music video of Slapshock.

Juda: Paul Sy

Paul Sy is a theater actor from Gantimpala. As a puppeteer, he's the man behind the character “Kokey,” an ABS-CBN comedy “teleserye” of the same title. He also appeared in the ensemble of Camera Café.