Star Cinema will distribute Piolo Pacual's "Manila"

ABS-CBN's movie outfit Star Cinema has pick up Piolo Pacual's indie film "Manila" to be released on July 22, 2009 at Philippine cinemas nationwide.

Piolo who starred in this 2-part film also served as the executive producer. Divided into a “Day” and “Night” episode directed by Raya Martin and Adolfo Alix, Jr., respectively.

This black-and-white film are inspired by Ishmael Bernal’s 1980 film Manila by Night and Lino Brocka’s 1979 film Jaguar.

Manila was first exhibited at the 61st Cannes Film Festival and the 31st Moscow International Film Festival and it is scheduled to be screened in other international film festivals.

For the Day segment, Piolo Pascual portrays William, a drug addict who tries to rebuild his sense of self and reconnect with the people around him. Piolo's character is named William in honor of William Martinez who played the lead role in Manila By Night.

For the Night segment, Piolo portrays Philip, a bodyguard for a mayor's son who mistakenly believes that his boss considers him as part of the family. Piolo's character is named Philip in honor of Phillip Salvador who played the lead role in Jaguar.

Cast includes Rosanna Roces, Jay Manalo, Alessandra de Rossi, Baron Geisler, Iza Calzado, Angelica Panganiban, Jiro Manio, William Martinez, Anita Linda, Marissa Delgado, Menggie Cobarrubias, John Lapus, Katherine Luna, Aleck Bovick and Jon Avila.