Leading a quarantine generation story, the brimming ensemble cast of Still gives a hopeful musical narrative during the pandemic!
Still narrates the story of a group of aspiring artists who become trapped in a music camp during the pandemic’s early months.
Each character, like us, goes through periods of hardship, loss, and sadness; however, they find reasons to remain strong and hopeful for the future through new relationships and moments of self-discovery developed over time.
Additionally, Ms. Ariane Kader-Cu, Country Manager of Viu Philippines, emphasized the importance of demonstrating the company’s commitment to delivering the best Asian content and fostering premium entertainment.
“Viu aims to produce premium Asian content for everyone. We specifically looked into our data to understand what our consumers are interested in. Over the past 18 months, we noticed that Filipinos are getting more interested in music and we used that as our pillar to create premium Filipino content with Still.”
Viu Brings Hope & Healing Through Music In First Pinoy Original “Still”
Christian Bautista as Nikolas
Christian Bautista, Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, stars as Nikolas, the camp’s leader and mentor to Daloy Himig.
Nikolas does not believe his talent is valuable enough to share, and when the lockdown was announced, he was unsure how he would divert the campers’ attention away from depression and tension.
“My real experience is almost the same as my character. I really thought, ‘Nag research ba sila about our personal experiences during the pandemic?’ because the stories portrayed in the series are all real. Every camper has different thoughts about the pandemic and it is on how we manage it.”
Julie Anne San Jose as Laura
Julie Anne San Jose, Asia’s Limitless Star, portrays a tenacious Laura who battles for herself, her aspirations, and the people she cares about—even as the pandemic threatens to devastate her plans.
She poignantly expresses her emotions through songs like Bagong Mundo, reminding us to be loyal to our emotions and fight our inner battles.
As Laura would say, “To sing is to tell your truth twice. Kumbaga, hindi mo lang siya binibigkas, isinasabuhay mo rin siya.“
“Dito sa Bagong Mundo, ang dami nating kinatatakutan, mga katanungan a minsan hindi natin alam ang sagot. All we need right now is faith. Sa kabila ng lahat ng pagsubok, matatapos rin ang lahat ng ito. When I first heard Bagong Mundo, tumagos talaga sa puso ko yung lyrics. It is just so beautiful.!”
Bituin Escalante as Annette
Bituin Escalante, a veteran singer, plays Annette, the owner of Balay, the home of Daloy Himig.
While she has always lived vicariously through the young campers, the lockdown compels her to confront the losses she previously ignored.
“So many people have gone through depression without knowing it. Sometimes we need that validation that what we are feeling is real. When you see your experiences being fleshed out and played on the screen, it’s therapy. Reminds you that everything’s okay, you’re not alone.”
Gab Pangilinan as Sab
Gab Pangilinan, the Philippines’ Theater Princess, portrays Sab, a voiceless writer who, like any other girl, wishes she could or would fulfill her aspirations.
As Sab expresses during one episode, “(p)ara sa ating mga naliligaw, noong tumigil ang mundo, tumigil din ang mga pangarap natin. Madaya. Ang dami nating alinlangan at galit.”
“Many of us are in limbo during the pandemic. Still confronts that. The characters in ‘Still’ just reflect who we all are today.”
Mike Shimamoto as Iggy
Mike Shimamoto stars as Iggy, an experienced camper who has a life-changing experience that alters everything. Shinamoto’s portrayal of Iggy demonstrates how we may retain our voices and have our stories heard.
“I experienced things inwardly and it was hard for me to articulate the things that I went through, just like Iggy. The song ‘Mundo Umikot Ka’ reflects what we truly felt during the pandemic. I am sure all of us can relate to this line in the song ‘Kung dito na nagtatapos, paano na ako, paano na tayo. Kaya mundo, umikot ka’.”
Abu Autea as Tugs
Abe Autea, a theater actor best known for his roles in Dekada ’70 and Nina Rosa, now takes on the role of Tugs, the “happy pill.” While he looks to be a happy-go-lucky person, his camp experience reveals a more nuanced side to him.
“Sometimes people cannot express their stories or experiences. Still gives that opportunity to tell everyone’s story.”
Nonetheless, Autea was permitted to produce one song to be on the lookout for.
“Sa pagsulat nito, nanalo kami.”
Lance Reblando as Leigh
Leigh is played by Lance Reblando, best known for his roles in Ang Huling El Bimbo and Disney’s The Lion King.
She is a worn-out fighter who has struggled with anxiety and painful life transitions even before the pandemic began. As she explained in an episode, “Pa-loob ang anxiety ko. Gets naman, I am not welcome anywhere.“
“Ang dami kong kilala na nag-struggle sa mental health. Even me,” Reblando continued, “but, with Still, we can learn how to go through our mental struggles by letting our voices be heard.”
Gabby Padilla as Debbie
Gabby Padilla, fresh off her FAMAS Best Actress nomination for Bille & Emma, relishes the part of Debbie, the drama queen who is always ready to bring a little excitement wherever she goes.
As she proudly states, “I am Miss Debbie with an E coming to you with a slow verse. Pretty, medyo witty, Catriona pang Miss Universe. Bow down to the Queen.”
Discover more about each character, the soundtrack, and how to progress forward by streaming Viu Original’s Still.
PR Source: Viu
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