MANILA -- Musician and Eraserheads vocalist Ely Buendia has ventured into acting as he stars in the upcoming film "Padamlágan" (Night Light), which is an official entry to this year's Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival to be held this October.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News at the sidelines of the press conference of the 21st Cinemalaya on Wednesday, Buendia said he agreed to do the project because of the story.
"It's a true-to-life story. It has something to do with the Naga City and I was born in Naga City. So parang return to my roots. So that's why I accepted the project," he said.
For the film, Buendia emphasized that he is involved as an actor, not as a musician.
Asked what was the most challenging part in doing the movie, he replied: "Everything was mahirap. It was my first lead role. It's a dramatic role but I'm glad that the filmmakers were very supportive, very understanding and I tried to do my best."
In "Padamlágan," Buendia plays Doring who is desperately searching for his missing son after the Colgante Bridge in Naga collapsed five days before the declaration of Martial Law.
"My character is a very conscientious person, he is a single father. It's his struggle emotionally and mentally to find his lost son, who was lost in the tragedy of the Colgante Bridge," he said.
This is not the first time that Buendia will be seen on big screen. Just months ago, Eraseherheads released its first documentary "Combo On The Run."
Asked if he will continue to do acting projects, Buendia said: "Depende, again if I like the story or the concept."
The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival will be held from October 3 to 12 at the Shangri-La Plaza Cinemas in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.
RELATED VIDEOS: