Jose Javier Reyes Reveals Shocking Hollow Blocks Incident w/ Richard Gomez on Set
JOSE JAVIER REYES – Filmmaker Jose Javier Reyes has revealed a shocking behind-the-scenes incident involving hollow blocks and actor-politician Richard Gomez during a film shoot.
Veteran filmmaker and current Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairman Jose Javier Reyes recently shared a colorful and unexpected behind-the-scenes story involving actor-politician Richard Gomez during a guest appearance on “Ang Walang Kwentang Channel,” alongside directors Olivia Lamasan and Joel Lamangan.
According to Reyes, the incident happened during a film shoot in Ortigas that involved a highly technical lighting setup by the late cinematographer Romy Vitug. The director recalled how the long preparation time created tension on set, especially for one of his lead actors who was eager to leave early due to a morning golf tournament.
Reyes narrated the situation in detail, saying, “Ang nangyari kasi we are shooting scene sa may Ortigas. E ang cinematographer ko si Romy Vitug. E alam mo naman si Romy Vitug. Ang eksena namin dito, iilawan niya hanggang Fairview.
“So ang tagal tagal ng proseso. I cannot do anything kasi di ba nag-iilaw ‘yung cinematographer. Yung artista ko, itatago ko sa initials na Richard Gomez, gusto niyang mag-golf the next morning. So gusto niyang umuwi agad.”
As the tension escalated, the director said misunderstandings arose on set, with the actor thinking he was deliberately delaying the shoot.
“But then, there is nothing I can do. I have to take a big scene. Akala niya, kaartehan ko, nananadya ako na ang tagal ng set-up. E gustong-gusto na niyang umuwi kasi he had an 8 or 7 o’clock golf tournament.
“Sa galit niya, wala akong kamuwang-muwang, katabi ko pa ang yumaong si Doughlas Quijano, nagkukuwentuhan kami. Biglang lumapit [si Richard], may hawak na hollow blocks,”
Reyes admitted he was caught off guard and even responded with a simple “Yes?” before an unexpected confrontation unfolded.
“Binato niya sa harap ko [‘yung hollow blocks] tapos mild, hindi naman harmful sapak. ‘Yung sapak lang para mailabas niya [‘yung nararamdaman niya] tapos pinaghiwalay na kami ni Douglas,”
The film in question was “Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin”. Despite the heated moment, Reyes shared that the production was completed, though tensions lingered on set.
“Tinapos namin ang pelikula. Tinapos namin pero there was such tensions on the set. It was ‘Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin’. We finished the movie and later on, nagkausap kami and now we are good friends,”
Reflecting on the experience, Reyes added a broader insight about working in the industry: “May mga artista na maganda ang pagkatao at may mga artista na akala nila sila ay tao,” ending his candid recollection.
READ ALSO: Jose Javier Reyes’ Apology For ‘Idol’ Judges Post Elicits Various Reactions