Four years after she was widowed, singer Claire dela Fuente found herself bored with her life and practically twiddling her thumbs. So she dipped her fingers into movie making, producing her first independent film, Ukay Hukay.
"I wrote the story from a storyline by Deo Fajardo Jr.," said Claire.
She also wrote the script with Jigs Rector and Alfred Reyes from Fajardo's story line.
"Wala lang, nagsalin-salin lang," Claire said of the creative process.
She described the film as a psychological suspense thriller with so many twists and turns and plot points, and warned that the viewer might get lost in the beginning.
"Mabigat 'yung story," she said. "Dugtung-dugtong. It's about two high school girls living in different worlds."
It's also about a love of a girl for a boy whom she watches over and tries to protect from danger.
Other than these two plot points, Claire won't divulge anything more, except, "I cried when I watched the film."
She said that until now, she doesn't know how she managed to put together the story for the film. Ukay Hukay is directed by Deo Fajardo Jr. and Alain Penaflor, whom Claire manages.
At first, Claire wanted only to make a short film to build a catalogue for Penaflor, who studied film in the U.S. "But I was inspired by his talent that I went through a whole movie," said Claire, referring to Penaflor.
She describes his style as very Hollywood—from the camera works to the editing. "Talagang magaling," she gushed.
The singer-turned-movie producer did the film as her own way of doing something for the industry. She said she intends to promote the movie in the international market.
Unlike most Indie films which cost barely a million pesos, Ukay Hukay cost Claire P2 million and a year to finish because she was so busy doing other things, like recording an album with Michael Bolton.
"Premier night pa lang, bawi ko na 'yan from sponsors," said Claire with confidence.
She intends to tap the transportation sector in which she is deeply involved as the owner of two bus fleets and as president of the Integrated Metrobus Operators' Operation to support the film.
"And they would do that," she said. "We support each other in other endeavors so for sure, they would support my movie."
Ukay Hukay stars Richard Kwan, Baron Geisler, Jodi Sta. Maria, Chynna Ortaleza, Malu Barry, PJ Javellana, Jaclyn Jose and Glenda Garcia.