PHILIPPINES, MARCH 9, 2011 – The adobo official cinema premiere of Happyland, an independent film about the futkaleros, the street football players of Tondo, kicked off at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1 last March 7.
Written and directed by noted filmmaker Jim Libiran, Happyland is based on the true story of the legendary barefoot football players of Tondo. It is an inspiring story of young men who find hope and a chance for a better life with football. The film’s title is based on the film’s setting, a community named after "hapilan"–a Visayan word for "garbage dump".
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Fr. John Andreu talks to producer Mitch Moreno as the Happyland team and adobo’s Angel Guerrero look on
The cast is made up mainly of non-actors, real football players of Tondo who trained under the Futbol sa Kalye program of Coach Peter Amores. Libiran and cast members Amores, Fr. John Andreu, Mo Ibrahim and the futkaleros graced the screening and participated in the Q&A session that followed.
Moviegoers were treated to free kettle corn, Gatorade and copies of adobo’s latest issue; Tondo shirts and Happyland pins were also available at the entrance. Donations of shoes and old football gear were accepted at the cinema, in custom shoeboxes designed by adobo’s Lech Velasco.
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adobo’s Joshua Adriano, Lech Velasco and Angel Guerrero with the cast of Happyland (Peter Amores, Mo Ibrahim and the futkaleros)
The screening was organized by adobo for the benefit of the futkaleros of Tondo. Donations in kind may be forwarded to the adobo office at Karrivin Plaza, Don Chino Roces Extension, Makati City.
The screening was made possible by Alaska, Ensogo, Fitness First and Yehey! To help support the film or for more information on upcoming screenings, contact producer Mitchelle Moreno at 09178915477 or email help@savehappyland.com.
adobo magazine, the word on advertising, has long been a supporter of football, hosting the Adobo Football Cup for four years running. This year’s inter-agency tournament, co-presented by Alaska Milk, will be held at the University of Makati football field on March 26, 2011.
