Running away from a broken family, enduring mental health issues, and facing an insufferable relationship, Robb Guinto goes through hell for sanity, as Brenda, in Luisito Lagdameo Ignacio’s drama film ‘Desperada.’
DESPERADA follows Miriam (Sue Prado), a dedicated advocate who rescues homeless individuals struggling with mental illness. Among them is Brenda, a woman shattered by a history of abuse. Inside the shelter’s unconventional family, Brenda reunites with her guilt-stricken ex-boyfriend, Lucio, but finds her true path to healing through Hesus—a fellow survivor of trauma. Amidst their shared recovery, Brenda and Hesus discover that love is possible even in the most broken of places.
During the gala screening of the film, writer and producer Dennis Evangelista revealed the story is based on a news article about an unlicensed care facility that is rescuing homeless people.
“Ang Desperada ay loosely based sa nakita ko sa Facebook, sa Instagram na shelter na kumukupkop ng mga nasa kalye, hina-house sila ng isang independent na grupo na recently nagkaroon sila ng kaso na may mga minor, pinatanggal. So, it’s a found story. Kanina, may nagtatanong sa akin kung meron ba talagang model (ang itsura na kinupkop)? Meron talaga, may pinagbasehan ‘yon,” shares writer and producer Dennis Evangelista.
The film takes you on a roller coaster of emotions through its multi-character story. It follows lost and dangerously in love characters like Brenda (Robb) and Lucio (Yasser Marta), as well as the sympathetic, big-hearted Miriam (Sue) and her partner (Mercedes Cabral). All of them gave justice to their roles, despite how challenging they were to play.
By the end of the film, you’ll feel Brenda’s agony over the things she has gone through, the sacrifices she made, and the loved ones she lost. Robb Guinto captures that feeling of being caught between being lost and tired of life—showing that her decisions became more and more desperate and impulsive, blurring the line between a woman fighting for survival and one slowly unraveling under the weight of her own choices.
Desperada stars Sue Prado, Mercedes Cabral, Yasser Marta, Mhack Morales and Robb Guinto, and introducing Jorge Guda. Written by Dennis Evangelista and directed by Luisito Lagdameo Ignacio.
Check out the remaining screening schedule of ‘Desperada’:
MARCH 24, Tuesday
5:00 PM – Eastwood Cinema 1
8:00 PM – Lucky Chinatown Cinema 1
MARCH 25, Wednesday
8:00 PM – Uptown Cinema 4
MARCH 26, Thursday
2:00 PM – Gateway Cinema 17
MARCH 27, Friday
5:00 PM – Eastwood Cinema 1
8:00 PM – Venice Cinema 1
MARCH 28, Saturday
8:00 PM – Eastwood Cinema 1
8:00 PM – Lucky Chinatown Cinema 1
MARCH 29, Sunday
5:00 PM – Gateway Cinema 18
5:00 PM – Uptown Cinema 4
After its Sinag Maynila run, ‘Desperada’ will have a limited release on May 27. Rated R-18 by the MTRCB.
Watch our coverage of the gala screening below: