Actor Carlo Aquino. IG/@jose_liwanag

MANILA -- High Road Creatives, in collaboration with Japan's 034Productions, is set to release the film “Crosspoint” on October 16 in Philippine cinemas. 

The film stars actor Carlo Aquino and Emmy-nominated Japanese actor Takehiro Hira, known for his role in “Shogun”.

“Crosspoint” explores the story of two individuals struggling to make ends meet. Both are financially down on their luck and find themselves at a crucial crossroad in their lives, where they must take desperate measures to survive. 

“Tungkol siya sa dalawang individuals na trying to make ends meet financially... sobrang bagsak na bagsak sila,” Aquino shared, describing the film’s premise.

Aquino expressed excitement about working alongside Takehiro Hira and filming in Japan. 

"Ang daming check list sa akin: sa Japan yung shoot, kasama ko si Takehiro Hira na Emmy-nominated for 'Shogun,' tapos yung director sabi ko nga kay Aapril (Charlie Dizon), 'Love, first time to sa almost three decades ko sa industry, sabi ko bago 'to, gagawin ko 'to'," Aquino said. 

He also praised Hira’s professionalism, noting how the Japanese actor was always well-prepared, even during rehearsals. “Yung pag dating niya pa lang sa set alam na niya lahat. yung blocking nalang aaralin namin. Saka kahit rehearsal ginagawa na niya yung gagawin sa take., Aquino shared.

Aquino also shared how he landed the role of Manuel Hidalgo, the character he’s playing, explaining that it came through a close connection. “Zeppi (Borromeo) is a good friend of mine, and one of the producers is his brother-in-law,” he said. When the production team was looking for an actor for the role, Zeppi recommended him. “Dahil close kami, sabi niya, ‘si Carlo nalang,’ so that’s how it happened,” Aquino recounted.

During filming, Aquino experienced a minor accident during a fight scene with co-actor Sho, resulting in a temporarily dislocated thumb. 

"May isang fight scene kami dun ni Sho, isa sa mga co-actors ko ... Yung thumb ko medyo na dislocate siya, na-shoot dun sa jacket pocket so na-dislocate and namaga. Sabi ko, hindi ako nag-cut during the take, hinayaan ko matapos tapos. Pagka-cut binalik ko. tapos kita pa rin yung maga. Sabi ko tapusin na natin 'tong scene na 'to bago niyo ako dalhin sa hospital. Eh syempre ayaw nila so dinala ako sa hospital," he recalled.

Despite the challenges, Aquino is optimistic about expanding his international career. 

"Kung magkakaroon ng opportunity, a door would open para sa akin ... Kasi may Squid Game na before. Lagi akong almost eh, pero hindi nangyayari. Pero ito in a way, sana kung magkakaroon ng tyansa diba,” he said, referencing his previous near-opportunities like “Squid Game”. In 2021, Aquino announced in his instagram account that he had been cast for the character known as Abdul Ali, portrayed by Anupam Tripathi, but was unable to join the filming in South Korea due to coronavirus restrictions at the time.

“Crosspoint” is also slated for a screening in Japan next year. The film’s supporting cast includes notable talents like Sarah Jane Abad, Kei Kurosawa, Ian de Leon, Zeppi Borromeo, Dindo Arroyo, and Polo Ravales.