Advocacy movie on Philippine drug war 'Buy Bust Queen' in cinemas starting Feb. 28

(From left): JR Olinares, Wilkins Villanueva, Phoebe Walker, Cheng Alessa, Prince Danjuma and Jeffrey Santos 

Those who know Phoebe Walker as exclusive Viva talent should not be surprised seeing her star in "Buy Bust Queen" under Pinoyflix Films and Entertainment Production in cooperation with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

"Pinaalam namin sa Viva," she said. "It was too good to pass up."

The movie was shot just as the lockdowns due to the pandemic were easing up in late 2021. Back then, the actress was also reeling from a breakup---"transitioning," as she put it----so "Buy Bust Queen," her biggest project to date, is memorable to her.

An advocacy movie, "Buy Bust Queen" is about women leading the operations of PDEA. It casts the agency in a positive light at the height of the Philippine drug war. 

"We want to pay tribute to our fallen comrades who fought the good fight against illegal drugs," said to that effect by former PDEA director Gen. Wilkins Villanueva who plays himself in the movie. "This is not a propaganda film; it's more of a tribute film to those PDEA agents."

In this true story-inspired narrative, the motto "Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid" encapsulates the daily courage exhibited by PDEA agents. This tale centers on seven exceptional women who defy gender norms, showcasing their unwavering dedication and resilience in joining an institution traditionally dominated by men. Their commitment stems from a lifetime of virtues, forming an unshakable foundation that cannot be easily replicated.

Director JR Olinares praised Phoebe for her dedication to craft. As example, he cited a scene where she could've opted for a double or for "cinematic license" to make things easier for her, but no, she did exactly as PDEA agents do for real.

Phoebe said she admires PDEA women agents who are showing the world that what men can do, so can they. After doing the movie, she now has deeper understanding of the drug war and she is dead serious against illegal drug use.

"Buy Bust Queen" also stars Ritz Asul, Maxine Medina, Ellaine Ochoa, Cheng Alessa, Ameera Johara, Ayeesha Cevabtes, Ervic Vijandre, Christian Vasquez, Jeric Raval, Alex Medina, Jeffrey Santos, Dindo Arroyo, Ping Medina and Prince Danjuma.

While the film has a theatrical run starting today, Feb. 27, JR said they are also eyeing streaming platforms as Netflix for "Buy Bust Queen" to reach as many people as possible. They are also keen on joining international film festivals, saying that the fight against illegal drug use is a universal one so even people from other countries can relate to the movie.