Jerald Napoles on what makes 'Pagpag 24/7' special

Jerald Napoles

From romcoms and family movies, to barkada flicks and comedy horror projects, Jerald Napoles has got to be actor with most variety of roles in the last two, three years.

In Viva Films' "Pagpag 24/7," the actor said in a recent interview that being collaborative brings out the best in his offerings.

Asked what makes this one special, Jerald talked about working with Nicco Manolo and how they've waited for this opportunity.

"He is my best friend, my closest friend," Jerad said. "Tagal na kami magkasama; sa teatro pa lang, di pa kami umaarte sa pelikula. Nagkatrabaho kami sa 'The Janitor' but we did not have a scene together then. Now, andami."

"Pagpag 24/7" is the story of two friends haunted by the ghost of past crime. They find themselves stranded with strangers in a convenience store where abandoned souls await their victims. 

Aside from Nicco, the movie stars Nikko Natividad, Wilbert Ross, Danita Paner and Dindo Arroyo.

Jerald also lauded director JR Reyes for being "high strung with high energy" which sets the mood on the set that ultimately transcends on the silver screen.

"Si direk, para siyang tropa, parang kumpare mo na kainuman, kalaro sa basketball---pero alam niya yung gusto niyang gawin," the actor explained. "This movie has touch of '90s comedy at kahit sa totoong buhay, funny guy si direk, so that helps."

"Pagpag 24/7," of course, alludes to the Pinoy superstitious belief of going to a place immediately after going to a wake, specifically to "shake off" any bad vibe or negative energy.  

Does Jerald believe in such things?

"Noong bata ako, naniniwala ako sa pamahiin, but now sa dasal lang," he said. "I believe in Divine Intervention at pagpapasa Diyos ng mga bagay-bagay..."   

Having done so many comedy projects before, Jerald revealed what's hardest for him to do at this point.

"Hindi ako nahihirapan mag ad lib kasi nabiyayaan tayo sa bilis ng utak pagdating dyan," he said. "Ang mahirap for me ay wag mag ad lib sa eksena. Minsan kasi bilang comedy actor, I forget na hindi lang naman yung comedy ko ang magdadala ng elsena kundi meron pa yang sound design, editing, lighting..."

Jerald relates to the "barkada" aspect of "Pagpag 24/7." The actor said his friends come from all walks of life; from those he met in Tondo where he grew up, to celebrities and politicians he got to know at work.

'Pero kahit sa dami nila, I am careful not lose my sense of self," he said to that effect.

"Pagpag 24/7" opens in cinemas nationwide on March 20.