Bullying is linked to feelings of insecurity, poor connections and social support, poor academic performance, and an increased risk of depression and other mental health problems.

In "Believe It or Not?"" movie, Brenda (Bianca Tan) strives to grab everyone's attention by bullying her classmates and other schoolmates who are no match for her, particularly some of the students in the lower grades.

“Believe It or Not?” stars attend screening at Gateway Cinema in Quezon City. Photo by Josh Mercado.

She mocks her classmates by calling them names and even insults the school's janitor. Brenda once attempted to offend her own teacher.

Tan's character as a bully stems from her family's turmoil and poor situation. She grew up with money, and it turned out that her family's business was struggling.

The filmmaker, Errol Ropero, wants to deliver a message to students that bullying affects everyone, including those who witness it.

Ropero, along with A and Q Films and AFA Entertainment, announced plans to tour the youth-oriented film to schools and universities.

“Believe It or Not?” team holds celebrity screening

Last October 19, the people behind the film held a celebrity screening at Gateway Cinema 3 in Quezon City, attended by the lead stars Bianca Tan, Potchi Angeles, Shira Tweg, Dwayne Garcia, Daffne Louise, and Niño Vergara.

Tan told her story about being bullied and how she was able to portray a bully role. "When I was in elementary school, I was bullied for my height. Lagi po akong pinagtatanggol ng sisters ko,” she recalled.

“Wala naman pong gustong maging masama. Kapag may taong bully, sana kausapin natin sila or intindihin dahil hindi naman natin alam ‘yung mga napagdaan nila sa buhay,” the newbie actress added. 

On portraying her role, she said, “I watched Korean dramas. Sila ‘yung parang guide ko. Nung nag-start po ng shoot, high blood na po ako agad (to embody the role) at kailangan ko na po agad magtaray. Nahirapan din po ako. After ng scenes, kapag laging lagit, parang ang sakit na po ng ulo.” 

For Tweg, bullying is an important topic, saying, “Never po ako na-bully. Bullying is an important topic. It’s very serious. I had a friend na na-diagnose with depression dahil sa bullying. As her friend, I wanted to be there for her kasi super hirap talaga. Bullying is not a joke. Mapapalabas ito sa schools at makakatulong sa students.”

The director thanked Aldwin Alegre, a producer who first entered the film industry with his MMFF entry alongside Winwyn Marquez.

“First time nung mga bata. Kahit nakapag-workshop na ‘yang mga ‘yan, iba pa rin ‘yung acting on camera. ‘Yun ang mahirap like sa blockings. Sa set namin, happy lang at tawanan lang. Kapag may isang eksena na kailangang seryoso na natatawa sila, ‘yun lang ‘yung part na challenging. Very thankful ako sa producer namin na si Atty. Aldwin Alegre. Marami pa kaming lineup na gagawin. Malaking pasasalamat sa tiwalang binigay niya,” the filmmaker said as he finished the presscon.