The cast of the Mindanao-based film "Moro" during its private screening in Quezon City on July 14, 2024. Ganiel Krishnan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The cast and crew of the Mindanao-based movie "Moro" got to see the fruit of their hard work on Sunday, in a private screening for the film in a hotel in Quezon City.

Among those present were Piolo Pascual, Baron Geisler, actress-director Laurice Guillen, and director Brillante Mendoza. 

The movie will be released on Netflix on July 19.

READ: Brillante Mendoza's 'Moro' gets Netflix premiere

"This private screening is for the actors and for the staff, kasi alam mo, ang pelikulang ito, hindi siya madaling gawin," said Mendoza, who explained that they encountered plenty of challenges while making the movie -- including the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We filmed this before the pandemic, then nahinto kami dahil nagkaroon ng pandemic," he said. 

Geisler, who plays the role of Abdel in the film, said he learned to speak Maguindanaon over the course of two months as part of his preparation.

Meanwhile, Pascual said he is honored to take on another role that shines a spotlight on Philippine history after previously working on the films Mallari and Gomburza.

READ: Is Piolo Pascual planning to stop doing romcom films?

"I wish I could say na pinili ko talaga siya, but luma-landing lang po talaga sa lap natin 'yung mga ganitong proyekto," he explained. "I'm just really humbled by the opportunities that come my way."

"At this point, I'm a sucker for good stories," Pascual added. "I would always say that, and if there's some story that I really want to take on."

Geisler also took the opportunity to thank Pascual for giving him his "movie break" through "Moro."

"Moro" stars Piolo Pascual and Baron Geisler during its private screening in Quezon City on July 14, 2024. Ganiel Krishnan, ABS-CBN News

"I wanna thank Mr. Piolo Pascual, we shot this nung 2019, this is my first big break in Philippine cinema," he said. "Ito 'yung first big role ko po noong 2019, noong galing akong preso at rehab."

"I prayed for a miracle," Geisler recalled. "After a few months of fervently praying, God answered it with a call from Direk Brillante Mendoza. Sabi niya, 'Baron, may gagawin tayong pelikula, magkapatid kayo ni Piolo. Pag-aralan mo 'to.'"

"Sabi ko, 'Sige po, direk'," he added. "I can't thank you enough, I'm so grateful to be a part of this film, and pinagbigyan mo ako na magka-break sa industriya."

READ: Baron Geisler says 'Senior High' experience is 'one for the books'

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