Film director Joel Lamangan. Photo by Josh Mercado

There’s an ongoing heated internet debate over whether personalities are required to take photos with fans or have the option to decline.

Some netizens would understand if a celebrity refused to take a selfie with them, while others believe a celebrity shouldn't ignore them.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, veteran filmmaker and now actor Joel Lamangan, who understands the celebrity business and the power of fandom, advised the public to be cautious while approaching personalities for photos.

“If you’re a celebrity/personality who appears in public, hindi mo naman kailangang i-entertain lahat ‘yung mga gustong magpa-picture sa ’yo,” he told ABS-CBN News.

Citing that personalities are not always in a good mood, the seasoned director added, “‘Yung mga tao, dapat maintindihan din nila na tao lamang ‘yung mga celebrity. Sometimes, hindi nila feel ang pinapagawa nila. It happens. It should not define them. Minsan, masama ang gising ng isang celebrity o personality. Tao lang din sila.”

As a force in the industry for nearly three decades, Lamangan described how he personally handles requests for photos during his private moments.

“Ako, I say, ‘Mamaya na lang. Hindi ako makatawa. I don’t feel like. Mamaya na lang. Bababa na lang ako riyan.’ Yes, you try to entertain them but you have to tell them what you really feel,” he told ABS-CBN News.

“While praying, someone will come up to me and say, ‘Hoy, Roda. Picture tayo.’ Sabi ko, ‘Nagdadasal ako,’” he happily recounted his church experience.

The award-winning director also discussed his newfound fame as an actor, citing his iconic role in “Batang Quiapo."

“It’s the power of television. Ganoon ka-popular ang ‘Batang Quiapo.’ It’s the highest grossing TV show kaya napamahal sila kay Roda. Hindi lang kay Roda. All the characters. Lahat kami. Hindi na pangalan ko ang tinatawag. Si Roda na. That’s fine,” he said.

Lamangan is not overwhelmed by the cultural phenomenon of his character in the Kapamilya hit series, adding, “Hindi ako nao-overwhelm. I know it’s part of my job. Nasa TV ako. Si Roda. But there are times na naiirita na rin dahil may private moments like sa church.

Lamangan on new project 'Fatherland'

Bentria Productions and Heaven’s Best Entertainment introduce ‘Fatherland’ cast. Photo by Josh Mercado

Meanwhile, Lamangan discussed his upcoming film "Fatherland," which is produced by Bentria Productions and Heaven's Best Entertainment.

The movie stars Allen Dizon, Inigo Pascual, Cherry Pie Picache, Mercedes Cabral, Angel Aquino, Rico Barrera, Bo Bautista, Jeric Gonzales, Ara Davao, Jim Pebanco, and Richard Yap. 

When asked about Dizon and Pascual's artistic abilities, Lamangan told ABS-CBN News, “I’ve worked with Allen so many times. When you talk of subtlety, Allen is a good example. Si Inigo naman, I was surprised that he’s a very good actor, he’s sensible, he’s professional, and he knows his line when he comes to the set.”

The "Fatherland" filmmaker also urged the public to support Philippine cinema.

When asked if he plans to slow down, given the successes he has already made, Lamangan shared with ABS-CBN News, “Hindi ko alam ang ‘slowing down.’ Hindi ako mag-i-slow down as long as the industry needs me.”

Line produced by Dennis Evangelista and executive produced by Engr. Benjamin Austria and Harlene Bautista, “Fatherland” opens in cinemas on April 19.

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