MANILA -- The team behind the dramedy film “Sampung Utos Kay Josh,” top-billed by Jerald Napoles and Pepe Herrera, is filled with excitement and pride as they prepare to bring the swansong of the late comedy veteran and one of ABS-CBN’s former head comedy writers, Sherwin Buenvenida, to the big screen on January 29, 2025.

Buenvenida spent three years collaborating on the film with director Marius Talampas, renowned for “Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap,” while battling lung cancer.

“Si Sherwin, writer. Nasulat niya na ng buo 'yung script. Then pumasok ako 2021, okay pa si Sherwin. Then na-diagnose siya, cancer. Pero tinuloy namin 'yung draft,” Talampas said during the film’s media conference held in Quezon City, Tuesday.

“Last year he passed away. Sayang hindi niya naabutan. Hindi siya nakapunta sa set dahil may sakit na siya. Sayang hindi umabot but I know for a fact he will be proud,” he added. 

Napoles and Herrera, who had previously worked closely with the comedy veteran, described the script as “solid,” highlighting his brilliance.

“Probably one of the last biggest projects na mine na head siya was ‘Last One Laughing,’ namin nina Vice (Ganda). Isa siya sa heads, ‘yon huli namin trabaho ni Sherwin. Di ba may kanya kanya na writer, siya mentor namin [ni Pepe],” Napoles recalled.

Apart from “LOL: Last One Laughing,” Buenvenida also worked on ABS-CBN projects such as “‘Goin Bulilit,” and “Home Sweetie Home.”

According to GB Labrador, who also wrote for “Goin’ Bulilit,” being part of the cast of Buenvenida’s final piece is an honor, as he looks up to him as one of the pillars of Philippine comedy.

“To have him write this movie and kasama kami means a lot. Si Sherwin ang laki ng ambag sa comedy scene sa Pilipinas. Ang laki ng tulong niya sa comedy. Gusto natin legacy niya tumagal at masundan pa,” he said.

According to comedian James Caraan, who also stars in “Sampung Utos Kay Josh” alongside Albie Casiño, Bobot Mortiz, and Irma Adlawan, the film will introduce a new and bolder brand of comedy.

“Hindi ito tulad ng ibang comedy films, mas matapang ito. Tema pa lang matapang na bugay. Ganon naman dapat ang comedy. Proud kami kasi pinu-push namin boundaries,” he explained.

“Sampung Utos Kay Josh” follows Josh, a devout loan executive who believes his faith and adherence to the Ten Commandments have brought him a good life. However, when a series of misfortunes strike — including a financial crisis that threatens his career and relationship, along with his mother’s declining health — Josh begins to feel abandoned by his faith. In his frustration, he decides to rebel by breaking each commandment.

“Maganda plot. It is worth ma-produce at mapanuod. Tatak ng comedy, parang 'Pangarap Kong Holdup,' matatandaan mo. Pero siya walang formula. Nag-offer tayo ng bago,” Napoles said.

Herrera, meanwhile, urged the public to watch the film with an open-mind.

“Sana panuorin without judgment. For laughter's sake,” he said.

Talampas reassured that the comedy is a thought-provoking story that blends humor with a heartfelt message that respects faith.

“Hindi siya blasphemous, wala kami sinisiraang paniniwala dito. Kwento lang ito sa isang tao. 'Yung  laban sa sarili niya and paniniwala niya. May lessons dito, may matutunan dito. Madami life lessons,” he said.