At Cinemalaya 2025, musician Ely Buendia takes a lead role in 'Padamlagan' while Leanne Mamonong debuts in 'Open Endings'. Both bring their artistry from music to film. The films explore personal and historical themes.
Rock music icon Ely Buendia, former Eraserheads member, stars as lead Doring in 'Padamlagan', a period film directed by Jenn Romano. The story follows a father's desperate search for his missing son after the 1972 Colgante Bridge collapse in Naga City, five days before Martial Law. "Naga was a huge part of my childhood," Ely told Rappler. Born in Naga, he draws from his Bicolano heritage, recalling fiestas and a religious atmosphere.
Though he has prior acting credits like 'Run Barbi Run' in 1995 and Lav Diaz films, this is his first lead role. His acting coach Ryanne Murcia praised his 'compassion, honesty, and reverence' in portraying the character. Co-star Sue Prado, playing his sister Nora, said, "Naiyak ako pagkatapos ng eksenang 'yon!" describing him as 'sensitive' and 'very observant'.
Meanwhile, Leanne Mamonong of the duo Leanne and Naara debuts as Mihan in 'Open Endings', a film about four queer women directed by Nigel Santos. She does not sing in the film to be seen as an actor, not a musician. It won Best Ensemble Performance at the Cinemalaya Awards, shared with Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Janella Salvador, and Klea Pineda. "Na-enjoy ko s’ya. I hope more acting projects come in," Leanne told Rappler.
Raised in Bacoor, Cavite, she moved to Iloilo in Grade 3. She studied theater at Assumption College and trained under Ana Valdes Lim. 'Open Endings' was emotionally demanding, especially a beach scene disrupted by karaoke from a nearby resort.