Film director Mike Sandejas is quite proud of his latest opus. Titled “Sinagtala,” the film follows a group of people who once played music together as a band. Years after the group’s dissolution, they are now grappling with the challenges of adulthood, trying to find their place in the world. “I promise you, the film will not disappoint,” Mike told us during a recent interview. “Unang-una, we have an all-star cast. These kids are really popular. Sa social media pa lang, milyon na ang mga followers ng mga ito. So, I really feel like a have a winner in ‘Sinagtala.’ I’m really quite proud of this.” Told how musicals are often a hit-or-miss thing particularly around these parts, Mike replied, “Iba naman ito. Hindi ito musical na parang Broadway, yung suddenly someone will break out into a song. It’s a drama, it talks about life, something relatable but there’s also music kasi nga banda sila.” “Tsaka ‘yung music namin dito is something else. I think we have one of the best musical soundtracks in Philippine Cinema history. The music is sexy and my actors actually performed the songs.” Mike went on to sing the praise of his stars, namely, Rhian Ramos, Rayver Cruz, Matt Lozano, Arci Muñoz and Glaiza de Castro. “They’re all very good actors. Ang galing nila dito. Like Rhian, she was there from the start. She gave her all for the film, going on to even learn how to play drums again.” “I never saw any of Arci's films prior to us working together on ‘Sinagtala.’ She actually allowed herself to be deglamorized to portray her character in the film and I thank her for it.” "Glaiza was in character from the get-go. She arrived at the set looking weak and sickly. Concerned, I went to talk to her to see how she was. She said she had cancer. I was like, 'Oh, she's already in character.' Scary actually.” “Everyone said Matt could be my son and I love that. For his role in the film, it would be a tragedy if he is not given a slew of nominations and awards. Subtle, smart, mature actor and a musical genius.” “Rayver’s character in the film is me. It’s my story. And Rayver understood everything. His scenes make me cry because the accuracy of his performance to true scenes in my life was heartbreaking. He cried the tears I once cried.”