The lead stars of Viva Films’ latest horror-drama movie, ‘Kuman Thong,’ lavished praise on their director, Xian Lim, during a press conference held on June 19 at Viva Café, Cubao, Quezon City.

Although Xian Lim was absent due to prior commitments, his absence did not stop the cast from expressing their admiration for his directorial skills.

The press event was filled with high expectations as members of the media were eager to ask Lim about ongoing issues. However, they found solace in the glowing comments from the film’s stars, Cindy Miranda and Althea Ruedas.

Althea Ruedas, an eleven-year-old actress known for her role in ‘Doll House’ with Baron Geisler, praised Lim for his openness and collaborative spirit. “Actually po, noong script reading pa lang namin, he already told us kung ano ang mga gusto niya about the movie, ano yung gusto niyang ipalabas sa bawat eksena. Pagdating sa set, kapag may bigla kaming naisip na mas magandang gawin or mas mapapaganda yung movie, sasabihin lang po namin kay Direk and he will be okay with it. That’s what I love about Direk,” she said. She recalled a memorable moment when Lim demonstrated a scene by lying down on the road, saying, “Meron pong one time, humiga po siya sa road para maipakita sa amin ang gagawin. Kaya sobrang amazed ako kay Direk, idol ko na po siya.”

Cindy Miranda also shared her initial reservations about working with Lim due to rumors and negative write-ups she had encountered. However, her perspective changed as she witnessed his professionalism firsthand. “Marami akong naririnig tungkol kay Xian kasi never ko pang nakatrabaho si Xian. You know, ako nakakabasa ako ng mga write ups tungkol kay Xian. Well, may mga bad, you know, sa mga issues po. Ako rin po, tinanong ako ng mga boss sa Viva, ‘How’s Xian?’ He’s okay. He’s very cool, very hands-on siya,” Cindy said.

 

Miranda commended Lim’s passion and understanding as a director. Despite receiving the script only 10 days before their Thailand shoot due to numerous revisions, she noted, “So, pagdating namin doon sa Thailand, hindi siya nagalit, never ko siyang nakitang nagalit, never uminit ang ulo niya.”

Key scenes of ‘Kuman Thong’ were filmed in Ayutthaya, Thailand, featuring Thai actors including Max Nattapol Diloknawarit. Cindy highlighted the smooth filming process and the professional atmosphere created by Lim.

The cast’s positive feedback and their personal anecdotes suggest that Xian Lim’s direction has left a significant impact on the film’s production, increasing anticipation for ‘Kuman Thong.’