Mon Confiado immerses himself in fishermen’s lives for his role in ‘The Fisher’
Making sure to give a better portrayal as a Filipino fisherman, veteran actor Mon Confiado recalled challenging himself to live in the shoes of Pedro in the 2023 film The Fisher that will be exclusively released in local cinemas this October.
On his social media page, Mon shared a glimpse of his method acting process, living the life of a fisherman for a month.
“Isang buwan bago ang shooting, iniwan ko muna ang mundong nakasanayan ko upang makibahagi sa mundo ng mga mangingisda sa Norte,” Mon shared.
Mon revealed that his preparation involved living with the fishermen, adapting to their daily routines, and learning about the challenges they face as he himself underwent physical changes.
“Namuhay akong kasama nila. Nakibagay sa kanilang pamumuhay. Nagpaitim. Nagpapayat. At higit sa lahat, sinikap kong unawain ang buhay na araw-araw nilang hinaharap – ang dagat, ang hanapbuhay, ang pagod, at ang pakikipagbuno sa buhay,” he added.
For Mon, portraying Pedro meant more than simply wearing his character’s clothes or adopting his physical appearance. He wanted to understand the experiences and circumstances that shaped the fisherman’s life.
“Hindi sapat na isuot ko lamang ang damit ni Pedro. Kailangan kong maramdaman, hangga’t kaya ko, ang mundong humubog sa pagkatao niya,” he said.
He continued explaining: “Dahil para sa akin, ang pagganap ay hindi lamang pagsasabi ng mga linya o pagganap sa harap ng kamera. Ito ay isang proseso ng pag-unawa, pakikinig, at unti-unting pagpasok sa kamalayan ng isang taong ibang-iba sa sarili mo.”
“Bago ko siya ganapan, kailangan ko munang kilalanin ang mundo niya.”
Looking back on his month-long preparation, the actor expressed pride in the journey that allowed him to embrace Pedro’s life and experiences.
“Isang buwan ng paghahanda. Isang karakter na buong-puso kong niyakap. Ako si Mon Confiado. At ito ang naging paglalakbay ko patungo kay Pedro sa THE FISHER.”
Mon’s dedication to his craft also drew praise from fans and netizens, who commended his commitment to understanding his characters.
“Mon Confiado always treats his craft seriously always excelling in every performance, it is not surprising he undergoes immersion for this movie. Looking forward to watch this movie.❤️, “ a follower said.
Another one expressed, “Kaya kita hinangaan bilang isang actor ay dahil sa kakaiba mong paraan ng pagyakap sa bawat karakter na ginagampanan mo. Keep up the good work ! Asahan mo ang aking walang sawang suporta sa lahat ng pagkakataon. ❤️🎬👏”
“sa lahat talaga ng aktor sa showbiz sayo tlga ako humanga ng ganito. Ganyan kapursigido at kaseryoso sa mga roles na ginagampanan mo sa kahit anong pelikula kaya pag nakasama ka sa cast nanunuod talag ako.❤️.”
Directed by Paul Soriano and produced by TEN17P and Black Cap Pictures, The Fisher also stars Mercedes Cabral, Enchong Dee, Heaven Peralejo, and Eula Valdez. The film held its international premiere at the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival in 2023.
The film follows Pedro, a Filipino fisherman who must decide the fate of a mysterious stranger he finds lost at sea. The stranger becomes the subject of suspicion after Pedro’s teenage daughter is believed to have been impregnated by him and a mysterious fish-rotting plague strikes the community.
The Fisher is set to premiere in Philippine cinemas on October 21.