‘Temptation Island’ cast statues set at Paoay sand dunes

By Freddie G. Lazaro

PAOAY, Ilocos Norte --  Five life-sized statues of the main characters of the remake of classic Filipino film “Temptation Island” were formally unveiled at the golden sand dunes of Barangay Suba, here, last night of May 7.

Gov. Imee Marcos and actress Rufa Mae Quinto, one of the cast members of the movie-remake, graced the event, which became one of the highlights of 2016 “Himala sa Buhangin! Festival” which drew 6,000 spectators.

With the 1980 original version directed by Joey Gosiengfiao and the 2011 remake directed by Chris Martinez both filmed at the massive expanse of the Paoay Sand Dunes, the Temptation Island is one of the most critically-acclaimed films in the country for merging social commentary with a distinct brand of wit and humor and escapist entertainment despite its limited filming budget.

Marcos said the installation of the statues of the main cast of the film was realized for this year’s festival to pay tribute to this rare Philippine cinematic masterpiece filmed at the Paoay sand dunes.

After the successful unveiling of the sculptures of Flavio and Elsa, the iconic roles played by Fernando Poe Jr. from the series ‘Ang Panday’ and Nora Aunor in the 1982 film ‘Himala’ respectively, the Temptation Island cast now adds to the allure of the tourist destination.

“The Temptation Island movie is a film dramatizing the life of more than a woman as it also harmonizes with the fun and outgoing attitude of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community; and here in Ilocos Norte we are strongly supporting the LGBT community,” Marcos said.