Hi Guys,
The movie Pacific Connection starring my instructor, PG Roland Dantes was also released as Stickfighter.Below I have posted part of aninterview conducted with PG Roland where he talked about the movie.
Through the years, you have propagated arnis through tour movies especially “Pacific Connection” and “Arnis Sticks of Death” which have become synomonous with Filipino martial arts. Do you feel proud that these films contributed in some ways, in promoting arnis?
"As an arnis practitioner, I am very honored and fortunate to have had the priviledge and opportunity to expose arnis through these films. Not only were these films shown in the Philippines, but also internationally.
Personally, I feel this is part of my contribution and acknowledgement of Filipino martial arts. It is my contribution to the art itself. In honoring the art, I wanted to put it on film – not in training films, but full length feature films. This was my intention, especially “Pacific Connection” which featured several prominent Hollywood stars."
Master Dantes, how and when did your involvement in the Philippine film industry commence?
" After returning from the 1973 Mr. Universe bodybuilding competition, which was held in Geneva, I commenced my involvement in the film industry.
As fate would have it, a producer was planning on producing a feature film dealing with the Filipino martial arts. This film was the above mentioned “Pacific Connection.”
Who were the actors featured in the movie?
" The cast included Dean Stockwell, Gilbert Roland, Alejandro Rey, Guy Madison, Nancy Kwan, as well as Hiroshi Tanaka."
Was the movie filmed in the Philippines?
" Yes. Various locations were used to film including Maya-Maya Beach, Batangas Bay, Kotat, Bustos in Bulacan, Barrio Papaya and Lido Beach in Cavite.
The fight scenes involving arnis were well received by audiences and this is in part, due to Professor Remy Presas who was the fight choreographer."
During my time with my guro, he often talks of his times with Professor Remy Presas. Often he talks of the times on the film sets and the very early years travelling together. Will be training with him today and will ask him for some stories.