Aldred Gatchalian, auditioned and got the part of student activist in the Indie Film “Bente”, originally cast was Marky Cielo who died before the film could start to shoot. Aldred is the first Teen Pinoy Big Brother contestant who volunteered to exit the house because of homesickness. But is was also speculated that it was not voluntary at all since at that time he is only 15 years old, which is below the required 16 years age limit.
Mel Chionglo  is the director of Bente, one of six indie entries to Sine Direk ongoing in SM cinemas. Written by Ricky Lee, Bente focuses on a malaise which has shocked Philippine society for the past so many years — the mysterious disappearances and killings of Filipino journalists and activists.
Jinggoy Estrada is the crusading radio announcer.  Also in the film are Richard Gomez, Snooky Serna (as Jinggoy Estrada’s wife), Glaiza de Castro (as Aldred’s girlfiend), Ricky Davao (as the town mayor at odds with Jinggoy), Iza Calzado (as the wife of Richard) and Ryan Eigenmann.
Although the film is said to have limited budget, most of the cast and staff just received honoraria – or no fees at all. But we all know that Indie film is very popular today, of course with the great reviews it had been receiving here and abroad. Most actors would love to participate in something non-commercial as it is.
The five other entries Sine Direk,  a joint project of Tony Tuviera’s APT Entertainment and the Directors Guild of the Philippines Inc. are Joel Lamangan’s Fuschia, Soxie Topacio’s Ded Na Si Lolo, Lore Reyes’ Litsonero, Peque Gallaga’s Agaton and Mindy and Maryo J. de los Reyes’ Kamoteng Kahoy.