Although touted to win big in Pinoy Big Brother Season 1, being an early favorite, hunky model Rico Barrera’s dreams of becoming the famous reality show’s first ever big winner was cut short at the onset due to his commission of several violations, getting the first ever automatic nomination in the show in the process and the first boot off the international franchise. However, this short exposure got him to the nationwide consciousness and he became an instant celebrity. He was cast in several ABS-CBN shows soon thereafter.

Despite being given breaks by one of the country’s biggest networks, Rico’s star failed to shine as he expected. And as most of the actors who wish to get that one big break, he joins the bold bandwagon to get his acting prowess noticed and get more mainstream roles in the long run.

The vehicle which will help him get noticed is the independent film, “Lalamunan” which also stars Jordan Herrera, Ran Domingo (Randolf Dungo) and Hazel Cabrera. In the film, Rico plays the role of a throat specialist which is caught in the web of lies and deceit between his patient (played by Hazel Cabrera), her husband (Jordan Herrera) and the latter’s driver/lover (Ran Domingo). The discovery of their respective relationships with one another would change their lives forever. The movie is written and directed by Jigz F. Recto and is produced under Leo Films. It will have its special screening tonight at UP Cine Adarna (formerly UP Film Institute). Its regular screening will run starting November 19, 2008.