Negros as a breeding ground of good Filipino actors has been confirmed with the success of the proudly Ilonggo digital film "Namets."

Renowned film director Peque Gallaga, who created the movie, said Namets, which premiered at SM City Bacolod Monday night, is a gathering talented Negrense actors.

“When we presented this in Manila, they said, 'Where did you get 70 people in the movie? Where did you get 70 actors who could speak Ilonggo?' Simple, we have many good actors here in Negros,” said Gallaga, who himself is also a Negrense.

Other members of Namets' main cast -- Christian Vazquez, Joel Torre, Monsour del Rosario, and Angel Jacob -- are also Negrenses.

Vazquez, who was once a Big Brother house tenant, said doing the premiere at home was more than overwhelming.

“Nothing compares to the feeling of being at home,” said the actor, who played the role of a restaurant owner Mando in the film.

The movie revolves around the love story of Mando and Lourdes, played by Jacob. The childhood sweethearts were separated during their teenage years, but were reunited by their love of Negrense food.

The movie is one of the entries in Cinemalaya. It’s expected to be released nationwide after the SM City Bacolod premiere.