Director Adolf Alix Jr. Honors Late Jaclyn Jose and Ronaldo Valdez in Their Final Film 'Poon'

Quick Chika: Director Adolf Alix Jr. opened up about working with the late Jaclyn Jose and Ronaldo Valdez in his horror film Poon, which turned out to be their final project before they passed away, Ronaldo in December 2023 and Jaclyn in March 2024. He also spoke about how closely he cared for 78 year old Gina Pareno, the film's lead, during its TriNoma premiere in August 2026.

Some movies carry more weight than others once you know the story behind them. Poon is one of those films.

Photo: PEP.ph

What is Poon about?

Poon is a horror film where Gina Pareno plays a widow who owns 13 life size statues symbolizing the disciples of Jesus. Despite the horror genre, Alix said Gina still brought her dramatic range to the role, calling her performance in a difficult unbroken take a performance of a lifetime given her age.

Why is Poon the last film of Jaclyn Jose and Ronaldo Valdez?

Production on Poon actually started back in 2023, with Jaclyn Jose and Ronaldo Valdez among the ensemble cast. Filming was paused when Ronaldo passed away in December 2023, then again after Jaclyn passed in March 2024. The production later dealt with budget issues and a hard to align cast schedule involving Janice de Belen, Ara Mina, Lotlot de Leon, Allen Dizon, JC de Vera, Bembol Roco, Martin del Rosario, Will Ashley, Kelvin Miranda, Althea Ablan and Joao Constancia, before finally wrapping filming in December 2025.

What did Adolf Alix Jr. say about Jaclyn Jose and Ronaldo Valdez?

Pamilya ang turing ko sa kanya. So ako, natutuwa ako na yung huling pelikula na pinagkatiwala niya, e, sa akin.

He said he considered Jaclyn family, and felt honored that her last film was one she trusted him with. On Ronaldo, he said even the short time they had working together showed how invested Ronaldo was in every project.

Kahit kapiraso lang yung time na pinagsamahan namin, makikita mo kung gaano siya ka-involved dun sa pelikula

How did the long production come together in the end?

Alix admitted the journey to finish Poon was a long and difficult one because of the funding gaps, the sudden losses, and the scheduling puzzle. But he believes the delay actually helped the film in some ways, giving it time to simmer and improve before it was finally completed.

There's something bittersweet about watching a film knowing it carries someone's last performance. Have you seen a movie or show that became more meaningful once you learned the story behind it? Share it in the comments.

Quick answers

Is Poon the last film of Jaclyn Jose and Ronaldo Valdez?

Yes. Both actors appeared in Poon before they passed away, Ronaldo Valdez in December 2023 and Jaclyn Jose in March 2024, before the film wrapped production in December 2025.

What is Poon about?

Poon is a horror film starring Gina Pareno as a widow who owns 13 life size statues symbolizing the disciples of Jesus.

Who directed Poon?

Poon was directed by Adolf Alix Jr.

Updated September 17, 2026. Sources and photo credits: PEP.ph. All photos belong to their respective owners.