We’ve heard him say a mouthful about critical entertainment-related issues before. We have witnessed him expound on topics that are relevant and significant to the industry. We have seen him give his opinion on matters of personal importance. But one thing has always struck us—in all these circumstances, he talks sense. His words mirror what you and I may have been experiencing but were afraid or too self-preservative to verbalize.

In a way, his films and television productions are identical in a manner. They deliver a message that is hard to ignore. They make you sit up, watch and listen carefully. And more importantly, they make you think. The string of critically acclaimed films he did in partnership with Peque Gallaga spells commitment to a craft that he truly and deeply loves. "Magic Temple," "Magic Kingdom," "Gangland," "Batang X," "Shake, Rattle and Roll," "Unfaithful Wife," "Deliryo," "Vampira," "Baby Love," "Dugo ng Panday," "Korona ng Birhen," "Aswang," "Abandonada," "Wak Wak: Isang Araw Walang Diyos," "Tiyanak," "Hiwaga sa Balete Drive," are just some of these notable films. He was also involved in the following film productions "Blood Moon," "Misteryo sa Tuwa," "Virgin Forest," "Scorpio Nights," among others.

That kind of verbal acumen, coupled with excellence in his chosen field of artistry—film and TV production, proved to be a lethal combination and has ensured for Direk Lore longevity in this fickle industry. Today, Lore is more attuned to the younger set by virtue of wielding the magic directorial spell (along with Dominic Zapata) in the unprecedented success of the GMA-7 fantaserye series "Mulawin" which starred Richard Gutierrez. This series concluded at the peak of its ratings, that a similar endeavor is highly anticipated from the same team.

Lore was specifically requested by Richard Gutierrez to handle him once more in the soon-to-be launched "Sugo" also over at GMA-7 which (unofficially) will premiere on June 23.

"Sugo," according to Lore is a character with no super powers. "This is a story of a redeemer and Richard plays a dual role here, different from ‘Mulawin.’ This one is heavy on Pinoy culture. Pinag-isipan din ito ng husto at pinaghandaan kaya aabangan talaga ito ng publiko," he said. The other stars of "Sugo" are Lorna Tolentino, Ariel Rivera, Leo Martinez, Mike Tan, LJ Reyes, Paolo Contis, JC de Vera, and will introduce a new young lady who will be Richard’s new love interest in this series.

Lore has a love affair with GMA-7 that started with the telesines, "Kakabakaba," "Starstruck Stage One Playhouse," "Daisy Siete." "Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw," a soap opera he co-directed with Joyce Bernal came in 2002. "Te Amo" starring Izza Calzado (he co-directed with Khryss Adalia in 2003) was his project prior to the phenomenal "Mulawin." Although he is deep into the chores of television soap (five days a week, 28 hours each day!), Lore is not just about to turn his back on film-making, regardless of the slump that the industry is experiencing for many years now.

The advent of digital film technology, heavy on the side of independent filmmakers and producers, is one thing that Lore considers a boon to the local movie industry. "This is the only way we could come up with quality films at a production budget that has been slashed dramatically. That is why I have a high regard for actors who give their services knowing that the pay is not as huge as the ones they are used to." Lore said this is the only way to save a dying industry.

Lore has a track record of unquestionable integrity as line producer—a job he defines as "the one who spends the money." He is known to be the only line producer who returns surplus to the executive producer at the end of a film project. "I like line production. In it, I get to experience artistic independence as well," he said.

Among Lore’s coming projects as line producer are three films. First is ""Pinoy Blonde: Nang Taong Maging Blonde Ang Mga Pinoy," an all-star cast production of Unitel Films starring Epi Quizon, Ricky Davao, Eddie Garcia, Tonton Gutierrez and Boy2 Quizon slated for release in July. Lore is particularly proud of this film where they got the services of almost all the friends that they have in the entertainment business to do a cameo role for them.

"Don’t blink at all when you watch this film because you might miss some of them," he said laughing. Among those who are appearing in the film are Gina Alajar, Rio Locsin, Cherie Gil, Tessie Tomas, Mark Gil, Michael de Mesa, Ara Mina, Boots Anson Roa, Joey Marquez, Richard Gutierrez, Richard Gomez, Joel Torre, Gabby Eigenmann, Ryan Eigenmann, Ian Veneracion, Chubi del Rosario, Bobby Andrews, Manilyn Reynes, Wilma Doesnt, Cherry Pie Picache, Aljon Jimenez, among many others. He said that this film tells the story of two movie freaks who are scions (played by the Quizons) of a small-time gang of criminals. The fun part is that while the two were out on a "criminal" mission, they conduct themselves while arguing a lot about the movies that made an impact on them.

The second film, "Nasan Na si Francis?" (also under Unitel Pictures) stars Rufa Mae Quinto, Rochelle Pangilinan and Epi Quizon, who, this time plays the role of a dead person. The other stars are Christopher de Leon, Paolo Contis, Rico Blanco of Rivermaya, Kitchie Nadal, and Dennis Trillo. Lore said this film will be directed by Gabby Fernandez, a protégé of Lore and Peque who has been their assistant director for several projects. This film was a finalist in the Cine Manila competition, which Tony Gloria got for Unitel after he saw the potential when he acted as one of the judges in the competition. Although "Nasaan Na Ba Si Francis?" didn’t get the plum prize, the writer got a R500 grant that paved the way for his film’s production under Unitel.