On July 6, Italian-Canadian actor Nico Locco recalled his best moments with producer-director-manager Shandii Bacolod.
During the media conference for Viva’s welcome for Nico, he recounted how the talent manager turned director propelled his career in the Philippines.
“Shandii gave me a big break three years ago sa Culion–it was a Metro Manila Film Festival movie. Again, that was around the time that I got an acting award for Sabado, so it really just propelled my career.
“I was always wowed by Shandii’s work ethic. His talent as a producer and eventually as a director for Love at the End of the World. And he became my manager as well. So I have lots /of things to thank for Shandii para sa career ko here in the Philippines. Without him, who knows where I’ll be. He took me under his wings, talaga.”
Talent manager, producer, and indie film director Shandii Bacolod passed away due to cardiac arrest in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 9.
He added that Bacolod’s spirit lives on with his new career as a Viva artist.
“It’s been an up and down journey, and I have a lot to owe to my supporters and to Shandii as well, my manager. His spirits really live onward in me. Like I feel him around me, like when I’m about to be late, or something like that, I can hear his voice na, ‘Don’t be late, you have to be on time.'”
He also expressed his sadness and condolences to Filipinos who worked and met with Shandii.
“With what happened to him in Thailand, I will leave it at no comment, pero we are all deeply saddened by what happened. I know a lot of people in this zoom room saw him when we were at the Love at the End of the World press con, and I know that some of you guys were close to him.
“And I also want to give my condolences to you guys kasi I know–Shandii was a highly respected person in the industry, and he touched a lot of lives when he was in ABS noong 2010 and throughout his career as a producer and eventually as a director.”
Nicholas Timothy Fowler (Nico Locco) is an international model, actor, and celebrity host. He worked on productions such as Sabado, Culion, Byeonshin, and Love At The End of the World.