Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson: I love the PH, I’ll never forget it

MANILA, Philippines – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson knows he’s got a lot of Filipino fans, and he’s talking about his time in the Philippines, Pinoy boxer Manny Pacquiao, and invites Pinoy viewers to watch his new movie San Andreas in this new interview with Rappler via Zach Lucero. (READ: Ready for San Andreas)

Former wrestler Dwayne said that he’s been to the Philippines before, back in his wrestling days. “Look, I love the Philippines, I’ve wrestled over there multiple times now, I mean, amazing nights; I’ll never forget it,” he said.

We went on to talk a little bit about Manny Pacquiao and the boxer’s recent defeat in the momentous fight against undefeated Floyd Mayweather. “I wanted Pacquiao to win because I felt like it would give boxing a spark that would then lead us into the next decade. And then also too, Pacquiao has been such a tremendous ambassador for the sport of boxing and you know, one day he’s gonna president!” he said. (READ: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is the ‘Selfie King’)

In San Andreas, Dwayne stars as a first responder who gets his estranged wife (played by Carla Gugino) out of a deadly earthquake. The two try to save their young daughter’s (Alexandra Daddario) life as everyone tries to survive. 

Dwayne, who has a teenaged daughter of his own, commented on the tension in his role as a capable first responder who’s also a dad desperate to save his daughter. “[My role is] anchored onto, ‘What if it really happened?’ And it’s not a fun place to go to, because it’s a dark place, ‘cause you think, because I have a daughter – I have a teenage daughter who I would do anything to protect,” he said.

“The great irony of the character in that he is a really good man who has this incredible job of saving lives – it’s what he does for a living. And yet he can’t save his daughter’s life and it was very challening and emotional.” 

That emotion lends San Andreas its appeal apart from the obvious – those stunning visual effects. “I have so many guys who have already told me, ‘Man I was crying. I was crying in the movie. I was crying bro, you made me cry,’” said Dwayne.

Check out the video to see more, and enjoy San Andreas. – Rappler.com