Uncovers Self in Alphabet Game

Nothing is “overnight” with Eugene “Uge” Domingo, undoubtedly the hottest and most bankable comedienne today.

She’s not an overnight sensation, having “languished” in bit/supporting roles for years (but has overtaken some of those she has played “supporting” to).

She has stayed single and, at 39, risks ending up a spinster but she hardly cares.

She used to line up for her “supporting-cast” salary but is now wallowing in millions which require the help of an accountant to put in order.

Asked what she plans to do with all that moolah, Uge broke into a wide smile.

“I will spend it all before I die!”

It was the wacky comedy Kimmy Dora (in which she plays twins, one goody-goody and one baddie-baddie), a surprise hit that opened an avalanche of opportunities for Uge who has been swamped with offers for TV and movies. We see her every day on GMA in Wachamakulit, and in Comedy Bar (with Allan K) and Jejemom Saturday nights.

After Kimmy Dora, Uge did Star Cinema’s Here Comes the Bride, also a hit, and is now starring in Mamarazzi, Regal Films’ 50th-anniversary presentation opening on Wednesday, Aug. 25, nationwide. Directed by Joel Lamangan (and also starring Diether Ocampo, John Lapus, Carla Abellana and Andi Eigenmann), Mamarazzi casts Uge as a mother of triplets who runs a funeral parlor and acts as make-up artist for the dead to support her brood.

In the following Alphabet Game, Uge reveals the side of her not known to the public. After reading it, you will see Uge from a different light — and love her even more.

A — AROUND THE WORLD! Traveling gives me joy especially after a long period of working and doing the routines. As early as January I block the dates off, usually for 15 days, and I inform my producers ahead of time. I love going to New York City. A good friend of mine from college, Clint Ramos who is a theater set/costume designer, lives there. Back in college, he told me to watch Lucille Ball because he said that maybe I could be like her someday! Wow!

B — BEAUTY! When I was a little girl, my parents made me believe that I was beautiful! When I went to school and saw the other girls, tall and fair-skinned, and that was when I realized that my parents just loved me so much.

C — CHRIS MARTINEZ. Twenty-one years ago, I met my dear friend Chris Martinez in UP Diliman, in the UP Repertory Company, a theater organization founded by Behn Cervantes. Chris wrote plays and got me to act for him. We instantly enjoyed working together and since then we made sure to do a project together every year, the biggest so far is Kimmy Dora (which Chris wrote) and Here Comes The Bride (which Chris wrote and directed). I love him because we grow together as artists and we challenge each other every year!

D — DEATH. Hunger won’t kill me. Boredom is a disease. Lack of freedom and passion would be the death of me at any age. I am rejuvenated by doing different projects that I like and with the people that I trust.

E — EUROPE. I had the chance to go to Europe when we shot Italy for GMA Films. I am definitely saving up for a European tour! More than that, I still dream of living in a Spanish speaking country even for just a year! Yo deseo!

F — FAME FADES. Save up! I am seriously working on everything that I accept because I know nothing is permanent and no one is indispensable. Someday, I want to be the one to say, “No more, thank you very much. I am happy and I am done.”

G — GAYS. I don’t know how this world will survive without the beautiful, creative and bright gay people! Having a gay child is a blessing! I have seen how most of my gay friends take care of their parents and most especially their mothers. I am a fan of all my creative gay friends in the business. I consult them, I listen to their stories and I travel with them. I am glad to be working in an environment where the gays are free to express their art and their passion. MABUHAY!

H — HOME. That’s where my dogs are. I have three dogs. The big one, Shakespeare, died when I was shooting Kimmy Dora. I am left with two small dogs. I can laugh and play and be happy with them around me all day! Home for me is anywhere peaceful and happy, where you can just play and be a child all over again!

I — INDEPENDENCE. In the early ‘90s when I was in college, I started doing theater and playing “extras” on TV and film. I earned a little and I decided to live inside the campus with Chris Martinez. Being in UP gives you the feeling of living in a community where you can be who you are and what you want to be.

J — JEJEMOM is my first comedy series for GMA. We were very excited when we had our first meeting but we had to wait until my crazy calendar was fixed, because I was shooting Mamarazzi and Inday Wanda, which is another comedy series, for TV5. Fortunately, the schedules were fixed and there was no conflict! Kaya....30w pf0hz!!! jejejejejejejejejejemom!!!

K — KIMMY DORA will always be special to me! The fun continues. Spring Films with writer Chris Martinez will be working on two Kimmy Dora films very soon! I miss the twins. Honestly, more sequels, more fun!

L — LUCK. I believe in luck like I believe in good and bad karma. I arrange my furniture every Chinese New Year to the direction where I can attract more good vibes. I also believe that some people are really born LUCKY. Kimmy Dora is my lucky charm.

M — MAMARAZZI. I love the title. Thank you, Ricky Lee and Chris Violago. This is my first major film for Regal Films. It is very special to me because it is for the company’s 50th anniversary presentation! It has a very interesting cast from Kapuso and Kapamilya — John Lapus and Diether Ocampo enjoyed doing every scene together. I pray that this film will make Mother Lily (our mamarazzi) very happy!

N — NEGATIVE. I don’t like listening or working with people with negative energies. On Facebook, I hide or delete friends with negative status all the time. In fact, I also do that in real life! Hahahahaha!

O — OK. I think my life now is more than OK. I could be single forever and I feel it’s OK. As long as I am not a burden to anybody, I am OK.

P — PIOLO PASCUAL is the love of my life!!! I want to do a beautiful film with him and to (did I ever mention already?) kiss him! Hahahahaha! I will be forever grateful to this beautiful man for giving me Kimmy Dora and for supporting me all the way even after KD. My love for him is overflowing and I can’t help but cry every time I think of how blessed I am for knowing him. I can’t wait to work with him again soon!!!

Q — QUIET time is necessary. I can’t always be active and sociable. I am also very quiet. I dream to play a character that is disturbingly quiet.

R — RESPECT is truly earned. Show the people how you work and how you consider their feelings and let them feel your genuine concern. Money and power don’t mean respect. I respect veteran actors and senior bosses who give wisdom to the younger generation by showing how humble and disciplined they are. If there is one person that I respect so much in this business, he’s Comedy King Dolphy. He is truly a gifted man, charming, respectable and respectful; and a hardworking actor!

S — SILENCE……

T — TIME and TIMING. The most important and major parts of my life happened at the right time. I always need the time to learn and practise before I would be given my moment! That works perfectly for me. Before Kimmy Dora came, I have been doing theater, TV and film for more than 15 years already. The glorious fame brought about by Kimmy Dora came at the right time when I’m mentally and physically ready for a major thing like that. In acting, there is no better than the one who has the perfect timing. Roderick Paulate is an actor whom I admire for he has perfect timing in drama, comedy and music! He is a good friend and I call him all the TIME kahit wala sa TIMING kasi tulog pa siya! Hahahahaha!

U — UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES. My father’s dream for me was to finish college in UP Diliman and when I finally got my diploma for my B.A. in Theater Arts after seven years, he was very happy! He attended my graduation and took pictures of everyone with me or without me! He even photocopied my diploma in different sizes down to a wallet size!

UP is the best community for me! My friends and teachers are there and my knowledge of the theater was broaden in Dulaang UP under the supervision of my teachers — Tony Mabesa, Alex Cortez, Jose Estrella, Amiel Leonardia, Edna Mae Landicho, Lou Decenteceo, Dr. Anton Juan and the late Ogie Juliano.

V — “VICTIM!” I am Kimmy once a month and Dora for the rest. I am Kimmy whenever I am having my PMS or during my period. I become anxious and ultra sensitive, and I feel that I am ready to eat anyone alive! My closest friends, like direk Andoy Ranay, Chris Martinez, Cherry Pie Picache, Mylene Dizon and Bb. Joyce (Bernal) have already been my “victims!” As soon as they realize that it is the time of the month, they purposely leave me alone. A friend suggested to put me in a cage. Grrr!!!

W — WORK is what I value right now. It is not enough that an actor is popular or controversial. Being famous means being more responsible. The younger generation of actors looks up to you and you should always try your best to be a good example. At this point, I have learned that if you love your work and respect your co-workers, you will be rewarded many times over!

X — “XTRA.” I started in show business as an “xtra”/ bit player in TV and movies. I played all kinds of yayas and tsismosang kapitbahay, social worker, best friend, teacher, officemate, etc. I said yes to anything that I thought would teach me understand television and movies.

Y — YOUNG at heart! I celebrated my 39th birthday last July 23 which I counted as 40 because it is believed to be luckier. It is so true that life begins at 40. I am more patient and more appreciative of the blessings I receive. I acknowledge my strength and I accept my limitations. I try my best not to take things too seriously because that will stress me out and make me feel old! Being more open to learning new things makes you feel younger! I continue to learn new things like ice skating for the movie Mamarazzi and it was really fun!

Z — ZOOMING in 2011! I plan to continue doing TV work and I look forward to doing Kimmy Dora 2 and 3 for Spring Films, and I hope to do more independent films that will make it to international film festivals!

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