Kristoffer essays beki role

MANILA, Philippines - A life in acting appeals to Kristoffer Martin because he can put himself in somebody else’s shoes when cameras start rolling and the klieg lights switch on. But Kristoffer, who was last seen in a leading man role on GMA 7’s Paraiso Ko’y Ikaw, didn’t expect that his next acting project will require him to pull off a gay character. The role is for tomorrow’s episode of Magpakailanman titled Siga Noon, Beki na Ngayon: The Christopher Aguinaldo Story.

Kristoffer admits hesitation initially set in when the offer came. He was not totally confident that he could play gay in a manner that is affecting and convincing. “My concern is baka di ko mabigyan ng justice ang role and not because I was worried that my masculinity might be put in question. I came here as an actor and if your passion is to act, fame is just a bonus. For me, ganun ang thinking ko parang sige bagong experiment ito and it will be for Magpakailanman that once I am able to give justice to the role, I’ll consider it as one big achievement.”

Right after reading the script, Kristoffer knew that he made the right decision. “I accepted it when I learned that I will be portraying someone who is a barrio toughie turned gay. It really caught my interest na meron pala talagang ganun.”

But prior to the start of taping, his other concern is the kissing scene. He asked director Neal del Rosario if there is such. Otherwise, he would have a change of heart and “my parents will definitely not agree knowing how conservative they are.”

So far, the GMA Artist Center talent considers portraying gay as the most challenging as it required him to display different emotions while the story shifts from one scene to another. He feels it would not come out well once he failed to plunge himself into the character.

Truth is, Kristoffer has also decided not to cut his hair to help achieve a feminine look. “They (make-up artists) just curled my hair, put false eyelashes and make-up.”

Mark Herras will play his love interest. “Mark is my friend so there’s nothing to worry about acting sweet towards him sabi ko nga nung umpisa, ‘Mark makisama ka ha’ so I could act comfortably.”

Having been around showbiz for seven years now, how would he assess his being an actor?

“I am continuously learning and my love for the craft has become more intense. My passion for acting has become clearer now. I know that I cannot please everybody but for me once I have effectively delivered a scene, I feel complete because I am not competing with other actors but myself.” 

Asked if he feels that a gay role signals the start of mature acting, Kristoffer nods in approval, “Actually, I’m used to tweetum roles but since I played gay, I’ve realized the need for growth, for improvement so I’m now preparing myself to do more serious acting.”

 But Kristoffer is not the type who would ask to see the film rushes to check on his acting. The director’s approval is enough validation for an effective acting. “But direk Neal said that I should get a copy of this because this is one of the assignments where I did well.”

Kristoffer reveals that some people have observed that he seemed overacting on screen. It often happens when he tries to give a different approach to the same character that he has already done. “Sometimes, I didn’t notice na di na pala tugma yung akting ko.”

These days, Kristoffer is trying his best to shy away from that acting boo-boo. As much as possible he is focusing on his career more than his lovelife. He admits going out on occasional dates with a schoolmate but “I set things clear that I’m not yet ready for a commitment.”

He denies that he and former girlfriend Joyce Ching are back in each other’s arms. “We’re trying to work things out as friends. Is there a possibility that we could be together again? I’m not so sure if there’s still a chance. I cannot answer for her.”  

What is sure though is Kristoffer will continue his studies this coming school year. He is a first year college student of San Beda College in Manila taking up Entrepreneurship.

“I value education more because I realized that I want to pursue other things aside from acting. I want to put up my own business someday. If plans push through, I will start venturing into the campus shirts business this year.”

(Magpakailanman’s Siga Noon, Beki na Ngayon: The Christopher Aguinaldo Story also stars Michael de Mesa. Shamaine Buencamino, Jan Manual, Maricris Garcia and Bryan Benedict.)