Paolo, ‘Mahirap magpanggap na lalaki; I find it somehow weird, hahaha!!!’ And Yam on kissing a macho and a gay, ‘Same same lang.’
After playing a series of gay characters (no acting required, for sure!), Paolo Ballesteros essays a straight guy in his latest movie, Viva Films’ Amnesia Love, only because he suffers from amnesia after he is found unconscious in a remote island in Zambales and cared for by a kind couple whose daughter (played by Yam Concepcion) gets attracted to him.
Here are excerpts (“uncut”) of Funfare’s chat with the stars:
Paolo
Since you have been typecast in gay roles, how did it feel to play a man role for a change?
“Mahirap magpanggap na lalaki, hahahaha!!! But seriously, I find it somehow weird playing a guy role since ’yon nga, almost all roles ko puro beki, lalo na when it comes sa mga kissing scenes and love scenes.”
How was your kissing scene with Yam? Alin ang mas masarap, halik sa babae o halik sa lalaki?
“Yam was professional and since naging close naman kami (from our first movie together, Bakit Lahat ng Guapo May Boyfriend?), we were ‘game’ because we knew that it’s a part of our job. Hmmmm, wala pa ako naki-kiss na todo lalaki, eh…sa movie, hehehe!!!”
Mark Bautista has come out with a tell-all book. Kelan ka naman susunod? Could your book be more “explosive” than Mark’s?
“I have been planning to do a coffee-table book, actually. That was years ago pa when the world saw my make-up transformations. But it will not be an autobiography, more of a collection of my works --— make-up transformations — and how-to’s. Di ko keri ang tell-all. Baka kailangan ng ilang volumes, hahaha!!!”
Are you in a relationship now?
“Romantically, no!”
How can you tell if a guy is faithful (and not just after, you know, money)?
“You will know it. Actually, you know it. You may deny the truth to yourself many times but you know it.”
Yam
It’s your second movie with Paolo, how is he as a co-worker?
“Pao is easy to get along with! He’s hilarious with his hirits and pretty chill to be around with and that makes work all the more fun!”
How was your working relationship then and now?
“Of course, we are closer now and more comfortable with each other.”
How did you feel during your kissing scene? Anong pagkakaiba ng halik ng tunay na lalaki at ng gay man?
“It was a good feeling. Same same, I guess? Hahaha!!!! We were very professional about it!”
How would you react if you discover that your boyfriend is gay or having an affair with a gay?
“Mayroon ka na bang ganyang experience? Wala pa ako na-experience na ganyan. Sana huwag naman mangyari!!! Hehehe!!! Kung mangyari man ‘yan, of course, I’ll be hurt!”
Hypothetical question: If you were stranded on an island or find yourself in a strange place, sinong gusto mong makasama and how would you spend your time together?
“Hmmm...Jim Carrey? Story time with him would be fun! I’m sure I’ll laugh a lot and learn so much! Also, I wouldn’t mind going insane with the guy! Come on, it’s JIM!!! The Jim Carrey!!!”
(E-mail reactions at rickylophilstar@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)