MARK ANTHONY FERNANDEZ plays a gay role for the first time in “Barumbadings”. Didn’t he have any second thoughts about accepting the role?
“None, kasi when I saw my co-stars, na-excite ako at tinanggap ko agad,” he says.
“It’s a big challenge for me, but with Joel Torre, Jeric Raval and Baron Geisler as my kasamang gays, I felt it’s going to be fun. And I was right. I enjoyed doing the movie.”
So how did he prepare for his role? “I grew up in showbiz so I have plenty of gay friends. So ginaya ko sila. Una, nagpakinis ako ng mukha.
"Nag-shave ako ng legs, arms, face, kasi kailangang makinis. And I also shaved even my eyebrows so they can apply make up to me properly as a mujerista. Also, I had to lose weight for the scenes na damit-babae kami.”
Those who’ve seen them says he is the most beautifully feminine member of the cast. All the four actors playing gays in “Barumbadings” are all certified straight with their own children.
But Mark said he quickly realized during the shoot that playing a gay role is not a joke.
“Ang hirap talaga. Naka-wig kami, naka-bra, naka-leggings. Sabi ko, respetuhin pa kaya ako ng fans after this?
"Tapos sa fight scenes at takbuhan, naka-high heels kami, so I have to practice a lot walking on stilettos, para hindi ako madapa.
"But sa kabila ng pag-iingat, naaksidente pa rin ako and I sprained my foot kaya medyo malaki ang isang leg ko in one scene kasi namaga siya.
"But I’m sure my brother Vandolph will be proud of me. Hindi ako mapapahiya sa performance ko as a gay. Direk Darryl Yap motivated me well para magmukha talaga akong babae at maging kilos babae.”
He enjoyed doing “Barumbadings” and he’s glad that it also delivers a valid message about gays.
“Doing the film, I realized that it’s not just a gay film. It’s about fighting for your rights, kahit babae ka pa, o lalaki o anumang gender. Dapat hindi ka pumayag na basta tapakan ka ninuman.
"You have to have a feeling of equality with other people. At yun namang nanghahamak sa kapwa nila, they should have more delicadeza in dealing with other people, kahit anuman ang gender nila.”
Direk Darryl says “Barumbadings” will have a sequel and even a Part 3. Isn’t he afraid he might be typecast in the role?
“Hindi naman. Before this, I did ‘House Tour’ na leader ng akyat-bahay gang ang role ko.
"And after this naman, I did the romantic thriller, ‘Deception’, na reunion movie namin ni Claudine Barretto. So I’m sure viewers will know that I am just an actor who is simply playing a role.”
