Alex Medina: Acting is about truth and reaction
ALEX Medina in “Echorsis”
I have always liked Alex Medina’s style. The award-winning indie film actor is ahead of his time. Just like his father Pen Medina, who’s a seasoned actor, Alex knows when to be intense and when to be restrained on-cam.
He topbills the horror-comedy film “Echorsis” (opens
April 13), a parody of the iconic horror film, “The Exorcist.”
It revolves around a gigolo, Carlo, played by Alex, who is possessed by a gay demon after he deceived his closeted gay lover portrayed by John Lapus. Kean Cipriano is Father Nick, the priest who will exorcise the devil out of Carlo’s system.
The hilarious trailer of the movie has gone viral and has reached almost 2 million views. It looks like “Echorsis” will send chills down our spine while tickling our funny bone.
Here’s my tête-à-tête with Alex:
What’s the best advice your father gave you about acting and about love?
Acting is about truth and reaction. Really talk and let the words flow as they should in real life, so the truth will come out.
Dad never really mentioned anything about love to us, but through his example, I learned to respect something I love.
What’s the best part of being the son of Pen Medina?
Best part of having him as a dad is basically just being his son—to be his student in the ways of life is awesome. I get to learn his many philosophies for free. And we get secret acting tips and tricks (laughs).
What’s the toughest part of being his son?
The level in which my dad operates cannot be replicated; Not just in acting, but also in how he sees life.
It’s a challenge for us, but I know he just wants the best for us.
In what ways are you and your dad different, and in what ways are you alike?
I’m more of a laid-back kind of person. [As for] my dad, you’ll always see him doing something. He loves to read. I never got around to being a voracious reader like him. I read, but not as much as he does. I may not look like him, but I inherited his creative side.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done?
I once rode a bronco. If you want to know, Google it (laughs).
What’s your favorite scene in “Echorsis”?
It has to be before the wedding scene… I don’t want to spoil anything, but I found it really funny.
If you are to be possessed by the spirit of a famous dead person, who would you want it to be and why?
It will have to be Nikola Tesla. With the current problem of climate change, I think he’d be able to propose a solution to our problematic weather, and… share his invaluable knowledge of energy sourcing, especially free energy, with everyone.
What changes do you want the industry to implement?
The working hours should be changed in light of all the recent deaths. I hope they make restrictions, especially for veteran actors who work until early morning, sacrificing their health.
What turns you on and turns you off in a girl?
I like intellectually stimulating girls. It’s a turn on when they actually know things that you are into. When a girl listens to a band I like, that’s a turn on. It speaks volumes about her personality .
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud to be where I am despite the hardships I’ve gone through in my life. However hard the trials are, just have faith that you will rise above it all, [as stated in] my favorite verse from the Bible, Jeremiah 29: 11-13, [to quote]:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then, you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” That is my mantra.
What’s your fetish?
Maybe not a fetish, but I like being spoiled sometimes. I like taking care of the girl when I’m in a relationship, but I love it when my girl knows how to pamper me.
If your life story will be made into a movie, what would the title be?
“To be continued…”
