A short and sweet role

Roderick Paulate (R) with child actor Andre Salazar in “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington”

It was short and sweet, he said.

Roderick Paulate was not referring to his height and personality, but to his role in the campy indie comedy “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington.” His character has limited screen exposure but is certainly heavy on impact.

“I appear in only four sequences but, after the screening at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, some people told me that it was like I was in the whole movie,” Roderick said.

Lead star Martin Escudero told Inquirer Entertainment that he sought Roderick’s advice in tackling gay roles. “We worked together in the old GMA 7 soap ‘Rosalinda,’ where I played his godfather,” Roderick recalled. “He called me up before he auditioned for the role of Remington. Later, he told me that he watched my old movies to prepare for the movie.”

Roderick said he admires Martin’s guts. “Not all matinee idols would take on  a gay role. He really wants to be a good actor. I told him that he should continue what he’s doing.”

Whether Martin takes the indie route or goes mainstream, what is important, Roderick noted, is that he has established his range and versatility. “Zombadings” opened in theaters Wednesday.

Role model

Roderick is a prime example of a hardworking actor who straddles the indie and mainstream worlds effortlessly.

After making waves in “Ded na si Lolo” in 2009, he continues to receive glowing notices for “Zombadings.”

He recently signed a two-picture deal with Viva Films. On the small screen, Roderick scored a top-rater in the GMA 7 soap opera “Munting Heredera” which debuted last May.

He said the show has been doing well because the cast works beautifully together. “We give one another a chance to shine. Also, we enjoy ourselves on the set. Perhaps we’re able to put that across to viewers.”

As a result, the series has been extended until the end of October.

The soap reunited Roderick with Gloria Romero, who played his first onscreen mom (“Kaibigan Kong Sto. Niño” in 1967), and director Maryo J. de los Reyes, who gave him his first breakthrough gay role (“High School Circa ’65” in 1979).

“I’ll miss working with the cast and crew when the show wraps up,” he said.

E-mail: [email protected]