Eugene in awe of Echo in acting comeback

Eugene Domingo and Jericho Rosales

Comedy was no longer comedy without Eugene Domingo around. After a two-year hiatus, Uge is back on the big screen. Just as she has mastered the art of timing in delivering her punch lines, Uge’s movie comeback is set at the right moment. What better time could there be for her return than now, at a time when we badly need a good laugh amid the political circus/kongreserye?

Get ready for nonstop laughter in the sequel to Uge’s 2011 movie, Marlon Rivera’s “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2.” Eugene always leaves her adoring audience with a full tank of happy vibes.

Here’s my chat with Uge:

In what way is the sequel better than the first one? Doing a sequel is a major decision, because we know we’re facing unavoidable scrutiny, especially because the first part was successful. We’re fearless in the second part, in which the essence of the first—which is painfully funny—is sustained. We’re proud to say that it’s more technically polished.

What’s more important—awards or box-office success? Box-office success. I take pleasure in entertaining, inspiring and giving hope to people from different age groups and from all walks of life. Awards are nice but, for me, the real reward is having people come up to me, almost crying out of sheer happiness, and thanking me for entertaining them. I am just as grateful for the opportunity.

What was it like working with Jericho Rosales? Every moment with Echo is amusing and amazing! I have no words to describe how professional this actor is, and how serious he is in handling every scene without losing the fun—he’s a wonderful team player.

In the movie, we have three “serious scenes,” where we deliver the best hugot lines you’ll ever hear in your lifetime. It was admirable how Echo prepared for the scene, as if he was preparing for a serious movie! We shared secrets to motivate ourselves to be sad and cry. He “feels” the scene, asks the director for guidance, listens to music, and throws lines with me. I just stare at him and get awed [by his artistry].

If you could ask President Duterte one question, what would it be? Would you like to have fun, feel the love and watch our movie, sir?

What do you do when you get burned out? I got burned out in 2013. I was in denial that I was exhausted and frustrated. As soon as I realized it, I told myself, “I do not own any of these superficial things that fame and fortune have given me—and I’m not truly happy, even if I keep them, because I’m tired and unhappy. So, I stopped and began appreciating the simple things that bring me joy. I learned to say no to projects I didn’t like.

What will it take for a guy to pin you down? He has to be someone who would be brave enough to ask, “Do you want to have pizza with me?”

Is it harder to make the audience laugh or cry? Neither is easy. The audience “commits” to you when they feel that the actors are also committed [to the project and their roles in it]. In “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 1 and 2,” viewers will laugh so hard until they cry.

If your life story were made into a movie, what would the title be and who would portray you? “Ang Babaeng Umahon sa Septic Tank.” If Meryl Streep is available, go!

Rita’s ‘Pakpak’

Rita Avila is overjoyed that her children’s book, “The Invisible Wings,” is now a stage musical, titled “Ang Hindi Nakikitang Pakpak.” Catch it on Oct. 20 to 22, 27 to 29, (8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m.) at St. Cecilia’s Hall, St. Scholastica’s College. Show buyers can call 0917-6988386.