Hard-earned victory keeps hot-to-trot Christian Bables grounded

Christian Bables as Barbs

If you want something badly enough to happen, it will. That could very well be the personal mantra of Christian Bables. After all the struggles he had to bear as an actor, he finally nailed it in his superb portrayal of transwoman Barbs in the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival’s top-grossing entry, Jun Robles Lana’s “Die Beautiful.”

My son IC (who’s part of the cast) told me that he and Paolo Ballesteros kept ribbing Christian on the set to “admit” that he’s gay. It was all in jest to foster camaraderie on and off cam.

The newbie’s heartfelt speech as the festival’s best supporting actor was the sum total of all the auditions, rejections, screen tests, long shooting hours and difficulties he went through. It was impossible not to be moved by his speech, because his was a hard-earned victory. Kudos, Christian! You’re such a beautiful man. “Christian” believers, unite and read on.

Here’s my chat with “Barbs-les”:

What was the toughest part of portraying a gay role? The research and immersion. I was shy at first. I had to interview members of the LGBT community, especially transwomen, and go to gay bars, so I’d get the feel of it. It was quite a challenge to wear heels. I had to keep walking in heels at home.

I am pleased, because it means my portrayal of a transwoman was effective. It satisfies my being an “obsessive-compulsive” actor. Since I was able to make the audience believe that I’m gay, it shows that they appreciated my efforts in preparing for the role.

Would you be open to having a relationship with a gay man? If it’s purely for friendship, no problem.      But if it’s a romantic relationship, sorry that isn’t my preference.

What made you cry during your acceptance speech? I wasn’t expecting to win at all since I’m a newbie, and I was up against seasoned actors. So when my name was called, my mind went on flashback mode. I remembered all the struggles I went through. I was happy, nervous and overwhelmed. Mixed emotions. Then, I saw my mom in the audience. That made me all the more emotional.

Tell us about your struggles as an actor. My mom was against my joining show biz, so even if she could afford to pay for my acting workshop fee, she did not. I joined a networking company so I could raise money for it. I sold Glutathione and slimming products online and, after three days, had enough to pay for the workshop. I experienced many rejections. I heard painful words, like I was ugly or wasn’t good enough, so why should they hire me. There was a time I was made to prepare for a project, only to find out that they got someone else!

Christian sans makeup

Do you have a girlfriend? We broke up before “Die Beautiful” was shown.

What kind of girl would you fall for? Someone who’s loving to her family and God-fearing.

How has the film changed your life? In countless ways. My social media following has increased, and I am recognized wherever I go. But more than the attention I get, the movie has served as my stepping stone to be accepted as an actor. I will forever be grateful to my “Die Beautiful” family, especially Direk Jun and [producer] Sir Perci [Intalan].

How did you and Paolo establish such great rapport onscreen? At first, I felt awkward because I’m a newbie and Pao is already a star. But he never made me feel inferior. He’s easy to get along with.

What role would you want to portray next? I’ve always wanted to portray a suicide bomber, like Michael Sheen. It’s such an intricate role which I will enjoy mastering.

What excites and scares you about your newfound fame? The “fame” part has yet to sink in. If you open my heart, it isn’t fame that excites me, but all the new opportunities that my role as Barbs has brought my way. I’m scared to let the show biz system swallow me alive to the point that I will lose my focus on God. That would be the end of my happiness, so I won’t let that happen because everything I fought for will lose its essence. I refuse to lose myself in the biz.

What do you do when girls and gays make a pass at you? If the girl is my type, I will play along. Once tempted, it’s hard to resist (laughs). With gays, I will befriend them. I’m lucky I have earned the respect of my gay friends. But there was a time I was walking and a car stopped, the gay man rolled the window down and offered me a thousand bucks. I almost kicked his car.

What turns you off/on? Bad manners and poor hygiene turn me off. Being respectable, having a positive outlook, and someone who smells good turn me on.

What won’t you do for a role? Kill an animal.

Are doors opening for you because of “Die Beautiful”? Thank God offers are pouring in. But we’re still in the process of deciding which to accept. I have invitations to guest in the shows of ABS-CBN, GMA 7 and other networks.

Will you increase your talent fee now that you have a best supporting actor award? Presyong kaibigan (“friendly” rate) (laughs), it depends on my handlers. For me, all that matters is they give me a good material.

In what ways are you like Barbs in real life? I love unconditionally and would take a bullet for the people I love.

Paolo Ballesteros (left) and Christian Bables