Lessons from Joross and EA’s screen gender bender

Joross Gamboa (left) and Edgar Allan “EA” Guzman

Edgar Allan “EA” Guzman and Joross Gamboa superbly portray gay best friends in T-Rex Entertainment Productions’ 2017 Metro Manila Film Fest entry, “Deadma Walking” (DW). Both actors are so damn good they almost made me forget that they’re straight. EA and Joross more than deserve best actor awards.

In the movie based on a Palanca-winning story, their characters stage a fake death scene. We, at the Cinema Evaluation Board, gave DW a grade of A. It will hit you in all the right spots. The charming film reminds us that we must leave no room in our hearts for regret.

We should give our all to those we love while they’re still around. So, when it’s time for them to go, we would be comforted by the thought that our love for them was not left unexpressed.

“Deadma Walking” tells us not to make “dedma” to loving, till death do us part.

Here’s my chat with EA and Joross:

How did you prepare for your gay roles?
EA: My peg was my gay brother. Closely observing him gave me the input I needed.

J: I’ve portrayed gay roles many times, but my “attack” in DW is different. Tamed and well-educated. My peg was Noel Ferrer, my manager—and EA’s, too.

What’s the toughest part of portraying a gay character?
EA: Wearing full makeup, like when I need to be a drag queen in a scene. It feels so heavy.
J: It was tough to hold back on the ad-libs in my punchlines, because the character I play is serious. And it was hard to wear shades most of the time. I had to be more expressive with my gestures, since my eyes were hidden.

If you were single, would you be open to a romantic relationship with a gay man?
EA: Nope. It’s something I’m not capable of doing. But, I respect gays because I have a gay brother.
J: I respect them, but it’s not my thing.

What’s the naughtiest thing that you’ve done?
EA: À la-“Magic Mike” performance for a girl I loved.

J: Secret. Suffice it to say that it was something daring that my wife and I did.

How did your movie change your view on death?

EA: We must let our loved ones feel how much we love them while they’re still alive.
J: We shouldn’t wait for our loved ones to die and honor them in our eulogy. Let’s praise them while they’re still around.

Among the other MMFF entries, which film do you want to watch first?
EA: “The Revenger Squad,” because I’m a fan of Vice Ganda. And since it’s Christmas, I just want to laugh and be happy.
J: “Siargao,” because I’m into surfing. And watching the movie will make me feel like I’m on vacation.

What’s the biggest lesson you learned in 2017, and what’s your resolution for 2018?

EA: The year 2017 has taught me to change for the better. In 2018, I want to wake up as early as 7 a.m. to be more productive.

J: This year’s lesson is to follow God more. I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. If you need to change something, why wait for the new year to do so?