Ken Chan in “Papa Mascot”
The family drama film “Papa Mascot” marks a significant milestone in Ken Chan’s career. Not only is it the actor’s first solo starring role for the big screen, it’s also his first foray into producing.
But while he knows that these new undertakings come with risks, Ken refuses to let pressure get the better of him.
“When I do a movie or a television series, I don’t think about whether it’s going to be a solo or a love team project. I just focus on the story,” he told the Inquirer at a recent virtual conference.
“Viewers appreciate good material. They know what’s good,” added Ken, whose past hit series like “My Special Tatay” and “One of the Baes” featured former leading lady, Rita Daniela. “I believe that, as long as the material is good, everything will be fine at the end of the day.”
Of course, as a producer, Ken wants his film to at least break even. But with theaters still reeling from the effects of COVID-19 and the audience’s shifting preference toward streaming, the 30-year-old actor knows that he needs to manage his expectations.
“Moviegoing has yet to recapture its usual energy. I know that lots of people now opt for streaming. And that’s something that we considered before embarking on this project,” related Ken, who hopes to have the film shown overseas, and eventually, on streaming platforms.
“So we’re not expecting too much in terms of box-office earnings. Breaking even will be more than enough,” Ken said. “But we will still do our best. We will come up with ways to make sure that the film reaches more people.”
Regardless of outcome, Ken is happy that he was able to play yet another offbeat character that showcases his versatility. He was a transgender woman in “Destiny Rose,” a young man with intellectual disability in “My Special Tatay,” and a man with a split personality in “Ang Dalawang Ikaw.”
This time, in “Papa Mascot”—directed by Louie Ignacio and written by Ralston Jover—Ken plays Nico, an impoverished man who kidnaps a baby girl whom he raises as his own. The child grows up and eventually crosses paths with her real parents. But much to their frustration, Nico and the child already have a deep bond.
“I’m happy and proud that I was able to play different characters—through which I was able to inspire and educate people. It’s so heartening to know that these roles can help open people’s minds about particular issues or situations,” he said.
A challenging role
Playing the role was both emotionally and physically demanding. Needless to say, playing a father is a challenge, he said, because it’s something he’s not. What he didn’t expect, however, was the sheer discomfort of being in a mascot costume.
“It was so hot inside and I could barely breathe. I now have deeper appreciation and respect for people who do it for a living because they have to endure all that for hours… And they have to dance and act all jolly throughout,” said Ken, whose character dons a mascot costume to entertain the child he abducted.
Turning metaphorical, Ken surmised that people are like mascots in one way or another. “You don’t really know what’s going on inside the costume. The mascot may seem happy on the outside, but he’s hurting and suffering inside,” he said.
“That’s why we shouldn’t judge people if we don’t know their stories and what they have been through. It can be easy for us to judge others, especially on social media. They can see our physical appearance, the way we dress. But they don’t know what we’re really like,” he said.
Doing the film also reminded him that facing challenges and overcoming obstacles are inevitable in chasing our dreams.
“Being an actor is no joke. I struggled and had to go through rejections. Before I got to play lead roles, I had to play unnamed characters,” he said. “But I’m not complaining. I feel blessed that I went through that. Looking back at what I have been through reminds me I can’t take anything for granted.” INQ