While open to gay roles, Markus Paterson draws line at nudity

Markus Paterson (left) and Tommy Alejandrino in “Pretty Boys” —VIVA

As an actor, Markus Paterson is always up for a challenging project. So, when he was offered to play a gay role in an anthology that centers on queer stories, he didn’t need to think twice before accepting.

“I don’t like turning down roles. I like challenges. You won’t grow as an actor if you don’t challenge or push yourself to go out of the box. And I don’t want to get trapped or typecast,” he said at a recent press conference for “Pretty Boys”—the first installment of the series “Open Secret.”

Produced by IdeaFirst Company and available for streaming on Vivamax Plus, “Pretty Boys” follows Grey (Tommy Alejandrino), a flamboyant gay man who fancies himself as a relationship expert despite his lack of experience. He has fallen in love only once—with his straight-acting ex-boyfriend Yates (Markus), who now lives abroad.

One day, Yates returns to the country. But before Grey can even ask for a second chance, Yates confesses that he has grown fond of the former’s best friend, Jonas, who gives off a more masculine appeal. As if rubbing salt to the wound, Yates asks Grey to help him win Jonas’ heart.

Limitations

“It’s a fun role with a great script and coactors. We also had a supportive director, Ivan Payawal (‘Gameboys,’ ‘Pearl Next Door’). They made me feel welcome and safe while working together,” he related. “I love what I do. I enjoyed the project and had fun doing it.”

Markus isn’t totally new to BL (boys’ love). In the recent coming-of-age Gen Z ensemble film, “Fruitcake,” he and actor Alex Diaz played lovers and had a kissing scene together. He also did something similar in the acclaimed 2018 film, “Mamu; And a Mother Too.”

But Markus does have limitations, he stressed. For one, he doesn’t see himself doing gratuitous nudity, especially now that he’s a father.

“I will never go nude, do butt exposure or whatever … I don’t see a point in taking my clothes off unless the movie is something that really requires it. But in intimate scenes. I don’t think that would be an option for me,” pointed out Markus, who has a 3-year-old son, Jude, with ex-girlfriend, actress Janella Salvador.

He didn’t have to worry about such a thing, however, because “Pretty Boys” is a lighthearted romance that’s more kilig than sexy. Still, the 26-year-old actor had to build chemistry with his coactors—especially Tommy, whom he had a kissing scene with.

Difficult decision

“The more upbeat and chill you are, the easier it is to bring the walls down. It’s easier to be trusting. And even though we didn’t really know each other prior to shooting, we felt like we were really close friends. We made the process fun. We had an easy set,” he said.

There was a point when Markus considered trying out for the British Armed Forces when he visited his family in the United Kingdom last year.

“I feel like my father’s getting a bit older. And I’m a very family-oriented person. So, I wanted to spend as much time with him as I could,” he said of his father, George Trevor Paterson, who was a former British Air Force pilot.

And while that path is still something that he might consider in the future, it will definitely be one difficult decision, because his son lives in the Philippines and is about to start school. “It’s difficult balancing both priorities. I didn’t really think of quitting. I’m just hoping to strike a balance between my lives in the Philippines and the UK,” he said, adding that for now, the goal is to just to take things one step at a time.

“We also know that in this industry, the main goal is to have longevity. Because nothing is guaranteed here. So the best approach, I think, is to take things as they come. When there are problems, cross the bridge when you get there. But try to live in the moment and be present,” he said.

Needless to say, finding new romance isn’t really a priority for Markus at the moment. “I’m focusing on my son,” he said. “A lot of things have changed since I became a father. Time flies. But I’m blessed.”