Jesse Guinto (L) and Director Ivan Andrew Payawal. —PHOTOS COURTESY OF VIVAMAX PLUS
Through “Table for 3,” the second installment of the new queer-themed anthology “Open Secret,” director Ivan Andrew Payawal hopes to shed light on “throuple” relationships, and clear up common misconceptions.
Contrary to what some might believe, being part of a throuple, or a ménage à trois, isn’t the same as being in an open relationship or having a third party. A throuple, the director pointed out, is a committed and consensual relationship among three people.
“There have been movies about open relationships. And those center on two people and another one who satisfies their other needs. In a throuple, there’s commitment. So this is an exploration or navigation of how it works,” Payawal told the Inquirer at a press conference.
Produced by The IdeaFirst Company, “Table for 3” is available for streaming on the pay-per-view platform Vivamax Plus. It follows Paul (Arkin del Rosario) and Marlon (Topper Fabregas), who have been in a relationship for a decade. Their relationship isn’t perfect. Marlon suggests introducing a third partner, Jeremy (Jesse Guinto) into the relationship.
While Paul had misgivings, he eventually relents and embraces the idea. They “live together, share love equally and experience intimacy as one.” But of course, being in a throuple—just like in any kind of relationship—has its own challenges.
“We did interviews, asked questions, and learned that one of the problems that can arise is when one partner feels left out at times. ‘Why was one not included [in an activity]?’ Sometimes, seating arrangements in a vehicle can cause small misunderstandings,” Payawal related.
‘Can’t dismiss it’
Jesse, a male pageant titleholder who has recently set his sights on show biz, doesn’t see himself being in a throuple. But he believes it’s important for a story like “Table for 3” to be told on mainstream media.
“I’m not sure it would work for me, personally … But I’m friends with a gay couple who had shared a similar experience. I’m proud to be part of this project and I believe it needs to be told because it can help open people’s minds,” said Jesse, who finished fifth runner-up in the 2024 Mister Grand International in Spain.
Being in a throuple isn’t for Payawal as well. But that doesn’t make the story he’s trying to tell any less real. “We can’t dismiss it just because it’s not for us. I believe in having only one partner, but I also know of a throuple whose relationship is stronger than a traditional couple,” he said.
“it’s really about what works for you. If you want it and can stand by it … if all three members consent to it, then go. Do what will make you happy,” added Payawal, who’s behind the hit BL (boys’ love) series “Gameboys.”
Directing this episode was an instructive experience. “It was a challenge, but it ended up expanding my knowledge,” he said. “We shouldn’t readily dismiss something just because it’s something we wouldn’t do. It’s important that we learn to respect and not judge something as wrong without trying to understand it.”
Nonnegoritables
Compared to “Open Secret’s” first episode, “Pretty Boys,” “Table for 3” is more sensual and includes intimate encounters. Doing the scenes was daunting, Jesse admitted. But the director, his coactors and the rest of team made sure to create a safe and comfortable environment.
“In our meeting with Direk, he really explained to us what we had to do. He even prepared graphics depicting how the scenes would unfold and even the positions we had to do… para ‘di magkagulatan sa set. We were comfortable,” Jesse said. “We were treated so well. During the shoot, only the people needed were around. No phones were allowed, no one could take photos or record.”
For Payawal, trust and consent are nonnegotiables. “It’s important the actors know what’s required of them … I have to hear that they’re okay with it. But I’m thankful for their trust. They didn’t turn down anything and agreed on what was initially discussed,” he said.
“But more than the intimate scenes, I hope people focus on the relationship itself, how the characters tackle it, or how they handle the challenges,” Payawal stressed. INQ