Gender-bending role for Markki Stroem

STROEM. Makes big-screen debut in Cinema One Originals entry.

We first saw Markki Stroem storm the ramp with shrieking fans at this year’s Cosmo bachelor bash. Recently, when we visited the set of “Slumber Party,” Stroem was transformed into Elle, a bitchy, misunderstood gay, in Emman dela Cruz’s Cinema One Originals entry.

The Filipino-Norwegian hunk confesses, “From the theater talaga ako. I was cast as Charlie in ‘Chocolate Factory’ when I was 8, and played Pippin when I was 13. I was born here but went to college in Switzerland. I decided to come home, because of my passion for music and acting.”

Struggles

What has his role taught him? He shares, “I’ve learned about the struggles of the gay community. They’re misunderstood. It’s neither a disorder nor a mental illness, and it’s good to spread this message to people who aren’t as open-minded.”

Does he prefer to be a matinee idol or a sex symbol? Stroem answers, “I like variety. I don’t think I’ll be a good matinee idol, because I don’t like the pakilig or pa-cute style. I like dark themes. I have no qualms about being a sex symbol. Sexy is a good brand!”