Joross and EA on love, gender-bending new characters
Edgar Allan Guzman (left) and Joross Gamboa
Edgar Allan “EA” Guzman and Joross Gamboa are as “papable” as can be, yet they have no qualms about portraying gay best friends in T-Rex Productions’ coming big-screen comedy, “Deadma Walking.” It is based on the screenplay that won second prize at the prestigious Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature in 2016.
The story revolves around John and Mark. Their friendship is put to the test when one of them is diagnosed with a terminal illness and asks the other to help him fake his death and arrange his “funeral.” With the combined appeal and killer looks of EA and Joross, there’s nothing they can’t pull off.
Here’s my chat with Joross and EA:
What would you like to be placed on your epitaph?
Joross (J): Anything that comes from the heart of my loved ones. What they will say about me is how I lived my life.
EA: Same answer as Joross. I just hope it will all be positive.
What do you find hard to understand about women?
J: Men are from Mars, and women are from Venus—that’s where compromise comes into the picture.
EA: It’s hard to understand their feminine quirks.
What’s more important to you, box-office success or acting awards?
J: Box-office success. An award is just a bonus.
EA: Both. Those are rewards for the hard work of the team.
What are your thoughts on infidelity and jealousy?
J: Infidelity has no room in my marriage. Just because a lot of people are unfaithful and many TV shows and movies revolve around mistresses, it doesn’t make it normal. Jealousy is unavoidable, but if there’s trust, transparency and proper communication, you don’t need to worry.
EA: Infidelity is unacceptable. It’s the biggest sin couples can commit. Jealousy and love come in one package.
After portraying gay men, what misconceptions about them have been erased?
J: I have always understood gays. I treat people equally regardless of gender or sexual preference.
EA: Since I have a gay brother, I’m cool with gay people.
What are your thoughts on martial law?
J: Martial law has its purpose. It can be used for good, or be abused. We should look at the people behind it, instead.
EA: Chaotic. But if the situation calls for it, like the situation in Marawi, we have to learn to live with it.
If you could be a woman for a month, who would you trade places with?
J: My wife Kathy. She’s due to give birth to our second baby boy, so I want to spare her the pain of childbirth.
EA: My mom. She has taken care of our brood all these years, so I want her to take a well-deserved break.
What’s the best advice about love/marriage that you follow?
J: Keep God at the center of your relationship, and all good things will follow.
EA: In love, not to give my all. Leave some for myself. As far as marriage is concerned, stick to the one you chose, no matter what.
Food from the Seoul
Since Pinoys can’t get enough of Korean telenovelas (I’m going gaga over Gong Yoo in “Goblin”), the next best thing to being in Korea is to sample the best in its cuisine. Check out Gen Korean BBQ, opening soon at SM by the Bay.
