No gay role this time: Christian Bables plays a villain in ‘Darna’ series

Bables as Intoy in Chito Roño’s “Signal Rock”

A ward-winning actor Christian Bables said he was thrilled to be reunited with his “Signal Rock” director Chito Roño on the set of the latest TV adaptation of “Mars Ravelos’ Darna,” where he will play “a new and interesting” villain character.

“The set is always fun and easy. It feels good to act, especially because Direk Chito is there to direct everyone. I’m not allowed to talk about my role yet, but I can share that it’s one of the main characters in the series. It’s something I’ve never done before. It’s a villain but it’s not a gay character.”

Christian has gained several recognitions for playing gay roles in movies such as “Die Beautiful,” “Panti Sisters” and “Big Night.” Meanwhile, his performance in Chito’s “Signal Rock” bagged him two international awards.

“On the set, Direk Chito is in his usual meticulous and extremely artistic self. He has always demanded a production team that’s professional and efficient with the tasks it is given. I think that makes the project grand—it has Direk Chito’s magical touch in all the aspects of production. He is really something else,” said Christian in an interview at the 2021Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Appreciation Dinner held at the Novotel Manila on Friday.

Christian Bables (left) with his “Darna” costar Jane de Leon

Lead actress Jane de Leon is very professional, too, Christian added. “I’ve known her since we worked together in ‘Halik.’ She’s been very sweet to me ever since. I’m happy and glad that she hasn’t changed. She’s the same Jane I’ve known,” Christian observed. “Here, I saw that she has a very good working relationship with Direk Chito—they’re like father and daughter. I only have good words for Jane.”

Part of his preparation for the series was watching the “Darna” version top-billed by Angel Locsin. Christian said that while he was able to gain important insights, the 2005 series is very different from the one they are creating now. “Our setting is on the present day and our attack on the story is very modern,” he pointed out.

Christian added that being his character was quite “draining” because the villainous persona was created “out of a great emotional pain.” He also said he would have several fight scenes with Jane, that’s why he has been working out almost every day for the last two months. “From 69 kilos, I’m now down to 59 kilograms. This is really exciting for me. I like what I’m doing. I want to be ready when the time to shoot the fight scenes comes. I’ve been seeing progress with my workouts. I plan to keep on doing it even after we’re done with the fight scenes,” he shared with Inquirer Entertainment.

When asked, Christian said he wasn’t aware of most of the snags that happened during the first few weeks of taping for “Darna,” like the issue on why Paolo Gumabao replaced Kiko Estrada last month. Kiko was supposed to play Noah Ballesteros, one of Narda’s (Jane) suitors. “I joined the project on its third week. We’ve been at it for five weeks now,” he explained.

Bables, best actor winner for “Big Night,” at the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival Appreciation Dinner

Christian said a lot of good things happened after he bagged the best actor award for Jun Robles Lana’s “Big Night” during the last Metro Manila Film Festival run.

“There were a lot of good offers—big and interesting roles,” said Christian, adding that, for sure, there will be another film collaboration with Chito. “I just can’t talk about the other projects yet because, as you know, nothing is final as far as casting is concerned until the camera starts rolling.”

Deadline for the submission of letter of intent to participate in the 2022 MMFF is not later than 5 p.m. of April 30, while the deadline for the submission of scripts (soft copy and 14 hard copies) and other required documents will be not later than 5 p.m. of June 15.

The MMFF executive committee will announce the first four official entries (script) on June 30 and the final four (finished films) on Oct. 15.

Deadline for submission of finished film entries and other required documents including the official trailer, clippings and behind-the-scenes, will be on Sept. 30.

The 2022 MMFF will run from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7. The traditional events, such as the Parade of the Stars and Awards Night, will be on Dec. 23 and Dec. 27, respectively. INQ