A FEW of our friends caught the first local television appearance of promising actor RK Bagatsing over the weekend and they only have praises for his performance. RK played the transvestite Giggles in a special episode of GMA News TV’s weekly drama series Wagas, directed by filmmaker Eduardo Roy Jr.
The episode was also the director’s first foray into television and he told us that he had a wonderful time on the set. “I had my first-day jitters, too, but I was fortunate to have a very good and efficient team. The actors were wonderful, especially RK who impressed me with his transformation.”
The director was surprised to learn that it was RK’s first time in a local TV show. “He has been getting good reviews for his performances on film, most of which are lead roles, that’s why when they told me that it was his first time to do TV work, I was like, ‘Are you serious?’”
“RK was very focused from the first time he set foot on the set, and remained consistent with his character until we finished the shoot. I have very high respect for such a relatively new actor. He is simply a pro, and I hope GMA and the other networks will continue to give him good roles on TV,” the director added.
RK worked on the entire fourth season of the Singapore hit TV series Point of Entry and he shared that the experience was awesome. “I had fun doing that, and being based in Singapore was quite a learning experience. I hope local TV networks would give me the same trust that the Singaporeans gave. Acting is my passion and I hope to be active in the Philippines.”
For the upcoming Cinema One Originals Film Festival, RK is cast in the Eduardo Dayao movie The Violator. “They will see a different RK here. The movie is gritty and brave, and I’m honored to be part of the main cast.”
CREATIVE TRANSFORMATIONS
Eat Bulaga mainstay Paolo Ballesteros has been transforming himself into international female celebrities because of his makeup skills. His incredible before-and-after photos have been making a splash in social media for some time now but just last week, Paolo unknowingly caught the attention of US-based shows like Today and TMZ which featured his photos.
The Huffington Post has also taken notice of Paolo and wrote a piece on him.
Paolo is overwhelmed by the turn of events and told us that he never thought it would go this far. “I just wanted to play with makeup and transform into different celebrities. It makes me happy.”
A single dad, Paolo says that his daughter is his inspiration and that he is working hard to provide her with a stable future. “Like any parent, I think education is my utmost priority. The school will teach her the things she needs to know, and the home is where she will be instilled and nurtured with the values that will help her grow.”
If he would have his way, Paolo would like his daughter to explore other fields besides show business when she grows up. “The world is full of possibilities but in the end, I know that she will have to decide on her own which path to pursue. I can only be there to guide her, support her and cheer for her.”
For the meantime, Paolo will continue to mimic popular female celebrities through his makeup transformations. There are talks that other US-based shows are preparing to invite Paolo as guest. Let us all wish Paolo the best and see where this amazing creativity will bring him.
PRIZED LESBIAN ROLE
Sylvia Sanchez tells us that she is happy to be offered the role of the lesbian mom of John Lloyd Cruz in the Chito Roño movie The Trial.
“I’m just honored that I was offered. I knew that it was not going to be easy but I took it as a challenge,” she explained. Vince de Jesus plays her gay husband in the film.
“I had to observe and talk to a few lesbian friends to understand them better. I’m glad that I have finished all my scenes in the movie and I hope the audience will like it.”
Sylvia had to find time for a business trip to Europe with her husband for a couple of weeks, but she will extend the trip for a few days to relax. She has been in the long-running morning drama Be Careful with My Heart on ABS-CBN for more than a year now and she felt the need for a break.
“A change of environment will do me good. But I’ll be back in time for the premiere night of the film,” she said.