Brown-skinned gods or goddesses are a rarity in our mestizo and mestiza populated Southeast Asian Hollywood. That is why when they arrive in local Tinseltown, the oohs and the aahs are palpable. Senses razor-sharp as all scrutinizes the most perfect specimen of a kayumangging kaligatan man and woman.
Some exemplary brown is beautiful denizens are character actress Tetchie Agbayani, Richard Gomez, the Pinoy’s brown Adonis and the leads of Glorious, Angel Aquino and Tony Labrusca.
A newbie joins this elite crew and his name is Marco Gomez. He makes his mark in Silab, a sexy psychological drama written by the mutli-awarded screenplay writer Raquel Villavicencio, and directed by Joel Lamangan.
Gomez, a loving, Vienna born Filipino is an original member of the all-male sing and dance, pump and grind group Clique 5. His career takes a new direction as he gives life to Rod in the much anticipated movie from 3:16 Media Network.
“Being and doing Rod was not a walk in the park,” the brown hunk begins. “He has a temper problem that he keeps at bay by putting on a friendly person facade. He cares a lot. However, there is a dark side about him that slowly eats him up and wants to leap out. That is why despite his seeming kindness, he is twisted in a way.”
Gomez goes on: “It is a lead role, hindi na ako nagdalawang-isip. Add the fact that I get the chance to be working with Direk Joel who we all know is a film master. It feels good that even if I am a new actor, he gave me his full trust. It was reassuring to know that during the entire shoot, he took good care of me and of all of us in the cast. Being Rod is an opportunity of lifetime and I am grateful to be cast in this movie.
The sexy the flick, Marco declares: “They were integral to the film’s narrative. And maganda ang kwento. Kakaiba ang movie. There is something sinister about it, kaya I was that engrossed and committed to give justice to Rod. Knowing that there will be skin and body baring, one month before the shoot lagi akong nagwo-workout and ate well planned healthy meals.:
He recollects: “Ang dami kong scenes na sa beach so dapat laging naka-topless kasi mainit. When the love scenes shoot happened. I questioned myself kung do I have the guts to do it? Pero at the end of the day, once I get into my character Rod and he becomes consumed by Ana, the name of Cloe’s character, wala na ang nervousness and self doubt. Laban na.”
What he cannot forget with his Silab experience: “First movie ko na lock-in. Siyempre pag lock-in, you have a lot of bonding time with the actors, with the production staff. Also, it is my first time to do several love scenes.”
How was it like working with Cloe Baretto? Gomez replies: “We treat each other like siblings so walang ilangan. We talk a lot, especially when we know the sequence that we are about to shoot is a love scene. When we do blockings and rehearsal, we cannot help but laugh. But we are always in agreement to give our best in whatever scene we are in para isang take lang. When we are in the set, seryoso na kami. We are no longer our usual selves, We become who we are supposed to be, Ana and Rod, two individuals who cannot help but follow the dictates of their loins.”
“I would recommend Silab to everyone to watch it. I have nothing to hide because this is a movie na I can be proud of. It is something new. It is a delicious and delirious watch,” ends Gomez.
