by Ronald Constantino
GAY BUT – “Deadma Walking” is centered on two gays, one flamboyant (Edgar Allan Guzman) and the other subdued (Joross Gamboa). But it must be said that it’s more than a – not really – gay film.
In the words (more or less) of Joross, “The characters could have been straight – o parehong tibo (lesbians) – and it would have been the same story, may puso.”
To which EA said, “Lalabas ang mga manonood nang naka-ngiti.”
Yes, indeed. “Deadma Walking” is a beautiful story in which two gay friends staged a fake death, wake, and funeral.
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HEARTWARMING – Writer Eric Cabahug and director Julius Alfonso described “Deadma Walking” as light comedy and light drama…with music, to boot.
The best adjective perhaps to describe it: heartwarming dramedy.
For Eric, it won the Palanca Award (second prize) in 2016, joining the company of previous winners-turned-movies.
Julius debuts as full-fledged director in “Deadma Walking.” He’s been working for Viva for more than 20 years as assistant director. Direk Julius said his “discoverer” – if it can be called that – was Mina Salvador-del Rosario, the late wife of Viva big boss Vic del Rosario.
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‘STAR-STUDDED’ – One of eight official entries to the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival, “Deadma Walking” may well be called “star-studded.”
Look, the film is with the special participation of Gerald Anderson and Eugene Domingo. In cameo roles are an array of big stars led by Piolo Pascual and Iza Calzado.
They are friends of Joross and EA.
Co-starring are Vin Abrenica, Dimples Romana, and Candy Pangilinan.
“Die Beautiful” comes to mind. The leads are gay characters played by Paolo Ballesteros and Christian Bables. It emerged topgrosser and won awards in and out of the Metro filmfest. Will “Deadma Walking” repeat the success of “Die Beautiful”?
Produced by Rex Tiri of T-Rex Entertainment.
