Joross, EA tie for MMFF best actor

by Ronald Constantino

FEEDBACK – Of course, it’s pure speculation, a big question mark. That is Joross Gamboa and Edgar Allan Guzman tying for best actor in “Deadma Walking” this December’s Metro Manila Film Festival. The Jurors (Whoever they are?) have yet to choose in the morning of December 27 the winners…to be announced that night (Gabi ng Parangal).

But then the feedback is very positive, from the stars who attended the celebrity screening to film reviewers Pablo Tariman and Philip Cu-unjieng.

In the words of Angel Locsin: “Hindi ko na -realize na the whole time na nanonood ako ng pelikula, naka smile pala ako. Totoong-totoo ang acting nina Joross at EA. ‘Yung writing, pagkaka-direk magaling.|”

Cu-unjieng writes: “The filmmakers have created an insightful, relatively fast-paced story that helps us redefine family, friendship, and mortality. It’s a humor-filled excursion into the psyche and life of the modern gay. This is part of the magic of the film, how it works on several levels.”

No wonder then, the Cinema Evaluation Board graded “Deadma Walking “ A.

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BOTH LEADS – Writer Eric Cabahug and director Julius Alfonso say that after viewing “Deadma Walking” the consensus is the roles of Joross and EA are equal, both leads.

And how they interact with each other. But then they are long-time friends. EA recalls that when he was 14 or 15, he was back-up dancer of Joross along with, surprise, Gerald Anderson, who does a cameo in the film.

Some 30 stars appear in “Deadma Walking,” among them: Piolo Pascual, Iza Calzado, Eugene Domingo, Vin Abrenica, Candy Pangilinan, directors Joel Lamangan and Marlon Rivera.

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DIMPLES – Romana, who else? Dimples plays Ate Mary, Joross’ sister. Amid the frenzy of a make-believe funeral, she is the calming effect, a truly compassionate sister.

Dimples loves the script about beshies (read best friends) in life and in death and even beyond. It was a brief part, but Dimples must have been so good (as usual) that it became nearly full length.

“Deadma Walking” is produced by T-Rex Entertainment.