What is a hosto exactly?
For most, a hosto is simply a male entertainer eager to do anything and everything for money.
But is that all there is to it?
Vince Rillon, winner of the Best Actor award at the 19th Asian Film Festival (2022) in Rome for Brillante Mendoza’s film “Resbak”, takes another challenging role in “Hosto.”
In it, Vince is Patrick, a married twenty-something who gets involved with Daniel, an older gay guy played by Jay Manalo.
Life is hard for Vince and his wife Jenny (Alexa Ocampo).
It is as such that with Daniel as sponsor, Patrick decided to fly to Japan, believing it is the solution to all his problems.
But life in Japan is harder than Patrick thought.
Despite juggling several jobs he still can’t earn enough to meet his family’s increasing financial needs.
It was then that Patrick finds himself joining his new friend Richard (Ali Asistio) as entertainer or “hosto.”
Patrick is not happy with what he is doing, describing it as akin to selling his soul.
He confides in Thea (Angela Morena), a compassionate Filipina who also lives in the same hostel he’s staying at.
Thea is already a Japanese citizen.
She also happens to like Patrick.
Thea will offer Patrick something to help sort out his problems.
What will Patrick do? How about his family? Daniel?
Directed by Jao Daniel Elamparo, “Hosto” also stars Denise Esteban, Isadora, and Rey Abellana.
Available for streaming on Vivamax starting June 16.
