For many a Metro Manila Film Festival, ace comedienne Eugene Domingo has capably carried solo-starrers to box office triumph, even reaping awards at the traditional Gabi ng Parangal several times.
In fact, her most famous film franchise, “Ang Babae sa Septic “ank,” quickly comes to mind when Uge’s name and the word festival are mentioned in a single sentence — which is why it was a bit of a surprise to learn that for 2023, she is sharing equal billing with fellow comedienne Pokwang in the all-Filipino movie lineup on Christmas day.
The veteran actress told The Manila Times Entertainment she had no qualms about sharing the MMFF spotlight with Pokwang this year and even considers the double-starrer a very welcome turn of events.
“It feels good that you don’t have to bear the responsibility of all on your own,” the two-time MMFF Best Actress and Hall of Famer for Best Supporting Actress explained.
Pokwang and Eugene Domingo
And based on her and Pokwang’s sharing that they’ve actually been tightly bonded friends for a long time now, having a “Badette” to her “Becky” just doubled the fun on set and, of course, the movie’s comedy.
“Becky & Badette” is the official entry of festival regulars, The IdeaFirst Company and October Films. A coup for multi-awarded director Jun Lana — for managing to bring not just one but two comedy queens to the all-Filipino Christmas lineup of movies — it is a story of two high school best friends navigating life’s challenges through a series of hilarious misadventures.
“Combining humor with heartfelt storytelling, ‘Becky and Badette’ is essentially a celebration of true friendship that audiences can easily relate with,” the filmmaker added as he introduced his entry at a media conference on Monday.
While both Eugene and Pokwang have separately starred in their own blockbuster movies in recent years, “Becky & Badette” is only their second opportunity to grace the big screen together, following 2006’s box office hit “‘D Lucky Ones.” Portraying a pair of friends who are die-hard fans of Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos, in the said movie, those who roared with laughter at the pair’s exaggerated reenactment of the acclaimed actress’ most classic film scenes are apparently in for more with “Becky & Badette.”
“Besides being a comedy, our film is a love letter to Philippine Cinema. You’ll see Uge and Pokwang do Sharon Cuneta ala ‘Bituing Walang Ningning,’ of course, more of Ate Vi, many other moments from the works of the country’s most prominent actresses,” Lana also divulged.
Going back to the welcome MMFF pairing of Uge and Pokwang, the two confidently promised to bring a powerful comedic partnership to the big screen since fueling and picking up from each other’s humor and punchlines is what they do on any given day as friends.
Uge said her friendship with Pokwang goes as far back as the time the latter was kick-starting a showbiz career.
“I first saw and met Pokie in ‘One in a Million,'” Uge, already a noted comedian then, shared. “I immediately found her to be very funny. She stood out and deserved to win. Oh, at akala ko rin bakla siya n’un . Turns out she’s actually a woman.”
Not a bit slighted Uge made that part public, Pokwang happily joined in reminiscing their friendship, talking next about how they saw each other again as guests in Charlene Gonzales’ former show, “At Home Ka Dito,” and became beautiful buddies ever since.
“Pokie didn’t have a car yet back then, so after our guesting, she asked me for a ride. So I saw her rise in showbiz, until one day, we were cast together in ‘D Lucky Ones.'”
“And up to now, here we are, starring together in another movie and still good friends. Uge is ninang (godmother) to my daughter, Malia, and she’s not the type who will only play ninang or friend and we see here, but she really cares,” Pokwang related.
With her marriage to Malia’s dad, American actor Lee O’Brian, over, Pokwang is all the more touched about how Uge is always there for them, ready with a shoulder to cry on as well as important advice on matters like Malia’s schooling.
“Diyan naiiba itong si Uge ” a grateful Pokwang added.
Audiences who are wary, then, if the two notably loud, hilarious and gifted actresses will outshine each other in “Becky & Badette” and effectively turn the movie into a contest on who’s better can rest easy. As they guarantee, their film will be double the fun and double the laughs in perfectly blended performances.
“Only great things can come out of Uge and Pokwang’s tandem,” chorus co-stars Agot Isidro and Rominick Sarmenta. Both noted for drama, they initially hesitated to star as Becky and Badette’s ultimate adversary and lone object of affection, respectively. Nevertheless, once on set, they shared their surprise that the comedy naturally came of them in their scenes, simply by immersing in the talent and timing of Uge and Pokwang.
Completing the vibrant cast of “Becky &N Badette” is Adrian Lindayag, with guest appearances from Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon, Karylle, Ice Seguerra, Moira Dela Torre, Christian Bables, Janice De Belen, Gladys Reyes, Sheryn Regis, and Sharlene San Pedro, Timothy Castillo, Joross Gamboa, Victor Silayan and Press Hit Play.
An official entry to the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival, “Becky & Badette” opens nationwide on December 25.
Originally published on Manila Bulletin.
