When the announcement came that Vic Sotto — famously called “Bossing” by fans and colleagues — was taking on a serious role for the first time in his decades-long career, it was met with surprise and curiosity.
Known as the king of comedy, his name has been synonymous with laugh-out-loud antics and holiday cheer at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). But this year, in “The Kingdom” — an ingeniously reimagined tale of an uncolonized Philippines — Bossing dons the heavy crown of a ruler torn between tradition and change, cracking not a single joke from beginning to end.
At the grand launch of the movie, The T-Zone asked Bossing how exactly the film’s director, Mike Tuviera, convinced him to take on such a transformative project. “Actually, takot ako,” Sotto admitted with his trademark candor. “I was scared! It’s a serious film — something out of my comfort zone.”
He animatedly revealed that his children — Danica, Oyo Boy, Mayor Vico, Paulina and Tali — had actually played a part in his decision, urging him for some time now to try something different.
“They told me, ‘Dad, gumawa ka naman ng (why don’t you make a) serious movie?’ Yung mala- (something like) ‘Godfather,'” the ever-doting father to his well-known brood recalled.
“I kind of agreed with them and even joked I could do my version of that grumpy Tom Hanks movie which was popular at that time and call it ‘A Man Called Sotto,'” the ace comedian quipped in perfect timing.
So when Direk Mike eventually presented ‘The Kingdom’s’ concept to Bossing, he said to himself, “This could be it. This is what my children have been asking for.”
Pausing as if to reflect on how his big leap turned out, the revered funnyman humbly reported, “I did my best… I don’t know if I did good. But I hope my best was OK.”
Direk Mike, who directed Bossing in the action-comedy “Mission Unstapabol” — incidentally, the erstwhile MMFF regular’s last big box office entry to the festival in 2018 — informed The T-Zone that he was unequivocal in his vision for the film.
“If Bossing said no, there would be no ‘The Kingdom,'” he stated firmly.
Direk Mike went on to share that Bossing’s wealth of acting experience and depth of character made him the only choice for Lakan Makisig, the embattled monarch at the story’s center.
“This isn’t just about spectacle; it’s a family drama,” he explained. “At its heart, it’s about relationships and the sacrifices they demand, and I knew only Bossing could bring that to life.”
The plot of “The Kingdom” unfolds in Kalayaan, an alternate Philippines untouched by colonization. The film finds Bossing’s Lakan Makisig grappling with the weight of his throne as his family becomes entangled in betrayal and political strife. The drama intensifies when Sulo, an outcast from a farming family, played by Bossing’s co-lead Piolo Pascual, emerges as a reluctant hero.
As tensions within the royal family escalate and the Kingdom of Kalayaan is thrust into a battle for its future, pitting tradition against progress, Sulo’s unexpected connection to the monarchy forces him to confront his past and embrace a destiny tied to the fate of the realm. With Lakan Makisig wrestling with his legacy as ruler, the two men ultimately find themselves at the heart of a story that explores loyalty, sacrifice, and the power of redemption.
Now, besides Bossing’s compelling genre crossover, his unexpected but much-lauded pairing with showbiz’s one and only Piolo Pascual is undoubtedly another huge come-on to the movie. Naturally, the next question is, how did they get along, indeed?
Happily, the bond between Bossing and Piolo, as they themselves confirmed, emerged strong — palpable, actually, even during the launch.
Both actors shared, however, that they had to keep their distance at the beginning and through the most part of the film for a reason.
“It was intentional,” Piolo explained. “We stayed in character to keep the tension real. And it worked.”
When asked how he felt working with Bossing, Piolo didn’t hold back his admiration, just like Direk Mike.
“Bossing is incredible. I’ve always been a fan, but seeing him tackle this role with so much dedication was inspiring. Watching him deliver his lines — sometimes as long as mine — was like witnessing a master at work,” Piolo genuinely replied.
Bossing, in turn, revealed he likewise became a fanboy during filming.
“Piolo is a seriously good actor. I’d watch him during takes and think, ‘Ang galing!’ (He’s so good). I mean, he’s the real deal,” the veteran actor averred.
With such a strong support cast — Cristine Reyes, Sue Ramirez, Cedrick Juan and Sid Lucero among others — “The Kingdom” promises to be a standout in the MMFF lineup for all these reasons. Its narrative of power, family and sacrifice, coupled with lush visuals of a Philippines that might have been, certainly gives it an edge that sets the movie apart from traditional holiday offerings. And, of course, Bossing’s much-awaited leap into drama, bolstered by Piolo’s intensity, is a must-see, besides marking a new chapter in his storied career.
That mind, Bossing, who was almost speechless from all the praises of Direk Mike and the dramatic genre’s gem in Piolo, turned on the humor again to wrap up this Q&A with The T-Zone.
Asked how felt when he finally completed “The Kindom,” the one and only Vic Sotto quipped, “It really tired me out!”
Then, with a glint in his eye, he quickly added, “So after this, Piolo and I will do a comedy. Siya naman ang mahihirapan (It’ll be his turn for a challenge), and that will be our next movie together.
A joint production of MQuest Ventures Inc., M-ZET TV Productions and APT Entertainment Inc., “The Kingdom” opens in theaters this December 25.
Originally published on The Manila Times.
