There is more to director and scriptwriter Jun Robles Lana’s film narrative Becky & Badette than the amusing personalities of the characters garbed in eye candy outfits complemented with hairstyles adorned with over-sized ribbons.
Playing the titular roles are Eugene Domingo and Pokwang who both are formidable comediennes. But we must also remember that they equally excel in drama. This may already give you an idea that Becky & Badette is a pleasantly watchable film.
Without giving away spoilers, pay attention to Becky and Badette’s (Eugene and Pokwang, respectively) approach to life — from their high school days where bullies pester them to them working hard for their dreams.
“Our characters are real friends who support each other and persevere for their dreams,” described Eugene of their roles. “Umabot sila sa isang tanong na, ‘Kaya ba natin gawin ang isang bagay na siguradong sisikat tayo pero marami naman tayong masasaktan?’
“Nagkaroon sila ng ganung hamon pero ang tagal na kasi nilang inaapi-api. Let’s find out what decision are they going to make — ‘yung makakasira ba sa relasyon nila sa lahat o pipiliin nila yung para sumikat sila parehas,” added Eugene who is also fondly called Uge by fans and friends.
“This is a journey of many of us,” described Pokwang of Becky and Badette’s story. “Most of us dream about success, and sometimes, all it needs is a push from someone. Nandiyan ‘yung kaibigan mo na hindi ka iiwan pero nandoon rin ang tanong na hanggang saan kayo magkakatulungan?”
“Becky and Badette have this kind of friendship that is truly worth emulating. They really stick together,” she added.
In real life, Pokwang and Uge are close friends. They support each other when work is stressful or when personal problems become too heavy to bear. Both speak from the heart with good intentions.
“Yes, if only you knew how I support her decisions. And in fairness to Pokie, she listens although sometimes there’s no way for me to police her because I would find out only through her posts (on social media) that she’s so mad again,” said Eugene who says what her friend needs to hear in a respectful and loving manner.
Find out more about Pokwang and Uge through our exclusive interview. Below are excerpts.
Pokwang at this point in your life, buo pa rin ang paniniwala mo sa pag-ibig?
“Yes, especially because of my children. Pag-ibig sa lalaki, wala muna ngayong 2024. I’ve been always telling Uge that I will focus more on businesses this new year. Magpapayaman ako. At ‘yung oras ko kasi Tito Boy, gusto ko para sa mga bata.” (Pokwang has two daughters, Ria Mae and Malia.)
Uge, if you were to give a piece of advice to Pokwang about marriage, what would it be?
“My piece of advice to her is to not give up on love because I don’t believe that she can live alone, na kaya niyang mag isa. The time will come that her children will start building their own families. That’s why, I want her — and probably her other friends also — to have someone who will accompany her, to be by her side. Importante na may kasama kang tatanda at mag-e-enjoy sa buhay. Meron pang totoong magmamahal sa ‘yo at dadating yan.”
Aside from Becky & Badette tackling friendship and dreams, it also touches on love and lying. In your life, would you confront someone about lying because you’re absolutely against it or you’ll just let it slide?
Pokwang: For me, it will depend on the reason kung bakit s’ya nag-lie.
Uge: Perhaps, there are reasons why people lie but no one can’t keep it forever. Next week or next month, you’re going to tell the truth for your peace of mind. At ikaw rin alam mo sa sarili mo pag nagsisinungaling ka kasi hindi ka rin makakatulog. Just make sure kung natanggap ko ‘yung pagsisinungaling mo, tanggap ko rin dapat ‘yung reason mo kung bakit ka nagsinungaling.
Have you ever experienced being bullied in school? Can you forgive those kinds of people?
Uge: Me, I can easily forgive.
Pokwang: I experienced a lot when I was still working as an OFW. But it’s already in the past. I don’t think of them anymore because you can see how blessed I am now in my life.
Uge: But, of course, while you’re in that situation you couldn’t help but think how tough life is for you, na parang grabe naman itong mayayaman na ito lagi silang may latest na laruan. Meron pang papatunayan na isa lang ang uniform mo dahil yung sinulatan nila ng ballpen, makikita rin nila sa damit mo sa kinabukasan.”
Pokwang: Naranasan ko rin ‘yung damit na wash and wear.
Take me back to your high school days. Did you have crushes?
Uge: Of course, I’ve had crushes before but I don’t see them anymore now.
For example, your crush is watching you now, what would you tell him?
Pokwang: Wherever you are, stay there (laughs).
Uge: You didn’t want to talk to me as your phone pal before. You’re seeing me (on TV) today, so do you want us to be phone pals now, hahahaha.
Uge, who is your all-time celebrity crush?
“Joel Torre.”
Describe Pokwang in one word.
“Strong.”
Pokwang, what is your best trait?
“I am compassionate.”
What’s your dream role?
“(To play) a police officer.”
Describe Uge in one word.
“Intelligent.”
Becky & Badette, one of the 10 official film entries to the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), is produced by The IdeaFirst Company and October Films. It will open in cinemas on Dec. 25 but this early, Jun has already announced that Becky & Badette will have a sequel.
Originally published on PhilStar.
