Contrasting styles make Uge and Pokwang’s comedy go ‘wild’
The first time Eugene Domingo and Pokwang crossed paths was in a workshop for “Clown in a Million”—a comedy talent search segment of the gag show “Yes, Yes Show!” in 2004.
Pokwang, then a stand-up comedian at bars and an aspiring show biz personality, was a contestant. Eugene, who already had more than 10 years of acting experience, was a guest speaker.
“Si Lorelei!” gasped Pokwang upon seeing Eugene enter the room.
“I didn’t know her real name at the time. But I knew her as Lorelei in [the hit fantasy drama series] ‘Marina,’” Pokwang recalled in a Zoom interview with the Inquirer. “Tawang-tawa ako sa kanya doon. She was so effortlessly funny … I found myself just staring at her the entire workshop. She can make you laugh even if she’s not talking.”And serendipitously, it was Pokwang who caught Eugene’s attention. “My eyes went straight to her. She stood out. I was like, ‘Ang kulit naman nitong baklang ‘to. Nakakatuwa!’ But then I realized that she wasn’t [gay]!” Eugene related, laughing. “Tumatak na sa ‘kin si Pokwang after that.”
Pokwang would end up winning the said competition and, with it, an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN, which gave her different acting and hosting jobs. And little did she and Eugene know that, two years later, they would cross paths once again—this time, as coactors in a movie by the late Wenn Deramas.
In 2006, Eugene and Pokwang starred in the romantic comedy film “D’Lucky Ones” with Sandara Park and Joseph Bitangcol. “So many people were impressed by Pokwang’s talent, including Direk Wenn,” Eugene said. “I was a ‘raket’ queen … so I said, ‘Let’s go!’ when I was offered the movie with her.”
The tandem was a hit. And a huge part of that success, Eugene felt, boiled down to their contrasting styles and backgrounds.
Eugene is, in her own words, a bit “rounder” while Pokwang is “long-legged and feeling maganda.” Eugene spent her formative years in theater; Pokwang, at comedy bars.
“Our styles don’t clash. I don’t mean this in a negative way, but Pokwang was ‘laking-kalye.’ And her childhood stories simply crack me up. I attended a private school eh-eh-eh-eh,” Eugene said, putting on a hilarious “conyo” affectation.
“My discipline is different from hers and vice versa. Our approaches to comedy are different. So, when you put us together—wild, hayop, hindi boring!” she added.
Reunited
Eugene and Pokwang have since worked together, but ever so rarely and as part of ensemble casts. But after 17 years, the two actors are reuniting and sharing top billing anew for “Becky and Badette,” an entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
Produced by The IdeaFirst Company and directed by Jun Robles Lana, the film follows the titular characters, Becky (Eugene) and Badette (Pokwang)—two longtime best friends who dream of becoming famous celebrities. They’re smart and talented, achievers in school. But for reasons beyond their control, they fail to realize their goals and end up leading mediocre lives.
But one day, an unlikely opportunity comes knocking. After drunkenly making up outlandish tales in their high school reunion, the two women find themselves going viral. Before long, the fame they have been yearning for is within their grasp. But it could end up destroying their friendship.
“If our tandem was wild back then, just imagine, what we’re like together after 17 years!” Eugene said.
Our interview with Eugene and Pokwang:
What was your reaction when you found out the movie made it into this year’s MMFF?Eugene: We were all so shocked because we were already readying ourselves that we might not make it. You can’t really control what people like. But regardless of the result, we knew that we would still go for it because we want to put out a comedy. Kung makapasok, bongga. If not, fight pa rin!
Pokwang: I really prayed for it. I also urged Uge to go on a Visita Iglesia while she was in Europe with Danilo (her husband), yaman din lamang na nandoon na siya! And I did my part here in the Philippines. I didn’t expect we would get in because this year’s field was stacked.
E: I was thankful because I knew it would be fun. We recently did ‘Ten Little Mistresses,’ but we weren’t the main actors. So when I was told I would be working with Pokwang, it was an answered prayer—a comedy film directed by Jun Lana with Pokwang? Go!
The script was great. We were just laughing while reading it. The film is a combination of laugh-out-loud comedy and subtle comedy. It has drama and heart. It talks about friendship and family, elements that Filipino audiences look for in a movie.
P: After the premiere night of “Ten Little Mistresses,’ Direk Jun whispered to me, “May gagawin pa tayo, Mamang.” Later on, they contacted me, saying they had a pitch for a film with Uge. I was like, “Punyeta, eto na ‘yun! Eto na!” I read the script and all I could say was, “Adik!”
Tell me about your characters.E: Becky and Badette have been friends since they were young. Even their families are friends. They’re not well-off, but they’re intelligent. But the thing is, there were instances in their lives that stopped them from achieving their goals. But despite that, they stuck together. But then, success beckoned. Unfortunately, it comes with the risk of ruining their relationship. Will they still go for it? Because they’re almost there. They’re tired of being poor. They’re fed up with people ignoring them. Or will they step back and choose their friendship?
P: This story hits close to home because we’re actresses in real life. And this film is about how people handle or navigate fame. Will it help you as a person, your family? Or will it end up destroying the things you hold dear?
Did your chemistry as a duo come naturally? In what way does it differ now from 17 years ago?E: “D’Lucky Ones” was Pokie’s first film as a lead star. So she was understandably shy at first and spent the first few days just observing and learning.
But Direk Wenn was so good at helping you discover your strengths and style. And he did that for me and Pokie. Even if I already had years of experience, I was still trying to figure out how to act in a movie. Direk Wenn taught Pokie and me how to feed and receive. He helped us hone our dynamics as comedians. And then I just realized that, “Wow, bagay tayo!”
P: Direk Wenn always gave us our own time to shine. Pakikintabin ka niya. He really honed our skills. I’m proud and happy I was able to work with him on various films. And that’s something I will bring with me forever as an actress.
What was it like working with Direk Jun this time?P: Malikot ang isip. Mataba ang utak. Working with Direk Jun is easy. He has his own ways of pushing us to do our best and give something new. He would always ask, “Isa pa, OK lang ba?” Because even if he already got a good take, he always feels we can still do it better.
While you’re best known for comedy, you’re also a very talented dramatic actress. What are your thoughts on people equating good acting with heavy drama?P: I feel like comedians are underrated. In other countries, it doesn’t matter if you do comedy or drama. An actress is an actress. Actresses playing a comedic role compete and beat actresses doing drama for awards.
But here, I feel like comedians are put in a box. And people think you have to do heavy drama to be called a real actress. Hello, ang hirap kaya magpatawa!
E: We have both experienced doing drama. And for me, OK na ‘yun. At the end of the day, I will always go back to my original brand, which is comedy. Because, personally, I don’t want to go home sad!
You can’t eat if you want to evoke sadness, because food makes you happy! There’s always a lot of food on the set, but you can’t eat a lot. I just want a happy set and happy script. But that doesn’t mean the film has to be devoid of emotions. There’s always drama in comedy.
P: When I do drama, lumalabas pa lang ako ng bahay, nasa kotse pa lang ako, humuhugot na ako! We’re not saying drama is easy or that we don’t like it. We also love doing drama, especially if the story is good and inspiring. But it’s just that we feel more comfortable doing comedy.But it’s good to see comedians getting their flowers. Eugene, you were one of the iconic comedians honored by the Film Development Council of the Philippines this year.E: I’m sharing the award with Pokie and other female comedians. The recognition was given to us to encourage us to continue making films. Huwag susuko. What will the Filipino audience watch if we stop? The landscape is different now. Fewer people are going to the cinemas postpandemic… because of streaming.
But I promise you, we will continue to fight. It’s an uphill battle. But we actors, especially comedians, will never stop making people laugh and inspiring them to return to the cinemas.
P: I believe that our movie will be able to help bring back people to the cinemas.
Do you feel pressured about box-office performance? E: We’re claiming it! Not just because we want to be bida-bida or No.1. It’s just that our producers are taking a risk. It’s no joke funding a film and giving workers their salaries. Of course we want our movie to earn well, so our producers can continue doing more films. My hope for this year’s festival is that sana walang malugi.
What about awards? You think you have a good chance?
E: Once again, we’re claiming it! We’re going up that stage whether we win or lose! INQ
