Eugene Domingo feels proud to have worked with most iconic Filipino ‘kontrabidas’

September 20 ------ If “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank” sees Eugene Domingo demonstrating the elevator, “TV Patrol” and “as-is-where-is” acting styles, her new film “Kontrabida Academy,” now streaming on Netflix, finds her sharing courses on how to bring out the “villain” in a person — as seen in the character Gigi-Gia, played by Barbie Forteza. This is shown within the context and value of being assertive and empowered, as one may put it.

Interestingly, both films, “Ang Babae” and “Kontrabida Academy,” also let the viewer look at how a film narrative or aspects of it, such as character and story development, are being created and made. From playing a star, also named Eugene, in “Ang Babae,” Eugene is Mauricia, another star-actress who has the expertise and experience in doing a villain role in “Kontrabida Academy.” “It’s really courageous, it’s exciting,” said Eugene about actors who consider and decide to play a kontrabida onscreen in a recent roundtable chat attended by The STAR. “So, if you’re an actress and you’re serious about this, try it. Try to play a kontrabida. It’s really fun.” It’s not her first time taking on this kind of role.

“Me, no… Kimmy is kontrabida,” shared she, who was given the chance to play dual roles, as in identical twins Kimmy and Dora, the kind and naïve bida, in the film titled “Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme.” Kimmy, on the other hand, has a competitive and fierce personality. “No, it’s not my first, but (my villain role in ‘Kontrabida Academy’ is) totally different,” continued Eugene. Yes, Mauricia may belong to the mold of Kimmy, but the former has her own unique kontrabida traits and leads a different life.

The character somewhat becomes a kontrabida talent discoverer and mentor, and refuses to see some changes in her realm. “By this time, napanood na ng lahat,” said Eugene of any commentary the film, directed by Chris Martinez, is making, like how one regards this fine group of screen thespians. “So, this film highlights our icons. We cannot deny that we have very good kontrabidas (villains and villainesses) in the industry. Some are not here anymore with us, and we don’t set aside the contribution of the kontrabidas when we think of, you know, unforgettable scenes.” “And another thing that ‘Kontrabida Academy’ is trying to say is the character. OK, mga nakasanayan, mga pinababayaan lang, mga hinahayaan lang. Dapat nang tigilan, Tapusin na yan,” continued she.

While Gigi is learning the ropes to become a kontrabida and taking the name Gia, she also gets acquainted with the bida (leading characters) — and the bit players or extras, who also play a part in the totality of, let’s say, a teleserye. At some point in the story, Mauricia says that these dramatis personae provide the context and the background. This kind of character should be acknowledged. And what they think of also matters if given the participation in making sense of any visual narrative, such as a TV series or a film, and in knowing what the audience wishes to watch.

As an actress who can do comedy, drama, fantasy, and musical, and play bida, kontrabida, and even both in one project, Eugene had the privilege to collaborate with the local tinseltown’s iconic kontrabidas, such as Cherie Gil and Celia Rodriguez. “I think lahat nung icons I was able to work with them, and I’m still working with them, and I really admire them,” said she. “They’re all really gorgeous, and wow, imposibleng hindi ka maapektuhan. I love them, all the icons that you will see (in the film) and the icons that have passed on, (they’re) really unforgettable and really admirable.”

During the group interview, Eugene also gave her two cents on the question of whether everyone possibly has a villain in them. She also considered the thought that individuals who have entered the convent or monastery experience a speck of it. Was the song goes, “I’m only human” after all. “So, if you have a stronger faith, you will probably have longer patience,” said she, “and you will recognize that there’s another… there’s a supreme power, not you, kahit na kontrabida ka, napaka-tapang, napaka-lakas, napaka-powerful. There’s a supreme power above you, pero I think meron, kahit maliit meron. Kahit tuldok, meron dyan sa loob mo na kapag na-trigger, yun na.”

As for the changing preference of people in rooting for this character or that character, Eugene said, “Di ba parang nag-iba? Dati… gusto natin yung underdog. Gusto natin yung inaapi. Tas, unti-unti tatapang siya. Maghihiganti siya. Pero ngayon siyempre, parang nag-evolve.” “Parang, from the very beginning of a story or something that we watch, we are rooting for the kontrabida already, or something more exciting than, you know, the profile of a bida. I don’t know why, maybe because… sa culture ng Filipino, baka nagsasawa na rin tayong maging underdog and I think it’s very timely that ‘Kontrabida Academy’ is being shown today… It’s very timely,” Eugene concluded.

Source: philstar.com