Victor Basa: No qualms playing gay role

Young actor Victor Basa said that he has no qualms in portraying gay roles.

Basa said this is the reason why he agreed to do his first gay role in a romantic comedy film titled "Maling Akala."

Basa, in this latest digital film, said that he is open to do unusual roles only if the story is really good.

"No qualms whatsoever I took it after I read the script that's what I do. Hindi ako ‘yong 'oy may movie ka' tapos kukuniun ka lang ‘no, the management make it a point na you like it talaga, I read the script at nakita ko na maganda talaga. Iba ang aspect sa gay issue so I took it," Basa told abs-cbnNEWS.com in a Cinema One Originals press conference held Tuesday at Gusi Restaurant in Quezon City.

Basa stressed he did not hesitate to do the film because he believes that the audience are bright enough to understand unique stories.

"I trust the audience, our audience is educated so they are ready for different kind of stories," he said

Basa said that to make a good film, actors and actresses should learn to love their roles first.

"As an actor I tried to love every script, every character that I play so I would be able to play it the best I could...always give our best and to do that kailangan mong mahalin ‘yong role mo," he said.

When asked if he is willing to do another gay role, Basa replied: "Why not? Ayaw ko din po ma-typecast pero okay lang, if I'm good at it, why not? As an actor we reinvent ourselves, our characters -- it's just a skin after the film you shed it, we evolve and actors keep learning."

The movie

"Maling Akala" tells the bittersweet love story of JP and Teta. The film gives us a glimpse of how a gay man and a woman relationship works... or maybe not.

In the movie, JP becomes an instant fugitive when he accidentally killed his handsome lover and boards a bus to escape. Seated beside a nine-month pregnant Teta, who after a few hours went into labor. After giving birth, JP accompanies mother and baby home to their fishpond in Sasmuan, Pampanga. Teta impulsively introduces JP as the father of her child surprising both JP and her parents.

When JP and Teta agree to act as husband and wife, their queer, dysfunctional tale begins that make them both realize things new and realistic about themselves.

"Maling Akala" is part of the 2007 Cinema One Originals and a nominee for Best Cinematography in 2008 Golden Screen Awards and 31st Gawad Urian 2008.

The film also gives Basa a nomination for Breakthrough Performance by an Actor in 2008 ENPRESS.

Catch Basa's remarkable acting by watching "Maling Akala" at the Indie Sine of the Robinson's Galleria from November 5 to 11.

Underwear models,up close and personal

Wondering if underwear models really wear what they endorse, I bravely asked one of Penshoppe’s icons, Victor Basa, if he certainly uses one. He promptly answered, “Yes, yes . . . here” and, flashing the label of his underwear, aptly showed me that he is in fact, using the brand. Flushed, I shyly said, “no it’s alright, you don’t have to show me, just answer my question.”

Strutting onstage wearing nothing but bikini briefs and oil, Basa it isn’t hard to do at all, especially with so many other studs sharing the tight spot on the limelight, fellow models who have grown to be his friends.

“I highly regard the concept and layout of the advertisement, for this reason I was able to pose even with only brief on,” he says. The 23-year-old Basa admits that he was conscious prior to the shoot, a bit stiff, but was able pull it through with the help of her co-models. He admits that he’s a “brief guy” from Mondays to Saturdays and wears boxers on Sundays when he has nothing to do but rest at home.

Half-Japanese, half-Brazilian Akihiro Sato is the latest ambassador of Penshoppe. Making waves in the country, Sato was able to penetrate the scene with both TV and print ads in his first four months in the country—undeniably the turning point of his life.

“I’m proud and happy to be in the Philippines and tends to be here forever,” Sato enthusiastically shares, adding, “I’m learning the Filipino language at this moment and hopes to become a movie star in the Philippines.”

Revealing that he is extremely shy, Sato at 22 recently walked on the ramp as one of hottest guys for Cosmopolitan’s Bachelor Bash 2008, which allowed him to conquer the consciousness and awkwardness he felt when sauntering in nothing but underwear. He disclosed that he was paid in Euros for the Penshoppe project.

Now on his fourth year in the modeling industry, Sato was first discovered in Brazil by the seashore where he lives. He started at an early age of 16 and jumped into professional modeling when he was 18.

Aside from his well-structured body, he displays three Japanese tattoos engraved in his ribcage that reveal details in his life– love, sun and woman are the ideas that he can’t live without.

He girds for his stints at the runway by preparing his mind and body. Thrice weekly trips to the gym are a must. A special diet that includes vegetables, fruit, soymilk and intake of protein supplement is what he does to keep his body fit.

More than just baring all, underwear models reveal a discipline and fortitude that make the stand tall and proud.

Victor Basa says gay rumors prove that he tackles role convincingy

Sa sobrang excitement ni Victor Basa, nagkandapiyuk-piyok siya sa "Sunglasses at Night" number ng Coverboys kahapon sa Hotel Sofitel in Manila, dahilan para kantiyawan siya ng marami.

"Nagulat kasi ako sa response ng mga taong naroon," sabi ni Victor. "I got so overwhelmed, at ibig sabihin lang, may feelings ang pagkanta ko. It was too late to realize that I was singing off-key, at aminado ako, pumiyok talaga ako," pag-amin ni Victor nang makausap ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal).

Ipinakita na lang ni Victor that he can have grace under pressure. Hindi naging dahilan yun para masira nang husto ang performance ng Coverboys. Kasama niyang nag-perform sina Rafael Rosell, Jon Avila, Jake Cuenca at John James Uy.

"It happens naman in live shows, and we're really trying to sing live na talaga. Kaya lang, hindi puwedeng maging excuse yun para hindi namin paghusayan yung trabaho namin.

"Masyado lang talaga akong na-excite at nawalan ako ng control sa performance ko," napapailing na sabi ni Victor.

Kunsabagay, showboys naman talaga ang Coverboys at hindi raw sila boyband para masabing kailangang mahuhusay silang kumanta.

"Pero, so far, happy ako being a Kapamilya," nasabi na lang ni Victor. "Naroroon palagi ang moral support. Natutuwa ako, because every week, mayroon kaming raket, out-of-town shows. Mayroon talagang clamor for us to perform live, kaya dapat na pinagbubutihan namin.

"Tuloy pa rin yung trabaho ko as a VJ, at saka lagi kaming napapanood sa A.S.A.P., and I'm really very happy," dugtong niya.

EXPOSURES AND GIRLS. Masuwerte na rin si Victor at hindi naman siya nawawalan ng exposure. Sa rami ng talents ng ABS-CBN, kokonti lang talaga yung naisasalang nang madalas.

"Maraming artista who are really struggling," says Victor. "I love my job. I love acting, yun talaga ang hilig ko."

Kung anu-anong tsismis din kay Victor, pero sa mga na-link na girls sa kanya, isa lang ang parang inaamin niya.

"Ah, yung sa amin ni Valeen Montenegro," sabi pa ni Victor. "We were together for about a year. Eventually, na-weigh namin ang pros and cons. She has to work and she has to attend school. Nasa college na kasi siya, e.

"Wala pa naman akong nababalitaan na may tsismis sa aking ibang girls, kasi, ang focus ko talaga, nasa trabaho."

CONVINCING AS GAY. Pero, hindi humihinto ang gay rumors about Victor. Kasi nga, may ilang TV exposures si Victor na gumanap siyang gay, and there was even an indie film, Maling Akala, na convincing siya as a gay.

"Nakagawa na ako ng gay roles, and that's just okay," sabi pa niya. "Those are just roles. I consider myself lucky enough to be given such challenges.

"Bihira ang nakakaganap ng gay roles na nakukumbinsi yung mga tao. I know myself better. They can say whatever they want, for as long as I'm doing my job well, yun ang importante.

"Malaki lang kasi ang audience, lalo sa TV. Nag-iiba ang interpretation lalo na kung larger than life na sa screen.

"I don't think na mata-typecast ako, I accepted nga another indie film, yung Xenoa 2 na hindi naman ako gay roon. Sci-fi adventure film yun, kaya excited ako. I guess people look at me, not as the character, but as an actor who can portray different kinds of roles."

Metro Him features life-changing haircuts and on the Cover: Victor Basa, Mikee Carrion, Carlo Adorador, and Trishan Cuaso

Haircut doing anything for you? Could you do with a little more volume here, a little trim there? A few snips can make a world of difference in a man's hairstyle, and his over-all look and confidence, so says the latest issue of Metro Him Magazine.

This four-year-old bimonthly magazine has put together an 11-page special on hair, including styling solutions to facial features one wants to hide, the seven hair sins, and eight hair makeovers. There is also a special report on hair loss: the available solutions in Manila, the costs, side effects, and views from the experts.

This new Metro Him is graced by four of Manila's top male models on the cover: Victor Basa, Mikee Carrion, Carlo Adorador, and Trishan Cuaso, a distinguished group of the modern Filipino men who reveal there is more to them than their good looks - they're funny, smart, and have had their hearts broken.

Which are the same qualities one will find in Rocky Salumbides, quite possibly the most successful Filipino male statuesque of the moment. Rocky, who recently signed up with Ford Models, Inc., appears in the magazine's fashion story on the best rainy weather looks.

Popular for being the modern Pinoy man's style bible, Metro Him doesn't disappoint this new issue with its wide array of style suggestions and solutions: from the best pair of jeans that will flatter one's shape (whether one is tall, athletic, big or thin) to how to dress for when meeting a girlfriend's parents and from the best underwear pieces to wear on those most private moments to the latest shopping destinations in the city.

Plus that Islam scarf wrapped around your neck really means. The journalist Patrick Paez writes an essay on the evolution of the keffiyeh - from being a badge of courage to being a post 9/11 fashion accessory.

Also in this issue are profiles of 1980s director Danny Zialcita who gives Metro Him his first interview after more than two decades of reclusion, Olympic boxing hopeful Harry Tanamor, and four of the country's young male ballet dancers and how they continue to dance despite the odds.

Metro Him is published bimonthly by ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. and is now available in all leading newsstands and bookstores.

Victor Basa - Metro Him Magazine

Victor Basa is on the cover of the latest issue of Metro Him Magazine together with top male models Mikee Carrion, Trishan Cuaso and Carlo Adorador.

Model Filipinos - Rulers of the Fashion Runway. Metro Him is now available at magazine outlets nationwide.

Tell and tell

All well that ends well. ’Yan ang drama nina Victor Basa at PJ Valerio nang magkita sa trade party ng ABC 5 sa SMX kamakailan lamang.

Matatandaang nagkaroon ng gap ang dalawang aktor nang akusahan ni Victor si PJ na isa itong bakla.
Nagsimula ang away nang ligawan ni PJ si Valeen Montenegro habang nasa loob ng Bahay ni Kuya ang dyowa nitong si Victor.

Pero ngayon, okay na sila. Dapat lang, ’no! Pare-pareho na silang may show sa bagong ABC 5.
Samantala, kahit tsugi na ang T.e.e.n.s. ni PJ, mapapanood pa rin siya sa isang youth-oriented drama mula sa direksyon ng batikang director na si Al Quinn.

Kasama ni PJ dito sina Empress Schuck, Dino, Imperial, Ryan Julio at Nikki Guevara. ’Yan ang bagong aabangan sa nasabing network.

At siyempre, regular pa rin syang makakasama ni Kuya Germs sa  Walang Tulugan ng GMA-7.
Ang isa pang dapat abangan sa bagets ay ang kanyang pagganap bilang bida sa latest offering ng Repertory Philippines ngayong Agosto.

Gagampanan nya ang lead character na Captain Shang sa Mulan mula sa direksyon ni Joy Virata.

by Mercy Lejarde

Young actress Andi Jose admits crush on Victor Basa

Young actress Andi Jose admitted that she has a crush on actor-model Victor Basa.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Jose said that she first saw and admired Basa as a model.

"Opo (crush ko) kasi nakilala ko po siya as a model, nakikita ko siya kung saan saan tapos nagkakilala kami," Jose said during a press conference for Star Magic members born in June.

Jose said that she formally met Basa only three weeks ago. But she said that she was told by her mother, multi-talented actress Jacklyn Jose, that Basa actually spent time with her when she was still young.

Basa and Jose's family were neighbors then.

"My mom told me that he used to take care of me, and I used to call him 'Kuya Toy'," said Jose.
Basa, who was also present during the conference, confirmed that they spent time together as children.

Basa said he remembered that Jose used to always be in shorts. He also said that she used to have short hair, and that she called him 'Kuya Toy' because he was always carrying a toy.

Andi or Andrea Eigenmann in real life, is the daughter of Jose by actor Mark Gil.

She was part of ABS-CBN's defunct television series "Prinsesa ng Banyera." She entered the limelight when she entered the Pinoy Big Brother house as the second houseplayer.

After spending almost two days inside the PBB house she decided to have a voluntary exit.
"Isolated ka, tapos na culture shock ako," explained Jose.

Jose just turned 18 and celebrated her birthday last Friday, June 27th at the Loyola Grand Villas Clubhouse with relatives and friends.