The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
How is it reimagining in a film the Philippine entertainment export to Japan in the 1980s and 1990s when the Japanese government was open to Filipino entertainers performing in the House of the Rising Sun?
And how is it if the narrative involves Filipino transgenders?
Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Brillante Ma. Mendoza immediately replied to the query. “Napakakulay ng mga karanasan ng mga Filipino transgender sa Japan ng mga panahong ‘yon. Kaya hindi ako nagdalawang-isip na gawin ang pelikula para ipakita ang buhay nila sa kanilang pananaw at ng mga Hapon (The experiences of Filipino transgender entertainers in Japan were colorful during those decades. I didn’t have second thoughts doing the film to show their lives from their points of view and that of the Japanese),” said Brillante.
The title of the film is “Chameleon” which is based on true-to-life stories.
According to Mendoza, his transgender actors are very good. “At magaganda pa (And they are also beautiful),” praised Dante Mendoza, Brillante’s other screen name as a Production Designer.
Most of the actors in the film are newbies except for Ruby Ruiz who plays the Mamasan (caretaker of women), mostly of Japayukis (that included transgenders).
“We auditioned actors for the roles),” informed Mendoza.
One of the lucky passers is OJ Ar Ci, a talent of Vince Tanada’s Philstagers. “It’s an honor to be chosen by Direk (Director) Dante,” exclaimed OJ. (Boy Villasanta)