Kangkong Girl: Don’t blame me!

Fil-American beauty Brigitte de Joya is being blamed for the tough time the Seiko movie Kangkong went through with the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board and the Palace appeals committee. BJ’s uninhibited love scenes with Rodel Velayo reportedly led to the X-rating (unsuitable for public exhibition) of Kangkong directed by Mauro Gia Samonte.

To that BJ pleads: Don’t blame me.

"I just followed the instructions of direk Mau. He told me to give it all-and so I did. My love scenes with Rodel were really passionate. And it didn’t matter that he plays a would-be priest. I feel that when you’re in love you don’t hold back because your partner is a would-be priest…or even already a priest."

Logical enough.

It turned out what the censors objected to were not really the sexy scenes but the presentation and motivation of the would-be priest, which Seiko Films remedied and so Kangkong was finally approved.

Direk Mau is all praises for BJ’s professionalism and, yes, lack of inhibition. She studies her role and lines well and has no qualms about shedding her clothes and engaging in sexy scenes even if there are people watching the shoot.

"I am a bold star and not a drama actress. People expect me to undress and do sexy scenes. I don’t want to disappoint all the men and boys who watch my movie."

Very well said, BJ.

Brigitte de Joya, of Filipino and American parentage, grew up and studied in Seattle, Washington. She’s inclined to the arts, painting in particular, and hopes to mount a one-woman exhibit when she has enough materials. "My painting are still rather primitive but I know my style will improve in time," she says.

Will her Kangkong leading man make a good subject?

"Of course, preferably in the nude. Rodel has such good body; fine and smooth skin all over. His butt is like that of a baby’s," BJ laughs. "Actually, Rodel’s face alone is good enough painting subject. He has such a handsome face, very expressive."

But why the title Kangkong?

Well, the story is set in Kangkong (swamp cabbage) plantation. BJ is balikbayan who seduces Rodel, who is about to be ordained priest. Rodel is also sexually attracted to BJ.

Assistant director Eugene Asis recalls that one BJ-Rodel sex bout was shot in the swamp planted to Kangkong. "It was sizzling hot, I tell you, but at the same time wet literally and wild. Brigitte and Rodel have no inhibitions whatsoever. Pareho silang hubo’t hubad."

For US-bred BJ nudity is no big deal, especially when one has the body. Rodel agrees. He danced in the nude in Burlesk King which was acclaimed all over the world.

Eugene (he is also the entertainment editor of a morning tabloid) says Kangkong is more of comedy than drama, but definitely sexy."

Also starring in Kangkong are Sofia Valdez, Paula Gomez, Odette Khan, and Maning Borlaza.