RK Bagatsing acts like every good kuya does

MANILA, Philippines – In no-nonsense logic, RK Bagatsing projects himself as larger than life without the hard sell.

Whether fretting about an underperforming deodorant, hanging out with Piolo Pascual and other buddies or posing with Superman, Batman, Iron Man among other superheroes, as Spider-Man without the spandex in his Facebook posts, RK exudes a star quality all his own.

Due to poverty that triggers the OFW phenomenon, it is positive there are family-driven drama series (Princess in the Palace, The Story of Us) and infotainment programs (Magandang Buhay, Yan ang Morning) to demonstrate where we are at and offer directions to be in.

RK is Mackie, the vulcanizer kuya of Pinang (Erich Gonzales) in Jerome Boborol’s noontime pre-program, Be My Lady, as the eldest brother who wears muscleman top or plain tee that shows his lean upper body that oozes with unpretentious sex appeal.

As Mackie, the vulcanizer kuya of Erich Gonzales’ character Pinang in Be My Lady

This turns him into unmistakably big brother out to protect a younger sister from the lure of the opposite sex, in Pinang’s case, of mixed breed Phil (Daniel Matsunaga) and other suitors. He dislikes him, frequently acting as a reminder mechanism.

The younger brother of Raymond Bagatsing, the surname tells RK is Filipino of Indian descent that accounts for his slim body and olive skin. He has the body built of Peter Parker that Spider-Man’s red and blue skintight costume will easily fit him.

Be My Lady is his break in TV as he was not accepted by Star Magic, StarStruck and Pinoy Big Brother. He had appeared, however, in Slumber Party, The Guerilla Is a Poet, Sitio and Expressway as an indie actor.

Mackie’s not the blameless kuya though. Julian (Yves Flores) stands taller than him but this does not lessen his authority over his siblings. Even if Pinang is more creative in money-making ventures, he is respected by her just like in most Pinoy households.

He has authority over Pinang in addition to two other males in her life, Tatay Emil (Al Tantay) who forever frets when the only daughter is out of the home and youngest brother Julian who teases her links to males when he goes scot-free with his own attractions.

This is not counting her Lolo Apo (Nonoy Froilan) who considers Phil as best friend, therefore his supporter and the understanding Nanay Marcy (Janice de Belen) who is not overly strict but at the same time guards about her daughter’s well-being.

With his co-stars in the Kapamilya Network’s noontime pre-program (from left) Nonoy Froilan, Janice de Belen, Erich, Al Tantay and Yves Flores

These family types sufficiently show how Filipino families in the rural areas protect female members. Despite being responsible, educated and exposed to contemporary lifestyles, Pinang is treated as fragile, showing double standard operates.

Females still have to be guarded and treated as the weaker gender. Is this a stricture of our social system where virginity and virtue are valued family values?

Not necessarily. It is all too difficult to believe. Goodness does not turn stale as religion has drilled in our mindset; it is man’s second nature more than badness.

RK shows this as so natural, even manly. He’s such a good actor he does it without having to convince. He plays a supporting role but he acts it as an important backing role.

He anticipates Pinang’s every act like every good kuya does, but it seems Pinang does not care as he is only performing an expected duty. He embraces the role as made for him that he convinces like Spider-Man’s super ability to cling to most surfaces.

RK is so believable as kuya in a marginalized family of all good-lookers and do-gooders who really care for one another when it comes without suspicion. Expect some more wonders from kuya sans reel life’s unavoidable snags.

Hanging out with Piolo Pascual (rightmost) and other friends