'Mas gusto kong maging artist': Oliver Aquino weighs in on indie, mainstream

MANILA, Philippines — Indie actor Oliver Aquino revealed that he will choose indie over mainstream because it tackles reality and social causes. 

In an exclusive interview with Philstar.com during the special screening of “Walang Kasarian Digmang Bayan” in Quezon City recently, Oliver said that mainstream films are controlled unlike indie. 

“Mas gusto ko ‘yong indie. Baka sabihin nila ipokrito ko no pero mas gusto ko talaga. Mas gusto ko 'yong totoong story kaysa, hindi naman sa pag-aano sa mainstream, pero sa mainstream kasi controlled. Hindi mo pwedeng ipakita lahat. Marami silang sinusunod na rules, may mga basehan sila,” he said. 

The Urian nominee said he would rather be called an artist than handsome. 

“Hindi mo mailalabas ang pagiging artist mo e. Magiging celebrity ka, oo, pero hindi 'yon ang gusto kong tahakin e. Mas gusto kong maging artist. Parang mas gusto kong sabihin nila na magaling ako kaysa pogi ako. Ganon kasimple. Mas ikakarangal ko pong magaling ako kaysa tawagin akong pogi. Mas may fulfillment ako,” he said.  

Even in shoots, Oliver said he will choose indie. 

“Mas solid siya para sa akin e. Parang rock and roll lang siya pag ginawa mo. Hindi mo kailangan ng maraming staff. Nandito tayo para mag-shoot. Authentic yung mga bagay-bagay. Hindi cringe,” he said. 

When asked why he is always casted in different Jay Altarejos movies, Oliver said his team knew how he works.     

“Kabisado na ko ng team niya e. Hindi ako maarte. Kung kailangang mag-swimming sa kanal, magsu-swimming ako, kailangang halikan si ganto, hahalikan ko, kaya kong maghubad,” he said. 

RELATED: Oliver Aquino praised for braveness on controversial film 'Walang Kasarian ang Digmang Bayan'