Luis Hontiveros can do more than just sexy roles

MANILA, Philippines — Luis Hontiveros may already have his share of the spotlight after becoming one of the lead stars in a sexy film two years ago. But the Sparkle artist doesn’t see himself doing the same genre anytime soon. He is bent on getting his acting chops recognized in a different light.

“Right now, I would say hindi po muna ‘yan ang magiging focus ko sa career ko because I don’t wanna be branded in that category alone,” began Luis when asked if he would still be willing to show some skin on screen.

“I think I have more to prove as an actor and nagawa ko na rin po naman ‘yung side na ‘yun. So, I wanna do more heavy roles in terms of drama and more challenging roles in action,” added Luis who also expressed his desire to dabble in comedy in the future.

Luis would like to make it clear though that he does not frown on sexy roles and if ever another offer comes along, he will accept but with some limits and “not on the same level as the previous one (I did before).”

To recall, Luis starred in the 2021 film titled Palitan which was directed by the Cannes-winning director Brillante Mendoza and shown on Vivamax.

Asked by one writer if he is going to turn down any drama project that will require frontal nudity, Luis said that his decision whether to accept it or not will depend on its significance to the story.

“What’s the purpose of it (frontal nudity) to the story? Would it make sense? Perhaps, if the character is mentally ill and unaware of what’s happening, then it would make sense. But if only for the sake of showing, I’m not after that kind of role anymore,” he said.

“I don’t think there’s something I (would) have to prove in that department. I don’t think it will bring me any fulfillment or advancement to my acting career,” he stressed.

What he recently agreed to do was to portray as the closeted gay bestfriend of Shaira Diaz’s character in Without You with David Licauco in the male lead role. Breathing life into his character Howie, Luis shared, was a real challenge. He had to do his own research to learn how to best approach his character.

“It’s not my first time doing a gay role but I would say ‘yung pagka closet, that’s the most difficult for me because I can’t go over the top since it (acting) should not be flamboyant. At the same time, I can’t be too minimal na wala kang hint.

“So, I really did my research and I interviewed people similar to my character because of course, in the film, David doesn’t know but when Shaira and I are together, medyo angat ‘yung pagka-bading.”

However, Luis said he is not yet open to take his “gay acting” to the “next level” because he believes that doing such a role is never an easy task.

“It’s not just a role for a guy to just physicalize it. It does not always happen the way you think it should because may pilantik (okay na ang portrayal). No. It has to always come from within. For me, it has to be authentic and truthful. Ganun ako kasi ayoko rin maka-offend. It has to be factual and at hindi kung ano lang ‘yung pagkakaintindi mo,” he pointed out.