Acting is a dog's life

Three years ago, a little comedy called Kimmy Dora: Kambal Sa Kiyeme stormed the box-office and propelled its lead performer to stardom. The long wait for the sequel is about to end — Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme wrapped last week, after an arduous shoot that included filming in South Korea in sub-zero temperatures. On the last day of filming in Quezon City, we caught up with Kimmy Dora’s acclaimed star, Mikky the dog.

Yes, Eugene Domingo was phenomenal playing both the strong, domineering Kimmy and the sweet, meek Dora, but we could argue that Mikky was the heart — or at least the tear ducts — of that smash hit. It was Mikky the adopted asong kalye (askal) who moved Dora to stand up to her bossy sister, loyal Mikky who inspired her to be all she could be.

 Mikky took time off from his hectic schedule to talk to us about his movie career. Special thanks to screenwriter Chris Martinez for being our translator.

THE PHILIPPINE STAR: Hi Mikky! Thank you for agreeing to this interview. Is Mikky your real name or your screen name?

MIGUEL “MIKKY” ANTONIO: My real name is Miguel Antonio. Mikky is my screen name. You can also call me Migoy — that’s what my abuela calls me.

How were you discovered? Was Kimmy Dora your first movie?

Being an askal, I was discovered, well, sa kalye lang. I was playing football with my friends. That’s when Direk Joyce (Bernal) saw me. I don’t know what she was doing in the kalye. I think she’s the human of one of my football mates.

Yes, you guessed right. Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme was my first movie. Actually I was supposed to be launched in One More Chance as Bea Alonzo’s leading man. Unfortunately, they couldn’t work out a schedule. (The role went to John Lloyd Cruz.)

Do you have any special requirements during filming? Personal assistant, personal trainer, trailer?

Nothing fancy. I just don’t drink anything with color. I’m also on the Cohen Diet now. So I bring my own dog food and everything is measured. My high-calcium, no-salt dog biscuits are always on hand. But tonight I’m having begging strips w¡¡ith gelato — it’s my cheat day.

Yes, I have a personal assistant, but I don’t have a trainer right now. That’s because I am waiting for my ideal weight to settle before resuming my triathlon training. And yes, I have my own trailer with a flat-screen TV so I can catch up on the latest Dog Whisperer episodes. 

How is your relationship with Eugene and your co-stars? May nangyayari bang agawan ng eksena?

Eugene and I, we’re a team. She’s a giver pag may eksena so ako, I really appreciate her as a co-actor. We throw lines before each take and together with Direk we talk about how we will attack the scene. My best moments in the film are all with her, plus my solo shot on the rooftop at the start of the movie. I think Eugene did a fantastic job in this sequel.

As to my other co-stars — do you mean, like, sina Dingdong Dantes and Zanjoe Marudo? We’re not that close. We never had a chance to bond on the set. Maybe they feel threatened.

How do you prepare for a scene? Are you a Method actor?

I just study my role, my character, my lines, the scene, the blocking and I talk, I mean, bark at Direk. I don’t believe in the Method. At least not in filmmaking. Like Eugene, I believe in acting without agony. 

How do you maintain your physique? Do you stick to a special diet or do you eat whatever you like?

I play football regularly — with the Azkals with a Z. I’ve leveled up. 

As soon as I’m done with my Cohen Diet, I am celebrating with a bulalo party. I love bulalo — minus the MSG, of course.

Your costar Eugene Domingo lives with cats. How do you feel about cats?

I find cats stubborn, bossy and aloof. Did you know that Eugene has three dogs also? They’re my best buds! Praise, Coconut and Moofi! Tonight we’ll hook up and howl at the moon. 

Have you ever been in a fight? Did you win?

Never been in a fight. I’ve always been cool-headed. 

Do you have a message for your many fans who want their dogs to follow in your footsteps to stardom?

Show business is hard work. It’s not for every dog but someone’s gotta do it. So I’m here.