‘Working Beks’ a tribute to gays

Award-winning writer and filmmaker Chris Martinez is one of our favorite directors. He belongs to our elite list of film directors discovered via the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival where his film “100” was among the winners in 2008. Aside from winning Best Picture honors at Cinemalaya, it also won the Best Actress award for Mylene Dizon that same year, plus Best Actress trophies from the Golden Screen Awards and Gawad Urian.

One characteristic of a Chris Martinez movie is the good script. His other noteworthy film credits include “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,” “Here Comes the Bride” and “Bridal Shower.”

Direk Chris has a forthcoming movie from Viva Films titled “Working Beks,” which tells the story of five gays whose lives are connected with one another. The film stars John Lapus, Joey Paras, TJ Trinidad, Prince Stefan and Edgar Allan Guzman. Direk Chris says this film is his homage to gays.

“It is a blend of comedy and drama. What I can say about the story is that it is in touch with reality so it doesn’t need physical comedy to make it work. It is not a requirement,” Direk Chris said in a recent interview.

The title “Working Beks” brings to mind the classic Ishmael Bernal film titled “Working Girls” which was also produced by Viva Films. In terms of format, it also features multi-characters of gays who are also working in an urban setting. “In terms of message, it talks of empowerment, of empowering the men. ‘Working Girls’ was kind of feminist. With ‘Working Beks,’ we want to send the messages of respect, acceptance, love and rights.”

Direk Chris also said that “Working Beks” present a different depiction of gays in films compared to ten years ago. “I can say the depiction of gays here is more varied. Before, the way we present gays in cinema is very stereotypical. But now it’s different. Like we have Sam Milby and Zanjoe Marudo playing gays or even Dennis Trillo plays a presumed closet gay. Ngayon ipinapakita na ang iba’t-ibang klaseng beki, unlike before na iisa lang ang idea natin ng beki – malambot, effeminate, ginagawang laughing stock. Iba na ngayon.”

In “Working Beks,” Prince Stefan’s character has an intimate scene with his partner. Intimate scenes in gay films elicit varied reactions from the audience. Some scream while others sometimes get appalled.

“Ayoko naman isipin na nandiri sila pero hindi lang siguro sila sanay o hindi nila kaya. O hindi nila ma-place ang emotion nila kung saan nila ilalagay and the easiest way to let it out is to scream. Ayoko naman silang i-judge bilang masasamang tao kaya nandiri. Baka hindi lang nila kaya talaga. Hindi sila prepared,” said Direk Chris.

Do you think there will come a time that kind of reaction with regards to an intimate scene between two men (or gays) will no longer be taboo?

“Ahh, darating siguro pero siguro hindi pa sa lalong madaling panahon. So tuloy lang ang laban. Hanggat kaya, gawa lang nang gawa pero yung ini-expect mo ang mga tao magbabago nang kanilang pananaw, hindi agad yun darating. Hindi pa siguro kasi even dun sa iba na liberated na mga bansa, like sa United States or Europe, hindi pa rin. Sila nga nagre-recognize na nang same sex marriage pero pinagpapatay ang mga gays. Pinuntahan sa gay bar at pinagbabaril. So hindi pa tapos ang discrimination against gays. Hindi rin totally accepted ang gays in many places,” Direk Chris explained.

In terms of stories, some countries have dropped as taboo the idea that a straight guy can fall for a beki. This is something that Pinoys have yet to accept.

“One reason this notion still exists is because we are always behind when it comes to this kind of discussion. But I think the Westerners have different standards compared to Asians. They have a different culture compared to us. Tayo kasi, we take it slowly. The Westerners have discussed it but tayo recently pa lang.”

“Darating din siguro tayo sa time na iyon na magkaroon din ng ganun klaseng liberation or equality sa payment, wages, sa union or marriages between gay couples and adoption pero marami pa pero ang bagal nang pagsasabatas ng mga bagay-bagay. Kasi nga iba ang inuuna. Yung anti-discrimination bill, ang tagal-tagal na nun. Ten years na pero wala pa rin nangyayari. Kasi busy sila.”

“Working Beks” tells the story of five gays -- John Lapus is Gorgeous. He owns a JolliJeep in Makati. He is a breadwinner and he takes care and provides for his family, including his extended family. He is a big fan of Edgar Allan Guzman who plays a matinee idol, a heartthrob who has a loveteam (played by Bela Padilla). One day, Edgar Allan cannot be found and is not reporting for taping because he got involved in a video sex scandal. He is hiding from everyone.

TJ Trinidad’s character is a marketing manager of a brand of energy drink that Edgar endorses. TJ’s office is in front of John’s JolliJeep stall where TJ takes his lunch. Prince is a call center agent. He learns that someone he went to bed with committed suicide by jumping towards an onrushing MRT because he tested HIV-positive. Prince is having an anxiety attack so he wants to have a medical check-up. Joey Paras is an ex gay who is getting married (to Cai Cortez) on that day. While browsing on Facebook, he stumbles on the alleged video scandal of Edgar Allan. Stunned by what he saw, he wants to back out of his wedding.

That, in a nutshell, is the story of “Working Beks” which happens all in one day. “Working Beks” will open in cinemas on November 23.