How stars of ‘X-Deal 2’avoid discomfort of filming daring scenes

CEBU, Philippines —  After 14 years in bit and support roles, 31-year-old actor Josef Elizalde is “thrilled and honored” to finally land his first lead role in yet another erotic Vivamax Orginal, “X-Deal 2”, where his role is handed a deal he’s hard-pressed to resist.

“All throughout my career I’ve been given various roles – I’ve done gay characters, bad boy. This is my first time doing a sexy film,” the former Pinoy Big Brother housemate said during a digital conference. “I also want to explore and see what else I’m capable of. So far, I’m enjoying it. It’s challenging, and I like being challenged kasi nasusubukan ang sarili ko.”

In “X-Deal 2” that’s now streaming on Vivamax, Josef said viewers should brace for chockfull of sexy scenes and passionate lovemaking. In a playful dare and a reckless bargain that will forever change the lives of three people, young couple Peter (Josef) and Violet (Rob Guinto,) visit a resort island for a pictorial with a client. While on the island, they chance upon Olivia (Angela Morena), Peter’s ex girlfriend. Now meeting her again, Peter believes that they could finally have that closure.

A crazy deal forms when Violet suggests Peter to spend time with Olivia and even have that closure sex. In exchange, Violet also offers herself to Olivia, knowing that Olivia likes her. And so the three of them engage in swap sex.

“X-deal 2” is a sequel to Lawrence Fajardo’s 2011 film, but with a completely different set of characters and story. What connects the two films is the premise of bargaining and exchanging partners for pleasure. He also recently directed the Pinoy adaptation of “A Hard Day”, an official entry to last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, and other steamy Vivamax Original titles “Mahjong Nights”, “Reroute” and “Nerisa.”

“Napakahusay ng mga kuha ni Direk Law, ang daming twists sa story,” said Josef, who’s known for his supporting roles in movies like “Ulan”, “Hindi Tayo Pwede”, and “Just a Stranger.”

“He is very respectful and protective of us actors. If we’re not comfortable sa ipapagawa niya, okay lang din sa kanya. He asks us first kung okay lang ba sa amin gawin ito.”

Josef harbors no fears of being stereotyped with daring roles after explosive turn in “X-Deal 2.”

“I think it will pass, and for sure the movie is not just about sex. I don’t like people saying we’re doing soft porn. I don’t see it that way because there is a story and there are lessons to glean,” said the actor who hopes to work with another Vivamax nymphet, Angeli Khang, after seeing her performance in “Silip sa Apoy.”

Two of these lessons that Josef picked from his role is to never lay a hand on women, and to leave what has been as it is.

“We really need to respect women. We should never take advantage of them just because men are physically stronger. You don’t use that as an advantage over women so you can hurt them physically. I’m really against that – yung mga nananakit,” he pointed out.

“And second, huwag ng balikan kung ano ang past. Just leave it there. It’s in the past for a reason. Unless it’s something na makakabuti sayo, then go. But if not, forget it.”

Being consummate professionals also allowed the three lead stars to do away with any awkwardness when executing plenty of their sensual scenes.

Shared Josef, “I didn’t experience that because when doing the scene, we’re portraying a character and not ourselves. Because if you do feel awkward, it will register on screen. Outside of the set, we’re back to our normal selves.”

“One of the things I learned na kapag artista ka, dapat hindi ka tamaan dahil kung tamaan ka, talo ka,” added Angela (“Sanggano, Sanggago’t Sanggwapo Part 2: Aussie! Aussie! O Sige!”). “You’re not a professional. So as much as possible I avoid getting attached to my role.”

As for Rob – a social media influencer who starred in other Vivamax Originals “Siklo” and “Boy Bastos” – thoroughly discussing their scenes figured hugely in her level of comfort while shooting all her steamy scenes.