Actor Enrique Gil came prepared with his answers to questions naughty and nice at the press con of “I Am Not Big Bird,” his comeback movie from BlackSheep, Anima Productions, ABS-CBN Films and the actor’s own Make-A-Break Productions.
With his “birdkada,” co-stars Nikko Natividad, Red Ollero and Pepe Herrera, Quen showed his playful side as he answered questions about the comedy film shot in Pattaya and Bangkok celebrating friendship, family and self-discovery.
After his leading-men projects on television and the big screen, Quen wanted something different for his return so he had no qualms about doing the raunchy “I Am Not Big Bird.”
“I was not used to this kind of projects, but I’ve been out for so long and if I start doing what I used to do, it wouldn’t make sense,” he said, “And mahilig ako sa comedy, I am a big fan of comedy, sabi ko tara gawin natin.”
Queen also had fun with his “birdkada.” Red, Pepe and Nikko – all handpicked for their roles – did not have to think twice about accepting the film. It was director Victor Villanueva who had some misgivings and wondered how the actors would develop chemistry.
“Nung nalaman ko na si Quen, sabi ko sure siya? Napa-Bisaya ako kasi ang daring [nung project],” shared Villanueva. “’Yung cast na to are actors I want to work with, kumbaga powerful ensemble. Ang worry ko is baka ‘di sila mag-get along. Baka may power dynamics kaya sinabi ko mag bonding kayo, mag inuman kayo.”
Thankfully, there was no need for worry as the director noted that the chemistry was easily developed while the cast shot a total of nine days making the movie.
Immersing in the colorful culture of the Thai also contributed to the friendly atmosphere on the set.
Pepe, especially, was delighted having found friends in the Thai cast.
“Rollercoaster ride talaga experience namin sa Thailand. I can say na nag immerse talaga kami napaka colorful ng ng culture ng Thailand and in the people. Nagkaroon kami ng mga kaibigan na locals which is something that we will treasure forever. Kaka message pa lang ngayon ng cast from Thailand so yun ang greatest blessing and greatest takeaway,” the actor said.
“I Am Not Big Bird” is co-written by Jima Labayen and Lilit Reyes. Reyes developed the idea from his own experience with his friend who was mistaken for a Japanese porn actor while they were in Thailand.
“It’s a brilliant premise for a comedy kasi anything can happen sa magbarkada nagta-travel tapos bigla na lang may sasampal dun sa kasama nya hindi nya alam bakit tapos malalaman dyan kung bakit,” said Reyes.
The film ultimately is about relationships.
“Dito mo makikita, it’s not about manhood or having a chick, it’s really about keeping your friends,” shared one of the film’s writers, Lilit Reyes, during The Big Media Conference.
“It’s more of a self-discovery along with rediscovering friendship na mga nakalimutan mo na. Para siyang pagtanda at pag-develop ng isang lalaki during that time sa mga na-experience niya sa Thailand,” said co-writer Joma Labayen.
So did Quen agree to do daring scenes for the film?
“Yes. Kailangan kong i-prove na hindi ako si Big Bird,” he said.
When asked the inevitable question, “Kayo ba ay big bird?” the cast all were game.
“Not,” said Red.
Nikko: “Nikko daks nga. Sabi ng survey…”
“Proudly not big bird,” Pepe said.
And Quen? “Both. Hindi naman lagi,” he said.
“I Am Not Big Bird” is showing on February 14.
