When the going gets tough, the tough go laughing
Belly laughs — or loud, hearty, unrestrained laughter — are said to be a fine meditation technique. Meditation has been proven to benefit body and soul.
We could all use a good belly laugh these days. As the new saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough go laughing.” (Since shopping is not an option in the time of Covid-19.)
After the serious, spiritual tone of its maiden film offering, Suarez: The Healing Priest, Saranggola Media Productions produces a comedy, Ayuda Babes, directed by Joven Tan. He also helmed Suarez.
Ayuda Babes features gay comedians who have appeared on stage plays and TV shows, as well as in indie films and comedy bars.
The film is said to be a mix of black comedy and comedy of errors, peppered with parody and a sprinkling of satire.
Black comedy is a humorous take on a distressing or tragic subject matter. Poking fun on the great equalizer that is the pandemic is what the public will see and laugh about in Ayuda Babes, say the producers.
The comedy of errors part unfolds as the situations in the plot turn silly and sardonic due to the bungling characters.
The film is also a parody of certain personalities including politicians and celebrities.
One of the popular actors in the cast is Gardo Versoza, who plays the pesky chair of the barangay where most of the gay characters live.
Gardo is dubbed “Tik Tok King” for his use of the app to post his videos dancing in high heels and skimpy shorts and gyrating more seductively than his wife.
He said his gay act is meant to make people laugh — the louder and longer they laugh at him, the better. Aha, he probably knows about the belly laugh, which is sometimes known as the Buddha laughter.
Two male actors in Ayuda Babes who are not playing gay roles are Zeus Collins and Dan Delgado. Young actor Marlo Mortel and TV Patrol segment presenter Marc Logan have cameo roles.
The other gay comedians in the cast are Joey Paras, Iyah Mina, Negi, Brenda Mage, Petite Brockovich, Berni Batin and Ate Gay.
Completing the cast is singer Christi Fider.
Two simultaneous events Two events will livestream simultaneously at 8 p.m. on 28 February.
One is Regine Velasquez’s Freedom concert and the other is the Film Ambassadors Night (FAN) of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
Was the same date and time of their respective shows intentional?
At the recent video conference for the FDCP event, chair Liza Diño-Seguerra said: “I didn’t know Regine was having a concert also on the 28th. That means I will have to watch two shows on that night.” (Regine’s concert was originally scheduled last 12 February but was postponed when one member of the production crew tested positive of Covid-19 — Ed.)
But she quickly added: “Regine, by now, has her own army of loyal fans. I don’t think our event will affect her concert. Those who’ll watch us are the viewers of all sorts of films, including those that may have not been shown in the Philippines due to lack of commercial appeal but have won in international film festivals.”
Black comedy is a humorous take on a distressing or tragic subject matter. Poking fun on the great equalizer that is the pandemic is what the public will see and laugh about in Ayuda Babes, say the producers
The film is also a parody of certain personalities.
The event is the FDCP’s 5th FAN. Liza had explained in the past that the FDCP is moved to honor filmmakers since some of them join on their own without seeking FDCP assistance. “They really are the country’s informal ambassadors because they represented the Philippines and brought honor to the country by winning.”
The FAN event may be viewed on the FDCP Channel that started operating in September last year by screening the entries to the FDCP’s Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino.
The event has musical intermissions, too. The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra will perform alongside Bamboo, Tres Marias (Bayang Barrios, Cooky Chua, and Lolita Carbon), Bituin Escalante, Beverly Salviejo, Karla Gutierrez, Lawrence Jatayna and The Pogi Boys.
There will also be a special number featuring Ice Seguerra, Juris Fernandez, Princess Velasco, Sitti, Richard Poon, Kean Cipriano and Duncan Ramos.