Why ‘Becky and Badette’ is a ‘love story for Pinoy cinema’
Director Jun Lana said he cast Eugene Domingo and Pokwang in his comedy film – an MMFF 2023 entry – because ‘the chemistry they share is more than palpable, it’s electric.’
Eugene Domingo and Pokwang | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF BECKY AND BADETTE
At first glance, Jun Robles Lana's Becky and Badette seems like a cinematic cousin to Hollywood's Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion — fag hags and best pals galore a la- Connie and Carlo.
However, when one digs deeper and dissect this film, an entry in this year's annual Metro Manila Film Festival, we get to realize that there is more to it than the usual "I'm a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world" kind of movie.
"It's a love story for Philippine cinema," said Lana of his latest film. "There are iconic Filipino movie moments that we gave tribute to in this film, from the late Comedy King Dolphy to the likes of Sharon Cuneta and Maricel Soriano. It opens with the Working Girls theme song, a classic from National Artist for Film Ishmael Bernal."
According to Lana, the basis for casting Eugene Domingo and Marietta Subong, also known as Pokwang, as the leads was: "I believe the chemistry they share is more than palpable, it's electric. They had a short scene in Sampung Mga Kerida and the magic and mayhem they brought, ibang klase (it was different). It would be better to see them in a full-length movie. I had been selling the idea of Becky and Badette for the longest time; I really wanted to do it. So when I saw Uge and Pokwang in that scene, it was like a eureka moment for me. I knew that I had found my perfect leads. When the movie was greenlighted, first shooting day pa lang, I was very happy with them. They were really perfect."
Stellar careers
Eugene and Pokwang's careers can both be described as stellar, with each having her own share of box office hits, acting nominations and awards. This Jun Lana movie is the second time for the two actresses to grace the big screen together after their 2006 big hit D Lucky Ones.
"I saw Pokwang in Clown In A Million," recalled Domingo. I was invited to give a talk to the remaining contestants, and she was really the standout. I said she was funny even if you didn't talk to her."
When they finally got to work together, Domingo said she saw first-hand Pokwang's wit, professionalism and kind heart.
For her part, Pokwang said the care, kindness and maternal side Domingo shows her are what she appreciates the most.