Ever since we were 13 years old, Albert Fontanilla — who eventually became a fashion designer — had been a friend of mine. In fact, he was not just a friend, but my best friend. He died two years ago. Last 25 November, he celebrated his first birthday in heaven.

Before Albert’s demise — which left the biggest void in my heart — entertainment writers Ricky Calderon and Arnel Ramos, filmmaker Shandii Bacolod and NCCA Project Development Officer Eury Zulueta had also said their farewells. Their deaths felt like punches and stabs aimed straight at my heart, for they were gone too soon.

That is why, when I watched Jackstone 5 during its private screening, memories of my dearly departed friends came rushing back with a vengeance. What I saw on screen hit me hard: a movie about gay men and their friendship. It made me cry, filled me with nostalgia, and as I laughed out loud at the cinematic shenanigans of the five, I realized that it truly hurts more when we laugh.

Meet ‘Jackstone Five’

This new drama-comedy, written by Eric Ramos, directed by Joel Lamangan, and produced by Apex Creative Production Inc., tells the story of five seasoned gay friends who, after working abroad, reunite and embark on a road trip. As the journey unfolds, old memories resurface, invisible wars reawaken, shaky relationships are tested, and sacred secrets are spilled.

Playing their characters with the perfect mix of chutzpah and candor are Joel Lamangan (Naldo), the straight-acting widower now ready to unfurl his cape and wear the tiara; Arnell Ignacio (Bruno), the out-and-proud affluent businessman with a dark secret; Gardo Versoza (Pido), a former stuntman, player and alleged hustler; Jim Pebanco (Remy), the OFW whose goodness can rival that of saints and whose motto in life is to love until it hurts; and Eric Quizon (Felix), the reigning “queen” of the five in terms of attractiveness and personal drama.

What works

It’s obvious that director Lamangan and Ramos are in sync and that the actors play their parts well. The narrative works big time, as the quintet’s travels to their school, their respective homes and the Pagsanjan rendezvous allow each character moments to shine. These moments showcase their strengths and fragilities, what they hold dear and detested, and the bond and friendship among them — enviable and unique. These five — despite the noise and cackles — are tight, tender, brutal when needed and unwavering in their love for each other, scars, warts and all.

As the movie progresses, it highlights that growing up gay during the Generation X years was no walk in the park. But these men proved to be tough cookies. They knew that being different was not a choice but a reality, and they lived boldly and unapologetically. Having found each other, they forged a brotherhood/sisterhood, a friendship, a kinship, and a family. Come hell or high water, no matter how bumpy or even treacherous their individual and collective journeys became, what mattered most was that they had each other. In good times and bad, they were never alone on this crazy planet.

Another plus that strengthens the film’s must-watch appeal is how authentic the friendship feels. You get the sense that these actors are not acting, that the friendship on screen transcends the script, and that the camera captures something real — for posterity and for audiences to enjoy, relate to and appreciate. The film shows the dynamics, intimacies and intricacies of how deeply committed gay men are to their friendships and how they make them work.

Top-notch, too, are the performances of Eric Quizon as Felix and Gardo Versoza as Pido. The vulnerability they infuse into their characters is truthful and heart-wrenching. The scene where Felix confronts a domestic bombshell and the moment Pido seeks Remy’s forgiveness are painfully real; the way these two actors harness the emotional weight of their characters creates silver screen moments that time cannot easily erase.

With humor that never offends, drama that tugs at the heartstrings, and a fresh presentation of the rarity and genuine beauty of gay friendships — this is Jackstone 5 for all of you.

Jackstone 5 is currently showing in cinemas nationwide.