Will you date a bold star?

Thank you very much for this wonderful question. The answer to this will be made known once Niokz Arcega’s He’s Dating a Bold Star hits the silver screen in cinemas on 26 October.

One of the most interesting aspects of the movie is its reverence for Dolphy, Babalu, Redford White and Michael V, and the brand and kind of comedy that Malupiton (Joel Ravanera) misses. This fact says a great deal about the kind of humor he subscribes to, which we are to experience in his initial cinematic foray.

The Pambansang Kolokoy’s digits are impressive: 6.4 million-plus verified followers on Facebook, 2.12 million subscribers on his official YouTube channel, and 990,000-plus followers on TikTok. In Niokz Arcega’s He’s Dating a Bold Star, guffaws and good times are 100 percent guaranteed. He is the main attraction in the movie, opposite Bubble Gang mainstay Annalyn Barro, in a film produced by NKO Film.

Good comedy

“Dolphy, Babalu, Redford White and Michael V are my ultimate comedy idols,” said Malupiton during the He’s Dating a Bold Star press shindig, attended by entertainment media and bloggers/vloggers, held at Match Point Bar and Restaurant. “The four gentlemen are my inspirations behind my comedic style. I feel that the classic, traditional style of Filipino comedy films is slowly disappearing. I accepted this because I want to bring back their comedy on screen so that moviegoers can enjoy and experience the fun and humor of the comedy greats.”

Dolphy, hailed as the Philippine comedy king, relied on smooth timing, effortless delivery, physical wit and charm. Babalu was effortlessly natural, possessed an innate sense of timing, and knew exactly when to deliver a punchline, pause for effect or alter his vocal tone to maximize the hilarity of a scene. White earned admiration for his wholesome, family brand of humor, laced with innocence, awkward charm and childlike energy, using a single look or an exaggerated facial expression to make the public laugh heartily. And Michael V, the Gen Xers’ comic genius, earns respect and support because of his mastery of parody, impersonation, character creation, creative and writing credits, and reinvention.

Bold star era

There is no truth to the talk that Malupiton and screen partner Barro are going to show skin or engage in kinky cinematic whoopee in the motion picture, which happens to be a romantic comedy with the right doses of naughty and nice.

“My character’s name is Jeboy, a mild-mannered hotel employee and an aspiring musician,” said Malupiton. “He meets Kit (Barro’s character). He pursues and falls in love with her, thinking that she is just an ordinary hotel guest. When he learns that she stars in bold movies, that reality triggers chaotic, funny and heartfelt situations.”

On being a first-time leading man, Malupiton said: “I felt incredibly shy and uncomfortable initially. My social media content rarely features women that I have to react to in a romantic kind of way. It’s a good thing that Annalyn is kind, patient and easy to work with. During the second day of shooting, my feeling of being naiilang and shy was gone, and as it progressed, she and I developed a close-friend dynamic.”

“I immediately said yes to the project, even without the script, when I learned that my partner was Joel,” Barro said. “I am a fan and subscriber of his online show, so I know that he is extremely talented in comedy and that working with him will be a breeze.”

“I am naturally drawn to funny individuals. A man who can make me laugh is a big check,” Barro continued. “Because of Malupiton’s innate humor and charm, the shooting became seamless. I think my being madaldal (talkative) and not being so maalagain allowed him and me to glide through our scenes. Our off-screen banter already showed everyone on the set the chemistry that we share, and I believe the director’s camera was able to capture it.”

There is more to the movie than its provocative title. Director Arcega said: “Its core story is about dreams, family, friendship, the struggles and successes of Filipinos balancing life and love, and realizing ambitions and dreams. And yes, Jeboy and Kit, with Malupiton and Anna giving life to them, I must say we have a winning new love team.”

Adding more feels to the movie is its OPM-driven soundtrack by Silent Sanctuary, Pearse Abbey, Android-18, and Kiko Machine and Doomrockets.