MANILA, Philippines -- The role of Vice Ganda in an upcoming comedy film co-starring Maricel Soriano was originally intended for John Lapus, the former "The Buzz" host said.
"Sa tanong kung sa akin ba talaga ang project na 'Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy' — yes, para sa akin talaga 'yon," Lapus was quoted as saying by entertainment news site Philippine Entertainment Portal.
According to Lapus, he had been preparing to take on the lead role in the Viva Films project when he was informed of the decision to tap Vice Ganda to star in the movie instead.
Lapus said the concept of the movie, which centers on quadruplets, entailed a long process of preparation, including losing weight and attending a one-on-one workshop with award-winning actress Eugene Domingo.
"Since solo launching movie ko ‘yan, nakiusap kami ng Star Magic sa Viva Films kung puwede paghandaan ko naman muna. Gusto din kasi ni Direk Wenn (Deramas) na magpapayat ako," he said.
The gay comedian said he also had other projects to attend at the time -- including the first movie of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla as a "love team," and the Kapamilya series "Kahit Konting Pagtingin".
"Gusto ko rin sana kasi pag ginawa ko ang Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy, 'yun lang ang ginagawa ko para maka-concentrate ako sa iisa lang... Ang maganda naman, pumayag ang Viva sa request namin ng Star Magic," he said.
However, Lapus said that while he was still busy preparing for the role, Deramas already had to start work on his next project after "Kahit Puso'y Masugatan". Filming for "Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy" will reportedly start this month.
According to Lapus, this was the reason why Vice Ganda was given his role in "Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy".
Lapus said Deramas had informed him of the replacement, and assured him that another project will be developed for him.
"Siyempre, wala naman akong magagawa since hindi pa ako mentally and physically prepared for ['Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy']... Eh, need na nga niyang (Deramas) mag-shooting talaga. Eh ako naman, magpi-prepare pa," Lapus said.
For the 39-year-old comedian, Vice Ganda's being chosen to replace him in the role is still reason to celebrate. He said he is happy that the "It's Showtime" host was given the project.
“Trabaho ‘yan. Walang personalan diyan. Masaya nga ako at sa kanya napunta 'yung project. Kasi 'yung role, pwede naman sa babae or lalaking artista since quadruplets nga. Dahil sa bakla ibinigay, it means na tagumpay na naman ito ng sangkabaklaan," Lapus said.
“Mabuhay ang mga bakla! Support ako diyan nang bongga! Alam ko na kakayanin ni Vice ‘yan," he said.
In an earlier interview with ABS-CBN News, Vice Ganda expressed excitement over the "dream-come-true" project. "Pinangarap ko 'to, pinagdasal ko 'tong pelikulang ito, kaya gagalingan ko," he said.
source: abs-cbnnews.com
