GAMEBOYS' Elijah Canlas: In the shoes of Cai Lazaro

Elijah taking a dip.

(Photo credits: Photo is from Elijah Canlas' IG post, not mine)

Kokoy De Santos and Elijah Canlas have done several films already and this digital Filipino BL (boys love) series have made everyone stick to their phones, tablets and PC's over several months, obsessed with the show called GAMEBOYS. 

It's timely, current, and discusses tons of issues so people have been able to relate to it. Aside from that, their story continues to blossom, putting spins to run of the mill hetero kind of relationships and opens a whole world of possibilities on LOVE. It doesn't go without hitches of course because along the way, friends, exes, comebacks, always had to ruin things for them. Fret not, as they will keep you at the edge of your seats and give you more reasons to see if CaiReel (Cairo and Gavreel) will eventually end up together. We all want that to happen.

I have already asked Kokoy De Santos about the show and this time, we're asking Elijah Canlas about his embodiment of Cairo Lazaro. He is the gamer who fell in the hands of Gavreel played by Kokoy De Santos. Will he get charmed and tell the truth about his feelings? Or will he be holding back and suffer in the end? 

I had the chance to interview you for your film Kalel,15, a very daring role. How did you get picked for Gameboys?

I don’t really know why Direk Jun and Perci picked me exactly but I’ve been blessed enough to be a part of The IdeaFirst family ever since late-2018. I’m also grateful for the trust the whole team has given me.

Have you worked with Kokoy before? How is he as a person?

Yup. I’ve worked with Kokoy before for Petersen Vargas’ Some Nights I Feel Like Walking. He’s definitely fun to be around with. He’s not far off from Gavreel’s personality also but I’d say he’s much more than that.

Who is Cairo for you?

Cairo is definitely one of the hardest roles I’ve had to portray. Me and Cairo have a love and hate relationship. But I’ve grown to love and appreciate him more now. I

always work hard and strive for a performance that justifies representation the best I can. There’s always immense pressure in portraying a character who is dear to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Who in Cai’s eyes is Gavreel? Who/what is he to you? Do you think Kokoy is doing a good job portraying Gav?

Gavreel is the most pleasant surprise in Cairo’s life. Though annoying and aggressive, Cairo appreciates the company and attention Gavreel gives him. He’s never felt a connection as deep as what he’s getting with Gav. He may deny it, but Gav brings light to his life. That sometimes scares him. There is no one else to play Gavreel other than Kokoy, no doubt. He delivers a performance that would instantly give you butterflies in your stomach with every line.

What do you think made Gav fall in love with Cai?

I think it’s Cairo’s mysteriousness. You never know what he’s thinking. I would say that Cairo has this innocence that makes him seem charming. And just like what Terrence said (during Ep5), Gav loves the challenge of courting a guy who’s hard to get.

Do you think Gav is sexy? Do you think Cai is sexy? In what way? (Rate for 1-10, indicate the sexiest part of your body)

Gav is.... sexy... I guess. Next question! Cai can be sexy sometimes. When he pushes his hair back, and gives you that intimidating look. (10/10 they’re my lips, people usually say they’re so kissable.)

Would you want your own Pearl? Why?

Definitely! We all need a supportive friend who genuinely cares for our well-being and the state of the country.

The show made so many people emotional in your latest episode, you guys are so effective in portraying your roles, where would you like to take Cai’s character? Would you want them to end up together (Are you also rooting for them?)? Why?

I would want Cai to be more decisive and mature. And eventually go to outer space (he kids).

Of course, I want Cai and Gav to end up together! Who doesn’t want a happy ending for these two!

Speaking as Cai, would you love someone like Gav?

To be honest.... maybe... I don’t know!

Did this show change your perspective about love? Was it different prior to starting this show? What’s your message to the fans ofthe show?

This show hasn’t changed my perspective at all. I’ve always been a firm believer of people having the right to love in all ways. It’s sad how our brothers and sisters from

the LGBTQIA+ community continue to face stigma and discrimination to this day and still don’t have the rights they deserve. Everyone should have the right to love.

This is why I’m proud to be a part of this show because it helps in normalizing stories like these. Because there’s no difference between Gameboys and every conventional romantic story out there. They’re all stories about love.

Thank you to everyone who’s been watching and supporting Gameboys! You guys make everything worth it, and we really appreciate it. We have a long way to go! I have so much love for each and everyone of you and I hope we’re able to entertain you despite all the chaos that’s been happening in the world today. Always stay safe and stay sane! Hope to meet all of you soon!

They will be showing Episode 7 this Friday, 8pm at the official The IdeaFirst Company YouTube channel. Make sure to be there to witness what will happen between Gavreel and Cairo's story, he might just admit he loves Gav in front of his ex. Perhaps, you'll see a happy ending as Elijah always wanted too. 

Again, I would like to thank MediaXchange and The IdeaFirst Company for accommodating my request to interview these guys. Thank you also to Kokoy and Elijah for being so nice, hats off to you for not only being so smart answering my questions, hope to see you soon!

PS Fans are going bonkers with Kokoy admitting a relationship with Elijah on CNN, but he said CHARENG. These guys are so funny!

Hope I'd be able to talk to Adrianna So aka Pearl and ask about her upcoming series. She just admitted doing a GL on Twitter, this is interesting!

Get To Know GAMEBOYS' Kokoy De Santos

(Photo credits: Courtesy of Kokoy De Santos' IG post)

If you haven't seen their show, you must be living under a rock. They've been really popular all over social media, and getting hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube earmarks the success of the series called GAMEBOYS. It's a home grown Pinoy BL series (Boys Love) which was done while everyone was under ECQ. It kept everyone glued to their phones, PC's and laptops, so I was really interested about how they personally felt about playing their characters. 

GAMEBOYS lead stars Elijah Canlas and Kokoy De Santos really piqued the interest of viewers as each episode unfold at 8pm every Friday at the IdeaFirst Company's official YouTube channel and they've confirmed that it will end on Episode 10. I sent Kokoy De Santos some questions so you could get to know them more. It was very interesting to see how he answered them.

How did you get involved with GAMEBOYS?

Nagsimula po ang lahat nung tinawagan ako ng The Idea First Company, inoffer nila sakin yung project, kwinento nila sakin yung role, and i just fell in love with it!

(It started with a call from The IdeaFirst Company who offered me this project, they told me about the role and I just fell in love with it!)

Can you tell us a little bit about your filming process?

Nakakapanibago, nag-shoot kami sa kanya-kanyang tahanan. Challenging, nakakapagod pero sobrang rewarding. Just enjoying the process!

(It was all new to me because we had to shoot scenes at home. It was challenging, tiring at times, but super rewarding. I am just enjoying the process!)

How did you guys make this all possible?

Sa tulong po ng aming Direktor at ang buong Production, syempre kasama din ang aming mga pamilya.

(With the help of our Director, the whole production, and our family)

This show is breaking ground on so many issues, what made you say yes to it?

Mas nandoon lang po ako sa positive side, always! Sobrang happy ako kasi madami po ang nakaka-appreciate ng aming series.

(I am just on the positive side of things, always! I am so happy that there are a lot of people who appreciate our series)

Do you enjoy doing Gavreel’s character? Who is he to you?

Sobra.. kasi marami kaming pagkakapareho po ni Gavreel. As in!

(A lot. Because Gavreel and I have so much in common)

Do you think Gav is sexy?

Funny is the new sexy?I guess? Hahaha!

Do you think Cai is sexy?

Of course! Yun lang! Naman po.

(Of course! That's it!)

In what way? (Rate for 1-10, indicate the sexiest part of your body)

Lips? 5 po? Sakto lang.

(My lips, it's a 5. Just enough)

How much of him are you in real life?

Hmmm. Sobra po. Marami talaga kaming pagkakapareho.

(Hmmm. We really have a lot in common.)

Did you know Elijah prior to doing this project?

Yes nagkasama nadin kami sa isang proyekto. At magkaibigan talaga kami.

(Yes we had a previous project. We are friends in real life)

What was your firstimpression of him?

Tahimik. Pero magaling na aktor kasi talaga tong si Elijah eh.

(Very meek. But Elijah is really a good actor.)

Do you think he’s doing a good job playing Cairo?

Naman! Hindi po mag-wowork lahat ng to, kung hindi din dahil sa kaniya.

(Of course! This wouldn't have worked if it weren't for him.)

If you were Gav, what would be the characteristics of your ideal guy?

Cute, matalino at maginoo pero medyo bastos.

(Cute, intelligent, gentlemanly but a little naughty.)

What’s your impression of Pearl’s character?

Cute!!!! Super cute talaga niya. Sobrang bagay si Adrianna sa role!

(Cute!!!! She is super cute! Adrianna was really fit for the role!)

Adrianna So has been lauded for her performance in this show, how important is she to Gav?

Hindi lang siya kay Gav importante, sa lahat ng characters. Kasi siya ang nagiging tulay namin ni Baby Cairo.

(She was not just important for Have, but for all the characters. It's because she was the bridge between me and my Baby Cairo.)

If you had one wish for Gav’s character, what would it be and why?

Wala nakong hihilingin pa, tingin ko. Tamang tama na yung timpla.

(I couldn't ask for anything more. I think he's just right.)

Fans are eager to see you end up together, cliche as it sounds, I want to ask you, has this show changed your perspective about love? What’s your message to

the fans ofthe show?

"Tingin ko hindi nagbago yung pananaw ko sa love, mas lalo lang akong naniwala na ang LOVE ay malaking part satin bilang mga tao, para maging proud, masaya, malaya at mabuhay."

"Gusto ko lang po magsalamat sa walang sawang suporta ninyo sa amin. Mahal ko kayong lahat!"

(I think my point of view about love didn't change, it made me believe even more and how big it is for us as humans. To be proud, to be happy, to live freely!)

(I would just like to thank you all for your support. I love you all!)

It was so nice and refreshing to hear him answer as Gav, no wonder a lot of people love Kokoy's character in the series. There are still a few more episodes left, I know you are excited for Part 7 this Friday, make sure you're there at 8pm. For fans of Adrianna So, I'll try to make arrangements to interview her perhaps on a later date!

Aside from this interview, we also talked to Elijah Canlas. Make sure you read that too in our next post! Stay tuned! 

PS. Thank you so much to MediaXChange and The IdeaFirst Company for helping us connect with Kokoy and Elijah! You guys rock!

 

Kondo Yohdi and Joe Nakamura for ATHLETE: Shows September 25 in PH

We got to interview the stars of ATHLETE a film by Takashi Oe earlier today. Meeting Kondo Yohdi and Joe Nakamura was a pleasant experience especially since we do seldom meet international actors. 

Nakamura san says “I tried to match my persona and character to one of my friends, I used to work in the district and did this film. This is my first time here, but I hope everyone understands that this is about love, not about any nationality or country, it is never one way. I hope straight person would understand that. In the story it is hard because I have a daughter. I want them to understand it, so it would be easy to come out and open their heart. We are behind Asia, a little hard to accept truths, they try to tie it up in certain jobs like hairdressers, comedians, and never the family type men. I never made love with a guy before but I had to know and research about it, I watched brokeback mountain a couple of times. When I had this offer I already had many friends who are lgbt but this never changed me because I was already happy with them. I want to also work with Filipino actors. I want to work with Anne Curtis. I wanna go sea the beaches, ear more Filipino food and cultural places.” 

Kondo san says “I watched films in the past but I just wanted to focus on love. I don’t really concentrate on gender, for me, love is love. This is what role I wanted to do. It is different a situation, but this would get you to understand how it is in Japan, maybe fall in love with someone from Japan too. My character is going to do what he wants to make his partner happy. For them to know the real value of happiness. My generation is more accepting, but the older ones have to be more masculine and not understand it. Our bedscenes had to have breathing controls. This is my first time to act so I was nervous , but we didn’t think about the reception at all. It was a role and it had good reason to be told. Even if I am not gay and going to play a gay guy, it did not trouble us at all because we have friends who are lgbt and hope this helps them. I will not stop doing Youtube, we only have one life and I will do my best to upload more content even if I am busy with the acting job. I want to work and maybe do a superhero movie, but I have to learn Filipino and English first before I could do that.” 

They also have the Purple Beauty Team (Shigubi Purple) to help them promote the film. They will be performing with the PPOP generation tonight in Promenad Greenhills. They are Kimono dancers, all above 50 years old but they look young. 

This title has many meanings, but they are swimmers and something happened to the role of Joe Nakamura before the divorce started, so in a nutshell, things really started from them being an athlete. This will show only on September 25. This movie will only be seen in Robinsons Movieworld, exclusively! 

Go watch it!