What BB Gandanghari really wants
I have nothing but praises for BB Gandanghari, the “re-emergence” of Rustom Padilla in the entertainment world.
While people have raised eyebrows on the “reinvention” of this artist, it seems the redirection has done wonders for him, especially with accolades he gets everywhere from his craft.
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I was witness to this incredible transformation and the first award he got after he transformed himself.
Teary-eyed
For the movie “Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah…Ze Moveeh” in 2006, in which he played the lead character’s alter ego Ada, BB got the Best Actor plum from a major award-giving body, the prestigious Gawad Urian in 2007. It was his first.
I rushed to his side to ask how he felt winning the award.
“I hope this triumph is proof that someone like me could aspire for such an honor as this,” a teary-eyed Rustom said. Two years after his Best Actor win and a respite in the US, Rustom became BB Gandanghari, a reincarnation that would show his real self. Actually, her self…
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When more personal challenges came her way, including pointed reactions from family members, BB took things in stride and rolled with the punches.
BB’s ultimate goal
Her boldest professional step yet was producing and starring in the local theater adaptation of Manuel Puig’s “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” BB’s performance in “Halik ng Tarantula” was riveting and clearly showed her prominence as an actress serious about her craft.
In media interviews, BB said that while she found it difficult to play gay on stage, she said she felt satisfied that there was growing appreciation for the work she does as a performer.
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That, she said, is her ultimate goal, and not (at least in the immediate time), being accepted for who she is.
Right track, right mindset
With her performance in “Halik ng Tarantula,” BB should get the roles that further emphasize her talent, particularly in independent cinema. With Eddie Garcia’s world-renowned award-winning performance in “Bwakaw,” BB is a viable next candidate.
And BB is also on the right track and has the right mindset. She’s not drawing attention to herself.
She only wants you to judge her work. And everything will just follow.
