Arnold Reyes is ON FIRE!

Posted on March 10, 2015

Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente) & Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita). Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente): No puede aqui. Hindi ko magagawa ang iyo na kagustohan. Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita): Bakit hindi? Señor Vicente: Dahil napaka dali ng gusto mo na gawin ko. Kahit na sinong hombre na may libog ay kayang gawin ang misyon na yan! Ilan taon na ba si Cecilia he? Quince! Walang ka hirap hirap na susuko yan sa unang lalaki na magbibigay sa kanya ng mapupulang rosas! At sinisiguro ko sayo na hindi ko pa na bababa ang aking calzoncillo hihilata na yan sa aking kama!

Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente); Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

The accent is Spanish speaking Filipino, in the 19^th century, never mind that historically the bourgeoisie at the time didn’t really speak that way. Tagalog was in no way a basis for the national language until Pres. Manuel L. Quezon came along, that’s why he has the title ‘Ama Ng Wikang Pilipino’. Both characters, Señora Margarita and Señor Vicente didn’t even consider themselves Filipino—with references of going home to Madre España.

from left: Vin Abrenica (Daniel), Lighting Designer John Batalla, Adrienne, Dramaturg Giselle Garcia, LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa), Director & Set Desgner Tuxqs Rutaquio, Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita), Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente), Elmer, Sheenly Gener, Sound Designer Jed Balsamo, Lharby Policarpio (Daniel) & TP Artistic Dir Nanding Josef. Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

We get it historical accuracy had to be compromised with communicating to today’s audience. Playwright Elmer Gatchalian’s dialogue succesfully walked that fine line between being true to the characters / their era and being understood by viewers. Just as he did with ROSARIO in the MMFF, which was also, a period piece, an homage to Manuel V. Pangilinan’s family matriarch. JUEGO was thoroughly researched, with Gatchalian consulting with the likes of Dr Nick Tiongson (Prof Emeritus U.P. Film Institute and former Dean of College of Mass Communication U.P.). Elmer currently works as Creative Consultant for TV5 and helped develop shows like: BABAENG HAMPAS LUPA, FACE TO FACE, SA NGALAN NG INA, PINOY EXPLORER and POSI+IVE.

from left: Noel Ferrer, Playwright/Filipino Adaptation Elmer Gatchalian, Natl Artist for Literature Bien Lumbera, Director & Set Desgner Tuxqs Rutaquio, Dr Nick Tiongson and JUEGO Sound Designer Jed Balsamo. Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

Going beyond the dialogue lies the real power of the performer. For me, even if one reads the line above from the ultimate lover Señor Vicente its not a spoiler. It’s not one tenth as moving or powerful versus the delivery of Arnold Reyes. He convinces us, he becomes the Don Juan, the unfailing charmer and romancer of hundreds of women.

Tanghalang Pilipino’s JUEGO DE PELIGRO had a successful run at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino in the Cultural Center of the Philippines. For the hundreds of people who saw it, laughed, was moved and charmed, many more can watch it IF we raise enough clamor for a second run. Somehow I don’t doubt that people who already saw it WILL do so because it is THAT good.

TV5 beauties from left: Malak So Shdifat & Eula Caballero with Vin Abrenica (Daniel). Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

A lot of it rests on the lead star Arnold Reyes, this article is only following the dozens already written in praise of this young actor’s actor. Just to give an idea of his versatility his film role immediately before JUEGO was for Cinemalaya, which undoubtedly had the most torrid gay love scene with Oliver Aquino (KASAL) in the fests history.

from left: Adrienne Vergara (Cecilia), Angel Aquino, LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa), Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita), Iza Calzado & Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente). Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

KASAL is the story about the contrasting acceptance between the families of a gay couple. Oliver as Paolo had a more modern and open-minded family while it was Arnold’s (as Sherwin) who was more conservative. Directed by Jay Altarejos it won Best Picture, Best Cinematography (Mycko David), Best Production Design (Harley Alcasid) and Best Musical Direction (Richard Gonzales) in the Director’s Showcase category.

Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita) & Vin Abrenica (Daniel). Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Costume Designer James Reyes, Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita), Angel Aquino & Playwright/Filipino Adaptation Elmer Gatchalian. Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

There was no doubt in people’s minds that Arnold Reyes and Oliver Aquino’s performance in KASAL was excuse the pun a coming out party in terms of their acting prowess. Arnold has been around for a while doing a lot of notable work. In Cinemalaya alone he’s done: PISAY, ASTIG, PUROK 7, BIG TIME. He’s done several commercial films like SHE’S DATING THE GANGSTER, KALEIDOSCOPE WORLD and has seen a lot of roles in MAALAALA MO KAYA, MOON OF DESIRE, WANSAPANATAYM and countless more on TV.

from left: LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa) & Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente). Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

Seeing him live however, doesn’t compare to his on screen work. There’s magnetism to Arnold especially in this role as Señor Vicente. The comparison to DANGEROUS LIAISONS the film which was also adapted form the same novel as the play is inevitable. John Malkovich was in the same role and Arnold felt intimidated while doing research for the role. “Pumayag akong gawin yung role not knowing napaka hirap pala ng piyesa na gagawin namin. Nung na pa nood ko yung DANGEROUS LIAISONS, na takot ako. Ang hirap pala nitong pinapagawa sa amin. Sinabi ko kay Tad (Jonathan Tadioan) napaka hirap ng trabaho natin pero mahal na mahal naman natin. Kasi bago matapos yung play talagang lupaypay nako.”

He was practically in 70% of the scenes if not more. So this took a physical toll considering it had a running time of nearly 3 hours, “Nakakapagod talaga siya. Yung adrenalin nandun kung photo op na pagod na pagod nako. Pag na rinig ko na yung national anthem ayan na naman ako. Medyo na hilo yata ako nung oras na yon. Emotionally ang hirap ng transition, pagka hiwahiwalay ng emosyon. Ang hirap hirap niya puntahan ng instant lagi. Break lang noon pupunta lang backstage magpapalit ng damit pag pasok ibang emosyon na agad e yon ang challenging talaga”

Lhorvie Nuevo (Elena) & Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente). Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

What Malkovich never had is the dashing looks of Arnold Reyes and his muscular physique and that was what a lot of female and yes, gay fans were hoping to see. There were quite a few raunchy and nude scenes that were here in JUEGO. His butt was definitely bare in more than one sex scene. As photographer shooting during the play, I received a few requests for the photo of the ‘crucial’ scenes. Alas I was luckier capturing Jonathan Tadioan’s backside that was bared nearer the audience.

from left: Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente) and Jonathan Tadioan (Anton). Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

Although it was the interplay with Señora Margarita according to him that was initially more challenging than the sex scenes. His challenge was working with Shamaine Buencamino whom he admired so much as an actress, “Inalalayan niya ko. Tinuruan niya ko actually. Naging madali yung mahirap dapat na eksena. Hanggang sa eto na ginagawa na namin. Pumapasok na sa systema namin. Nagiging automatic na lahat yon. Para sakin isang magandang experience itong Juego De Peligro bilang isang actor kasi ang dami ko talagang na tutunan.”

from right: Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente) & Racquel Pareno (Señora Violeta). Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

He approaches each role starting from scratch whether its for TV film or the stage, “Kailangan ma buo ko yung element at yung proceso para ma buo ko yung character ginawa ko sa KASAL, ginawa ko sa Juego De Peligro. Definitely ibang iba si Señor Vicente doon sa huling ginawa ko doon sa KASAL. Happy naman ako na iiba iba ko siya. As an actor malaking bonus sakin kung na iiba iba ko yung role at character na ginagawa ko e. Yon yung fulfillment ko na ibahin siya physically, emotionally, mentally. Challenge yon lagi.”

from left: Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente) & Vin Abrenica (Daniel). Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

Arnold has always been modest and accommodating even in the face of adulation after his performance. Immediately after the premiere of KASAL last year classical music writer and film reviewer Adrian Lontoc requested I shoot a pic with lead stars Arnold and Oliver Aquino. As evidence of their comedy improv skills the two lifted their legs up and Arnold stuck his tongue near Adrian’s ear simulating a weird sex trio. I posted it on facebook and in the caption identified Adrian as the mysterious third party (not seen in the film) that was a source of conflict for the onscreen couple. Arnold shared it on his own fb page and it quickly went viral.

Presenting the Mysterious 3rd Party
(Center) Adrian Lontoc was not shown in KASAL but he was the source of jealous fights between lovers from left Oliver Aquino (Paolo) and Arnold Reyes (Sherwin). Looking at Adrian I now understand director Jay Altarejos’ decision to NOT include him in the film. Photo was taken after the KASAL gala at the CCP main theater August 5, 2014 by Jude Bautista.

For JUEGO DE PELIGRO they produced signs from the chosen lines of the actors. Adrian requested Arnold to duplicate the pose from last year’s photo while holding up ‘Hindi ko kasalanan’. Sound Designer and MANHID Musical Director Jed Balsamo responded beside them with the sign: Que Horror! From a gay role to a Don Juan to wacky snapshots, whatever the medium Arnold Reyes’ acting career is on fire!

from right Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente) recreates his KASAL pose w Adrian Lontoc, JUEGO Sound Designer Jed Balsamo expresses his disdain. Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Aldo Vencilao (Anton) & Lhorvie Nuevo (Elena). Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

Arnold Reyes is ON FIRE!

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from left: Racquel Pareno (Señora Violeta) & Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita). Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

Adolf Alix & LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa); Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Vin Abrenica (Daniel); Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Adrienne Vergara (Cecilia), Jerald Napoles and Phil Star Editor Tim Yap. Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

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LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa); Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Jonathan Tadioan (Anton) & Sasa Cabalquinto (Adela). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015, watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Pal Roderick Paulate hugs LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa) after the last show. Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Vin Abrenica (Daniel), Racquel Pareno (Señora Violeta), Lhorvie Nuevo (Elena) & Sasa Cabalquinto (Adela). Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Sasa Cabalquinto (Adela); Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Adrienne Vergara (Cecilia); Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Aldo Vencilao (Anton) & Writer Ibarra Mateo. Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita) & Adrienne Vergara (Cecilia). Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa), Vin Abrenica (Daniel), TP Artistic Director Nanding Josef, Lhorvie Nuevo (Elena), Sasa Cabalquinto (Adela) & Dramaturg Giselle Garcia. Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIAISONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP was a huge hit watch out for its next run; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista

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