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BB: What a difference a name makes

BB Gandanghari (Contributed photo)

Bb Gandanghari disagrees with William Shakespeare when he wrote, “that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”  To him, a name makes a world of a difference.
 
Read related story:BB Gandanghari plans to legally change name

That’s why he doesn’t even turn his head when someone – especially at home – calls him by his old name – Rustom.
 
“If you want to talk to me, call me BB,” he insists.  “How would you feel kung nasa isang lugar ka at tatawagin ka sa pangalang palagay mo hindi ikaw yon? Ang tendency hindi ka na lang pupunta.”
 
This explains why BB has been scarce in family gatherings  even as he admits missing everyone at home.
 
It also has a lot to do with wounded feelings.
 
“Hindi ka na lang pupunta para wala ng masaktan, para wala ng ma-feel rejected, because BB feels rejected if you call me Rustom.”
 
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The  producer and  lead player of  “Halik ng Tarantula” (March 7, 8 and 9 at Teatrino Promenade Arcade, Greenhills) says name changing has been around since the Biblical times.
 
“Si Apostol Pablo, Saul siya dati,” BB explains.  “Sa Amerika ang daming gumagawa non (changing their name) because they feel their former name doesn’t represent them anymore.”
 
So BB figured, if they can do it, why can’t he?
 
Even if it hurts that his brother Robin Padilla can’t accept his new lifestyle, BB is not about to condemn  his sibling.  BB knows  Robin is still in denial, four years after Rustom ‘died.’  And he (BB) understands.
 
“Nasa tamang proseso ang lahat.  It takes patience and I understand where Robin is coming from.  Ang problema is I cannot do anything with regards to Rustom. If Robin wants to see Rustom, Rustom’s not here anymore,” BB relates.
 
He knows that his family can’t bear seeing him play a sexy role as ’Molina’ and  ‘Irena’ the spider woman in “Tarantula.”
 
But BB thinks that if only they can separate the character from the person,  they will appreciate the play more.
 
“Napakaganda ng story.  It is based on an award-winning novel,” BB explains.
 
BB admits he did not consult Robin or any family member anymore when he decided to topbill “Tarantula.”
 
“With all due respect, this is already a professional decision. Pinakita ko sa kanila (his family) ang  poster. I’m very proud of this one and I even posted it in my Facebook account,” he says.
 
Meanwhile, BB is holding auditions to look for a fresh face who can play Valentin, a political prisoner in the `70s.
 
The two actors chosen to play Valentin backed out at the last minute because of their social, political and religious beliefs. But BB and the play’s director Soxie Topacio are positive they will find their Valentin.
 
“Ang peg ko ay si Mark Gil in  (the film) ‘Batch ’81.’ Valentin is like Che Guevarra, a political prisoner,” relates BB.
 
He stresses that the one chosen to play Valentin  will benefit a lot from the role.
 
“It’s a good break for a newcomer who wants to be taken seriously,” explains BB.
 

Why did Rustom marry Carmina? (BB Gandanghari Only On OMG! part 2)BB Gandanghari finally sets the record straight on why Rustom Padilla married Carmina Villaroel. Interview by Jason Domantay. Video produced by Yahoo! Southeast Asia and Digitank Studios.



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