Bangs Garcia at her most daring
Bangs Garcia is overstepping her own limits. That’s why she’s making sure she doesn’t want to look like she’s trying too hard.
If you’re disrobing before the cameras for the first time for a role, you’ll do the same thing – check and double check if the plasters covering the private parts are in place, if there are alternative plans should the unseen get to be seen.
Bangs plays the title role of Lauriana, who falls in love with a Philippine Constabulary captain (played by Allen Dizon), not knowing that she’ll get the short end of the stick (the guy beats her up and locks the door behind her).
She agreed to take the big step for a couple of reasons. One, she plays the title role. Second, the indie film is not run-of-the-mill. It’s director Mel Chionglo’s entry to Sineng Pambansa All Masters Film Festival organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines. Third, the film is not just about disrobing. It’s based on a true story about a little boy who gets traumatized after witnessing domestic violence. And fourth, Bangs feels at ease with Allen, whom she has worked with in “Migrante” and “Burgos.”
Bangs is so proud of her role she admits looking forward to winning another award for “Lauriana.”
After she became the 2012 Gawad Pasado Best Supporting Actress for “Segunda Mano,” Bangs felt ripe for bigger challenges.
‘Artista na ako’
“Feel ko artista na ako,” Bangs says.
She’d rather let her talent than her body do the talking for her. That’s why Bangs turned down several offers she felt will cast her as a sex symbol.
“Marami ng ni-refer sa akin. Pero 'pag binasa ko, bastos lang. Ayoko ng hubaran lang. Ayaw kong tanggapin 'pag hindi maganda ang story.”
Bangs doesn’t want to be known as a sexy star. ‘Sexy actress’ is a lot better for her, thank you.
“I didn’t go sexy in Segunda Mano. Ni wala akong kissing scenes,” she explains.
Another example is the ABS-CBN teleserye “Kung Ako’y Iiiwan Mo,” where Bangs plays a psychotic. Bangs also points out that her first lead role, Chito Rono’s Magkano ang Iyong Dangal, was in a teledrama.
Claudine as peg
Bangs’ peg as an actress is Claudine Barretto.
“Ang dami nyang ginawang sexy roles but she managed to become a respectable actress.”
After all, going sexy doesn’t mean losing one’s decency. Bangs wants to prove this for herself.
The good news is, now that sensible indie films are upon us, striking that balance between playing sexy and keeping one’s dignity is within any respectable actress’ reach.
