BB. PILIPINAS Universe 2016 Maxine Medina, Edgar Allan Guzman, Hannah Ledesma and Cebuana character actress Chai Fonacier were in Cebu over the weekend to promote their movie, Quantum Films’ “Pinay Beauty (She’s No White).”
The four were unanimous in describing the movie as one about loving of one’s self, of accepting and appreciating what has been given by God. Medina plays the role of an actress that many look up to.
Fonacier’s character, Annie, dreams of landing the role of Snow White in the Hong Kong Disneyland production, but first she had to transform herself into a fair-skinned woman with big breasts and a prominent nose. The dream will cost her a large sum of money but Migs (Guzman), her boyfriend, is willing to help look for the money to prove his big love for her.
Ledesma’s tomboy character, along with her three friends, help Migs achieve his goal of helping Annie.
Both Medina and Fonacier admitted to having felt insecure about having morena skin and exerting effort to achieve fairer skin. It took some time for them to realize that there was nothing wrong with their skin color and to take it as an asset.
Medina had to undergo acting workshops for this project. Fonacier had mostly been in ensemble casts and has no qualms about whatever role that comes her way for as long as she likes the project in its entirety.
Ledesma considers her tomboy role a breather from the usual maldita and chummy roles she was used to playing. Guzman, meanwhile, welcomes the lover boy role right after playing a screaming gay role in “Dedma Walking,” an entry in last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.
The four also believe that “Pinay Beauty” is relatable to Filipinos of all genders who are not content with their looks and color. They also believe that to change one’s looks is a choice and a journey that no one can question.
Likewise, they also believe that there are many and more important things in life than just being beautiful. They hope that the movie will inspire others and that it will be patronized by the movie-going public.
“Pinay Beauty” is one of the entries in the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino which opened yesterday, and will run until Aug. 21.