BGYO member-turned-actor Gelo Rivera admitted feeling both pressured and grateful as he took on his first lead role in the movie adaptation of the hit Wattpad book The Four Bad Boys and Me.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Gelo opened up about his acting debut and the support he received from his castmates throughout the project.
“Aside sa pressure na nararamdaman ko na first time ko mag-acting, sobrang grateful din ako na nakasabay ko sila sa first project ko bilang aktor. Kasi, before this project, before kami mag-tape, ‘yung iba sa ‘min magkakaibigan na, and mas napatibay pa ‘yung friendship namin because of this project,” Gelo shared.
He expressed appreciation for his co-stars who guided him as he prepared for scenes.
“Along the way, habang nag-tetaping and even before the taping, kapag nag-peprep ako, I’m so happy kasi natutulungan ako ng mga kasama ko—ng mga co-artist. Kumbaga, hindi sila selfish. Tinuturuan talaga ako,” he added.
Gelo said he focused on delivering the right emotions for his character, thanks to the support of people around him.
“Yung ng mga co-star ko sa movie and mga kaibigan din na tinutulungan akong mag-internalize and parang mapa-feel. Kasi, parang most of the time, before ako sumalang, kung paano ako magpaandar ng emosyon sa sarili ko, ang daming—may mga kinakausap akong mga right people na para ma-feel ko ‘yung emotions,” he expressed.
He went on: “For example, gusto ko ma-feel na parang wala akong kwenta, naagawan ako—kahit hindi ko na-experience ‘yung gano’ng eksena, parang natutulungan nila ‘ko na sinasabihan nila ‘ko ng masasamang salita. Tapos nakukuha ko, nadadala ko do’n sa set. Pero after no’n, alam naman nating it’s for acting and sa emotion.”
The BGYO member revealed that he had been preparing for this acting opportunity and even sought advice from fellow bandmate Akira, who has prior acting experience.
“Sa mga ka-bandmates ko, ang pinaka-may experience kasi sa acting si Akira. So, nagpunta kami isang beses sa Canada, magka-roommates kami. Tinatanong ko sa kanya, 'Kung eto, kung ikaw, Aki, anong magandang bitaw dito?' Kasi siyempre, ikaw, gusto mo rin iba-iba ‘yung mabigay mo para may options ka. And si Aki, nakatulong siya,” he said.
Portraying Jeydon Lopez, a tough and serious school bad boy, wasn’t too far from his BGYO persona, he noted.
“Well, ‘yung role kasi ng Jeydon Lopez is hindi naman siya sobrang gano’n kalayo kung paano akong mag-perform sa BGYO. Kasi, si Jeydon puro maangas, ganiyan,” he expressed.
He added that he saw similarities between himself and his character, particularly when it came to putting up emotional walls and taking on a leadership role.
“Siguro, may pagkataas din ‘yung walls ko sa mga tao para maprotektahan ko ‘yung sarili ko from harm. And siguro, ‘yung pagiging leader nagamit ko rin dun sa mga eksena,” he explained.
Gelo admitted that Jeydon’s grumpy demeanor contrasts with his own outgoing and friendly personality. Still, he gained insight from playing the role.
“Yung kay Jeydon siguro, parang pinaka-takeaway ko rin doon habang ginagawa ko ‘yung role is ‘yung tough love—parang sobrang naintindihan ko siya roon,” he added.
Gelo also drew inspiration from his favorite local stars and classic coming-of-age dramas he watched growing up.
Siguro inspiration ko is yung mga idol ko na napapanood sa mga Star Cinema movies. And, siguro ako kasi noong bata palang ako, lumaki rin ako na nanonood na ng Boys Over Flowers, ‘yung mga coming-of-age na mga movies or series na ma-fefeel mo ‘yung gano’n. So, may idea na ‘ko, and doon ako nakakapulot ng inspirations,” he stated.
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The Four Bad Boys and Me, directed by Benedict Mique, is now available for streaming on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel and iWant app. Adapted from the Wattpad novel by Tina Lata, the movie also stars Anji Salvacion, Harvey Bautista, River Joseph, Brent Manalo, Dustin Mayores, Krystal Brimner, AC Bonifacio, Analain Salvador, and Gela Alonte.
The movie follows Candice (Anji), an awkward bookworm whose life turns upside down after crossing paths with four notorious school bad boys (Gelo, Harvey, Dustine, and River).