From being a breakout indie fave, the 2017 film “Bar Boys” has inspired a whole generation of Filipino law students to chase the dream (and survive the stress). Its success even sparked a hit musical adaptation, “Bar Boys: The Musical.” Now, the story continues with “Bar Boys: After School,” a sequel that explores the characters’ lives post-law school.
Last December 17, lead star Carlo Aquino dropped by Kapamilya Chat to talk about the film---and to bring even more inspiration as he took on the “Random Card” challenge, drawing surprise questions he had to answer on the spot.
Carlo pulled his first card and got the question, “What’s the best job you ever had?” No surprise there---it’s acting, of course. “Bilang isang artista kasi parang nakaka-inspire, minsan nakakainis. Ayun ‘yun, ‘pag may ginagawa kang character, may connection ka with other people, ‘yung mga nakakapanood sa’yo.” For him, that connection makes the job truly fulfilling.
When asked how he managed to let go of Matmat, his beloved character from “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” Carlo said he did it by expressing gratitude. “Nag-thank you ako sa lahat ng tinuro niya sa akin, kung paano niya ako ginawang mas mabuting tao, kung paano ako makitungo sa mga kasamahan ko,” he shared. And honestly, Matmat hasn’t fully left---Carlo admits the character still lives in him because he’s one of the characters he truly love.
Carlo admitted that one of the toughest parts of playing Matmat were the meltdown scenes---plus the challenge of shooting outdoors under the scorching heat. “Physically demanding siya, and emotionally din,” he said.
For his next card, Carlo got the question, “What's something you believed earlier in your career, but think about differently now?” He kept it real with his answer: you can’t be at your best every single day. “That's not how it is. Paminsan, may mga off days talaga which is natural kasi tao ka. Lalo na bilang artista, ginagamit mo lahat---emotions, katawan, utak… may off days talaga,” he said. He added that he’s now more accepting of those moments and isn’t afraid to tell his directors when he needs support.
The next card asked about his guilty pleasure, and Carlo didn’t even think twice, “gaming and motorcycle.” He shared that he now limits himself to about two hours of gaming---a big improvement from before when he’d play straight through meals, but now he has to deal with responsibilities as an adult. With no current project in production, he’s hoping to return to doing gaming streams soon.
The question “What are the top three things on your bucket list?” was asked next, and Carlo didn’t hesitate to share the first two: a trip to Switzerland with his wife, Charlie Dizon, complete with a visit to a Christmas village, and finally going skydiving together, something they’ve long wanted to do but never found the time for. As for the third item, he laughed and admitted he hasn’t thought of one yet.
The next card asked, “Would you rather have a rewind or pause button on your life?” At first, Carlo said he wouldn’t pick either---but after thinking it through, he eventually chose the pause button.
For the final card, Carlo was asked, “What's the best advice you've ever received?” He shared a line from “Bar Boys: After School,” delivered by Odette Khan, “Experience life. Maybe the point of life is not about winning or losing but to experience life itself.” When asked which life lesson he carries with him now, he added, “Always know na habang buhay ka, laging umiikot ’yan, rumu-rolyo ‘yung buhay.” For Carlo, it all comes down to experiencing life fully and staying calm through its ups and downs.
Catch Carlo Aquino in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 movie “Bar Boys: After School,” showing in cinemas starting December 25.
*Photo credit to Carlo Aquino IG