ROB GOMEZ is being introduced as the leading man in Direk Erik Matti’s daring millennial relationship story, “A Girl + A Guy”.
Rob is the son of former aactress Kate Gomez, the sister of Gary Estrada. Their parents are former actors Agnes Moran and the late George Estregan.
Former Pres. Erap Estrada is also his grandpa while Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito is his uncle, also former Laguna governor Jorge Estregan. Has he dreamt of joining showbiz as a child?
“No, I was more into sports,” he says at the zoom presscon where he was introduced.
“I was studying management at St. Benilde and is more of an athlete but I realized, kaya ko naman palang mag-showbiz.
"The late Kuya Germs is my ninong and he got me for ‘Walang Tulugan’ for almost two years, then I did a show on TV5 where I played the contravida. Now, Tito Dondon Monteverde got me for this movie and I really enjoy acting now. I want to win an acting award someday.”
The 23 year old Rob stands almost 6 feet tall. What’s his role in the movie?
“I play Raf, an introvert who’s happy in his own space and who is still figuring out what he really wants to do in life to make him happy.
"I feel so privileged to be handled by a respected director like Erik Matti in my very first movie as not everyone is given this opportunity.”
They shot the film on location in Baguio. He does a lot of disrobing in his love scenes with his partner, Alexa Miro. How did he prepare for it?
“Wala kaming workshop so inaral ko na lang mabuti yung role ko based on the script and listened to all the instructions of Direk Erik who’s very hands on sa set. Two years ago, I also auditioned for him sa ‘Kuwaresma’ but I guess hindi pa the right time for me.
"Now, he explains what he wants from us and I complied totally as I don’t want to be half-hearted, even in the nude love scenes.
"I learned so much from him and I also listened to all the advice of everyone who wanted to help me become the actor that I can be. I’m 500 percent open in trying to learn and it’s an epiphany for me. I’m so thankful my career is now finally taking flight.”
Can he identify with the role he’s playing?
“We’re the same in the sense na we’re both lovers, pero ako, ilang beses nang nadapa. But l fight for my love, and ganun din si Rap. Ang kaibhan, Rap doesn’t want to meet new people, until he meets Alexa.
"The movie is very relatable as you can see yourself in us. All the emotions, bawat kanto, bawat liko, nandun kami.”
Did he easily agree to do all the sex scenes in the movie?
“Actually, I never imagined myself doing such scenes, but this is directed by Erik Matti, a great filmmaker and I am proud that this is my very first film as it has a great storyline and I get to work with great people.
"I gave it my all kasi I don’t want to do it with any hesitation. Siguro kung hindi si Direk Erik ang direktor, hindi ko gagawin kasi I really trusted him. He helped me submerge myself totally doon sa character ni Rap so I can do the sensitive scenes.”
How is it working with Alexa Miro who’s a first timer like him?
“Alexa is a great actress, she’s an amazing woman. I try to be a gentleman to her and make sure she’s comfortable. She’s very professional, marami akong natutuhan sa kanya kasi we help motivate each other in our scenes together.”
Why did he not use the Estrada or Ejercito family name?
“I’m proud of our family kaya lang, andami ng Estrada and Ejercito. Joseph, Gary, Kiko and others. E, ang mom ko used Gomez when she joined showbiz and she’s a great actress too and an inspiration for me, so I decided to use Gomez.”
“A Girl + A Guy” will start streaming on June 14 at Upstream. Ph. Get your tickets now for only P210.
