ALEXA OCAMPO played supporting roles in “Night Bird”, “Afam” and “Suki”. She was given a lead role in one episode of “Sssshhh” and now she’s playing a lead role in a full length movie, “Bugaw”, that starts streaming on Vivamax this Friday, July 7.
She’s happy that she also gets projects with other companies.
She just did an international film, “Mariana’s Web”, and the she’s also in the Prime Video series, “Cattleya Killer”, where she’s one of the victims of the serial killer played by Arjo Atayde.
So what’s her role in “Bugaw”?
“I play Dolores,” she says. “Bata pa ako, ibinubugaw na ako ng sarili kong ama para maging breadwinner ng family namin.
"Later on, yung brother ko, played by Clifford Pusing, pumasok na rin sa klase ng trabaho ko at ako ang nagbubugaw sa kanya sa customers niya, both men and women.”
At first, she was nervous about her role. “Mahirap yung role ko kasi ipapakitang I’m having sex with different men.
"Kabado rin ako kasi the director is Yam Laranas. Alam ko magaling siya at baka hindi ko ma-meet ang expectations ni direk sa akin. But after the shoot, natuwa naman siya. He said that I did a good job daw.”
Since “Bugaw” is about prostitution, what can she say about ‘the practitioners of what is known as the world’s oldest profession?
“The characters we play are very messed up and twisted, but for sure the viewers will root for kasi may reasons ang ginagawa namin.
"I come from Angeles City and I know there are sex workers there.
"But I don’t want to judge anyone. Respeto na lang as long as wala silang inaapakang tao. I just wish that they will always be safe and protect themselves.”
What can she say to bashers who criticize Vivamax actresses for disrobing before the camera?
“I don’t want to be judged as a Vivamax actress kasi I chose this career.
"I’m the breadwinner in our family, kaya madali ko ring na-embrace yung character ko rito na si Dolores kasi, like her, my family is my life so I am willing to do anything for them.”
How is it working with Jay Manalo who plays the corrupt cop who harrasses the prostitutes in their town?
“Napakasama noong character na ginagampanan niya sa movie, but off cam, napakabait ni Kuya Jay.
"Puro kami baguhan nina Clifford at Ataska Mercado na co-stars niya rito pero matiyaga siya sa amin. He helps us to interpret our roles well.
"Maski sina Clifford and Ataska, we all became good friends while shooting the movie on location sa Tanay, Rizal.
"I’m glad sila ang mga nakasama ko sa movie na ito.”
