How JC Alcantara prepared for his ‘drag queen’ transformation | ABS-CBN

ADVERTISEMENT

dpo-dps-seal
Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!

TV

How JC Alcantara prepared for his ‘drag queen’ transformation

How JC Alcantara prepared for his ‘drag queen’ transformation

Liezel dela Cruz

 | 

Updated Jun 10, 2023 10:56 AM PHT

Clipboard

iWantTFC

Watch more on iWantTFC.com. Watch hundreds of Pinoy shows, movies, live sports and news.

Watch more on iWantTFC.com. Watch hundreds of Pinoy shows, movies, live sports and news.

Dressed gorgeously in drag, JC Alcantara graced Kapamilya Chat to promote his latest project, “Drag You And Me,” which also stars Andrea Brillantes and Christian Bables. He described the iWantTFC series as a tale of acceptance, dreams, love, and family. And while it pays homage to the LGBTQIA community, it presents lessons that every viewer, whatever gender, can relate to.

JC plays the character of Shanaia, a bisexual drag queen with an unbreakable fighting spirit. But, sans the makeup and fabulous drag costume, Shanaia is Jason, a shy guy who is scared to admit his sexuality to his parents. Jason’s character, even though fictional, has qualities and values that JC resonates with. They are both breadwinners and family-oriented.

Prior to “Drag You And Me,” JC did the BL digital series “Hello, Stranger.” Somehow he’s acquired the skill of playing queer roles. The main difference is he’s wearing a bolder character this time. And since he’s portraying the life of a drag queen, he enlisted the help of professional drag queen Lady Morgana.

He also asks questions to Christian, “Kasi sanay na ako mag-open sa kanya about sa acting, so lahat ng mga kaalaman niya sine-share niya sa akin. Ang saya sa pakiramdam na may trabaho ka, natututo ka pa.” He said that he was able to support Christian’s previous LGBT-themed movies when they were co-stars in “Halik.”

ADVERTISEMENT

As part of his preparations, he practiced walking and performing in heels, and doing flirty moves for a month. JC burst into laughter when he recalled the first time he appeared in drag in front of his friends. He said that Kaori Oinuma was one of the first people who saw him in costume. His parents had a funny reaction as well, “Nagulat sila, parang, ‘Sino ba ‘tong kausap ko?’ ‘Nay, ako ‘to!’”

Acting in drag is a difficult task. Nevertheless, JC embraced the challenge, so much so he signed up for it right away. “Game ako agad kasi mas gusto ko hindi puro pabebe ‘yung character ko. Kasi, ito, lahat kailangan iba. Kailangan malayo ka sa sarili mo para may bagong makita sa’yo at sa ipo-portray mong character. Ang saya ko lang kasi hindi pare-pareho ‘yung character na binibigay sa akin.”

“Akala ko hindi ko kaya pero nagagawa ko pala.” And now he feels a sense of fulfilment everytime he dons his onscreen alter-ego. “Parang ang sarap sa feeling na buhayin mo ‘yung kanta galing sa’yo na mas gumaganda ‘yung performance mo. At saka sobrang nakaka-boost ng confidence itong pagda-drag. Parang sa tingin mo lahat nakatingin sa’yo kasi ang ganda-ganda mo,” he shared.

Playing the part of an LGBT performer has elevated his respect and admiration for professional drag queens. “Sobrang saludo ako sa kanila. Sobrang nakaka-proud sila. Deserve talaga nilang palakpakan at makilala ng buong mundo,” he related. “Sobrang hirap kasi ng pinagdadaanan nila. Sobrang hirap mag-transform from drag to normal person. Hindi siya biro.”

What makes the project extra fun is the company. JC enjoys working with his castmates, especially Andrea, whom he described as approachable, “Magkasama kami sa tent din. Share-share kami ng mga problema, mga kwentuhan about salife. Mabilis din kami naging close.” He added, “Sobrang kulit ni Blythe kaya hindi siya mahirap maka-close. Hindi kami nawawalan ng topics ‘pag nag-uusap kami.”

In time for Pride Month, support “Drag You And Me,” streaming every Friday at 8pm on iWantTFC.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

It looks like you’re using an ad blocker

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.

ad