In this week’s episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya, it is all about celebrating love whatever your gender is!
If you have been tuning in to Pinoy Big Brother: Otso, then you must already know Mitch Talao. What you probably did not know is that she is a transgender. So, here to share her story and how she became a mother is Ahron Villena. “Bata pa lang kasi siya babae na ‘yung gusto niya maging talaga. So, ‘yung pagiging bakla, parang hindi ‘yun ‘yung tingin sa kanya. Gusto niya babae siya,” Ahron clarified the definition of being a transgender.
Ahron admitted that he did not know who Mitch was, at first. So, he had to look her up on Google and YouTube prior to taping. Ahron has portrayed a gay role before, but a transgender is completely different. Previously, he still got to wear men’s clothes, but this time he had on a wig and heels. One point of reference Ahron used was Eddie Redmayne’s performance in the Hollywood film "The Danish Girl."
Although, this did not exactly prepare him for the physical transformation he had to face. “Sabi nga ni Direk ang nipis daw ng skin ko,” he revealed. They initially made silicone breasts for him, but it did not blend well even after being covered in make-up. So, they had to get creative with some packaging tape. After hours on set, his torso was covered in blisters, “Usually daw ‘yung mga sumasali na mga bakla sa mga pageant ganyan ‘yung nae-experience.” On top of that, he also had to learn how to balance on heels. “Ito ‘yung most challenging role na ginawa ko,” Ahron stated.
Meanwhile, Ritz Azul will be playing Dudz Ibanez, Mitch’s partner. Because Dudz is a lesbian, Ritz also had to undergo some physical changes. They had to use a lot of bandages, plus a girdle and even a leotard just to flatten her figure. She also had to figure out how to adjust her voice. It had to be deeper but not sound lazy or sleepy.
“Iba pala ‘yung tomboy sa lalaki,” Ritz realized. Immediately on her first day, she struggled when it comes to sitting, lying down and even where to place her hands. Her spine ended up hurting at one point. Fortunately, she had the chance to meet Dudz. “Masaya siyang gawin,” she expressed her excitement.
Ritz and Ahron did not have a lot of time to prepare for this episode of MMK, but no doubt this will be another eye opener for viewers. Don’t miss #MMKRainbowLove this Saturdya, January 26 after World of Dance Philippines!