Direk Chris would rather make people laugh

MANILA, Philippines - Things have a way of falling into place for writer-director Chris Martinez. After he wrote and directed the award-winning Cinemalaya film 100 in 2008, doors — big and inviting — flung open for him.

The writer of Bridal Shower, KimmyDora, Caregiver and Sukob found himself with an offer he never thought would fall on his lap: Directing a mainstream comedy film. And it happens to star the comedienne everyone says is the next big thing: Eugene Domingo. The title of her film: Here Comes the Bride.

“It’s a natural progression in the way my life is being designed,” direk Chris muses. “The offer is there, so why not give it a try? I’m just abiding by what God is giving me.”

What God has given him again is another comedy about wishes granted and mix-up persona. The character of Tuesday Vargas, nanny and family breadwinner, becomes the character the wealthy but sickly Don Jaime (Jaime Fabregas). That of Jaime’s became JohnLapus’, the beautician.

John, on the other hand, switched places with bride Angelica Panganiban. And Angelica’s soul entered the body of Eugene, who plays a lawyer with a ticking biological clock.

Confusing? Make that a comedy of errors.

Direk Chris tells you it’s not that hard to figure out.

“We have a hierarchy of needs and wants. Bing (award-winning scriptwriter Armando Lao) and I listed them all down: Love, youth, wealth, good health, success, etc.” says direk Chris.

Then, the duo assigned one type of need to each of the five main characters, played by Eugene, Angelica, Tuesday, John and Jaime. Angelica and John want a second chance at love. So does the brainy and successful Eugene. Jaime wants health while Tuesday needs money.

Each has highlights of his or her own. And direk Chris is amazed at how each of his five actors — busy as they are — found time to get together for his directorial debut in mainstream cinema.

More than that, he is amazed at knowing more about what makes them tick, on and off-cam.

“ Angelica is like an appliance. You switch her on and she gives you what you expect, no matter how tired she is from a previous taping. Tuesday is quiet at daytime but perks up once the sun sets. From 8 p.m. up, her energy so tremendous, you feel like you’re watching a show in a comedy bar. John is very helpful when it comes to doing wacky things. Jaime is light and breezy on the set. And Eugene? Oh, Eugene is the best actress (referring to her recent win at Enpress’ Golden Screen awards). She always gives her characters the human touch. Hers is a multi-dimensional way of attacking her role.”

The director and Eugene’s relationship has gone beyond the professional. It was direk Chris Eugene was talking to in that now-familiar photo where she was clutching her celfone right after receiving her Best Actress award a few days ago.

“I was screaming at the other end of the line,” he recalls. “We were crying together. I hope Uge (Eugene’s nickname) will win more awards because she can still do many things. She’s a versatile actress and can do drama and comedy.”

He might as well refer to himself. As 100 has shown, direk Chris can also make films that move and touch a raw nerve.

No wonder he wants to direct a “painful film“ next, one that will make him cry all by his lonesome at home.

It won’t be easy, he says. He admits enjoying comedy more since he’d rather laugh than cry when he’s all by his lonesome at home.

“I had a hard time doing Caregiver,” he admits. “But the challenge (of directing) a drama is worth taking.”

Besides, that’s what the two faces of showbiz is all about: One happy; another sad. Direk Chris, by inspiring his viewers to feel the highs and lows of both emotions, is proving he is to the profession born.