Paolo and Joross: A bromance is born in ‘absurd comedy’ film

Joross Gamboa and Paolo Contis take their newfound bromance to the next level with an “unscripted” kiss scene in the “absurd comedy” flick Ang Pangarap kong Oskars.

It was one of most uproarious scenes from their irreverent comedy written and directed by Jules Katanyag. The story is given a “meta” feel while poking fun at the filmmaking industry and the lengths filmmakers go to just to achieve their ultimate dream — or in this case, the much-coveted Oskar trophy.

In real life, an Oscar — or, at least, a nomination or even just a shortlist — continues to be an elusive dream for the Philippines. The country has been constantly fielding entries but to no avail.

But in this movie, the fictional Oskar becomes obtainable as the horror-fantasy the lead characters are filming turns true-to-life after actual aswangs or monsters are cast as actors. They’re “budget-friendly” but trouble starts when the talents demand more than the agreed upon talent fee.

The humor is not everyone’s cup of tea — an acquired taste, as Paolo put it — but kudos to the film producer MAVX Productions, Inc. for their derring-do to bankroll this kind of movie.

One of the good things Ang Pangarap Kong Oskars has produced is the comic pairing of Paolo (as the producer Bobby B) and Joross (as the director DMZ).

Off screen, a real friendship was born through this film as well.

“It’s my first time working with Paolo. I’m happy because he requested for me to work with him here. Malaki yung utang na loob ko sa kanya (I owe him a lot). At the same time, nakita ko rin yung kaya niyang gawin. He can do comedy and drama at the same time,” said Joross of Paolo, a favorite actor and frequent collaborator of MAVX.

“He’s very professional and he loves his job. Magaling! And he has a serious side that people often don’t get to see.”

According to Joross, they were able to form and deepen their friendship to the point that they can be supportive and game enough to make fun of each other.

He also said that he’s aware of the bashing his co-star has received over personal life-related issues and more recently, his joining as one of the main hosts on the revamped Eat Bulaga.

“Unang labas nung Eat Bulaga, tinext ko siya, ‘Okay ka lang Bro?’ The next day siya tumawag, kinumusta ka lang, ganito, ganyan, okay naman kami.

“Yes, I’m aware (of the bashing). I’m just here if he needs me. I won’t be the type of friend who will give him unsolicited advice. Just when I’m needed… as a friend, andito ako,” he said, jokingly referencing Paolo’s controversial “as a friend” statement in the past.

As for Paolo, he has always wanted to work with Joross.

“Ever since I’ve always wanted to work with Joross and tama naman, as I have been asking people, ‘Is he really good?’ This is true. Then, I learned he had directed a film, I asked why? Is he a good actor? Finally, I saw him in his films. It became one of my dreams to work with him,” the actor said.

“Then when I read the script, I told myself, this would be perfect for Joross,” he said. “Pero medyo nagkamali ako. Joke!”

Paolo added, “He’s great to work with. He’s very collaborative, he has a lot of suggestions, bordering on pakikialam (laughs) but all of his suggestions are OK. He listens and everything…

“If he thinks na dinala ko siya, I feel the same thing. I won’t be able to give if he isn’t able to receive. Because when it comes to comedy, it’s really teamwork.”

Teamwork was also the reason why they had a hilarious “kiss scene” in Ang Pangarap Kong Oskars. It was “one take” only because they went through a lot of rehearsals.

The first time they shot the scene, it wasn’t part of the script. This came after a scene where Bobby B accidentally drowns in the enchanted forest lake, and DMZ comes to the rescue.

Paolo and Joross weren’t sure who made the suggestion, but someone between them just thought of making it as authentic as possible.

“But the kiss scene had a purpose, it was to show our level of friendship and how much I wanted him to live. So, I had to ‘breathe life’ into him,” explained Joross.

With their newfound friendship, Paolo is hoping for a follow-up film. “Sana magkaroon pa. Because we’re still alive by the end of the film. Hopefully (it happens).”