Newbie assumes Macho Dancer mantle from Alan Paule

Who is he? That was the question of showbiz folk after the announcement that a relative newcomer, Sean De Guzman, bagged the lead role in Joel Lamangan’s “Anak ng Macho Dancer.”

The film, produced by Godfather Productions, is written by Henry King Quitain, a topnotch screenwriter for ABS-CBN drama series. A special screening is being planned this month and an actual movie play date might commence next year.

The 20-year-old member of the boyband Clique V does not hide his excitement on getting the plum role. “Until now I cannot believe what is happening. All I do now are baby steps, dahan-dahan lang. Careful as I inch my way to this new career. All the surprises I get because of this break, I embrace and welcome. Ang daming natutunan. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam.”

“A part of me is a little awkward with all the attention but at the same time I am very happy,” Sean declares. “Thank you very much to director Joel Lamangan and my producers for the trust. “

Sean plays Inno, the son of Alan Paule, the original Macho Dancer in the film by director Lino Brocka. “It was a delight to work with Sir Alan. He is a very kind and giving actor. As my father in the movie, his role was strict, always scolding me. He wants me to follow his orders and do what he thinks is right so it always ends with us in conflict.”

“Inno, as a young man, does not deviate from my personality. We are somewhat similar in being risk-takers. When we have a goal, we dedicate our energies to that until it comes to fruition. He became a macho dancer because he wanted his father to experience the good life,” says Sean.

Portraying a macho dancer opened the eyes of the showbiz newbie to the excruciating facts and givens of life.

“Not all of us are blessed with opportunities so we have no right to dismiss or judge someone because of their choices,” Sean states. “I am not saying that these macho dancers are saints but all of them fight for their life and loved ones. They all have a story that we should understand and respect. When you hear their stories, if people only take their time to listen, it will hit you big time. For others, they already made a conclusion that their choice is easy.”

“Akala lagi na porke lalaki sila, walang mawawala, ililigo lang. Mag-alcohol. Take vitamins and make sure you practice safe sex. What people do not get is that their self-worth decreases, especially when a patron asks a macho dancer to do something that is not natural to him. You lose your dignity and manhood because of the money you need for survival.”

How did he prepare for the daring and sexy scenes? “I really studied the script and listened to the instructions of Direk Joel. I always feel in my heart that I am Inno. That Inno’s truth should be shown in the movie. I want to believe that I did well and I leave the judgment to our audience.”

On the lessons viewers can glean from “Anak ng Macho Dancer,” Sean says, “How he overcame the consequences of his actions and choices are the biggest take-aways from the movie. What to me is important here is that he fought for his life. He didn’t just sulk. What he thinks is right for the people he loves, he did it head-on. We sometimes have choices that are not good, but as long as you know the consequences, there are still learnings. Mistakes, struggles, and triumphs are part and parcel of our lives.”

Sean hopes that “Anak ng Macho Dancer” will be well-received. “I pray that many will watch and love the movie. And that many better opportunities follow. I am a young man who is still surprised with all the things that are happening. All of these I really enjoy and I am thankful. The feeling that I had a dream come true is priceless.”