Lance Joseph Martinez

Christian Bables Reflects on Portraying Queer Roles Ahead of Upcoming Film ‘Drags to Riches’

Article (news)

Versatility remains an essential trait for every actor. While artists ultimately have the freedom to accept or reject roles offered to them, certain challenging characters help shape both their craft and personal growth—something Christian Bables has continuously embraced throughout his career.This June, Christian is set to take on another queer role as he stars in the upcoming LGBTQ+ comedy-drama Drags to Riches, where he portrays twin brothers Jonas and Jarold. The film follows the story of twins separated at a young age as they navigate their reunion and reconnect with their long-lost parents.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778147771722658481718_18572097520063484_553521758447723236_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Stars of &#x27;Drags to Riches,&#x27; Elijah Canlas, Christian Bables, and Iñigo Pascual | Photo from Cornerstone Entertainment</div><div> </div>In the film, Christian takes on two contrasting characters. Jarold is the straight-laced son of a high-ranking company executive, while his twin brother Jonas lives as a drag queen.METRO was invited for a set visit and had the chance to sit down with Christian to talk about Drags to Riches, his experience portraying multiple queer characters through the years, and what it’s like working alongside drag performers for the upcoming film.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778147888231tempImagepKVGMx.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo by Lance Joseph Martinez</div><div> </div><div>On taking on various queer roles across different films</div>“I am blessed and honored”—this was how Christian Bables described the overwhelming number of opportunities he has received to portray queer characters throughout his career—especially after achieving his breakthrough through one of those roles.Christian began his acting journey after enrolling in acting workshops under Star Magic in 2011. He first appeared in minor and supporting roles before finally landing a life-changing opportunity in 2016 through the LGBTQ+ comedy-drama Die Beautiful.Although he initially failed to secure a role in the film, the creatives behind the project gave him another chance by asking him to perform a script reading once more. Eventually, he was cast as Barbs Cordero, the loyal best friend of Trisha.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778147839174658423629_18572097538063484_2510105148954341365_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div> </div>Christian’s performance in the film went on to earn him Best Supporting Actor awards from the Metro Manila Film Festival, Gawad Urian Awards, and Luna Awards.Following the success of Die Beautiful, Christian continued to take on queer roles in films such as The Panti Sisters and Bekis on the Run. According to the actor, he feels deeply honored to be among the names directors consider when casting queer characters.“I’m honored. Kung pang-ilan ito, hindi ko na alam. Pero definitely, bawat karakter na ginagampanan ko, though pare-pareho silang nasa isang komunidad, ang LGBT community, iba-iba sila kasi magkakaiba ang personalidad nila, magkakaiba ang pagkatao nila,” he shared.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778148021171tempImageeSn5iO.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>On working with seasoned drag queens and performers</div>As one of his characters in the upcoming film Drags to Riches is Jonas, a drag queen, Christian Bables shared that he had the chance to train and work closely with seasoned drag performers while filming several scenes for the movie.He admitted that the experience gave him a deeper appreciation for the craft and artistry behind drag performances. “Iba ‘yung artistry sa drag performances,” he shared. The actor also revealed how working alongside talented drag artists inspired him even more as a performer.“Masaya, kasi mas nai-inspire ako to perform kasi &#x27;yung mga drag artists na kasama namin dito, hindi sila basta-basta drag artists. Magagaling sila. So kapag merong time na kailangang mag-perform sa stage, talagang nahahawa ako sa energy nila na mag-perform. Though ako, I love performing na rin naman talaga,” he added.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778147978313[image] - 9722736.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from @cornerstone</div><div> </div>Toward the end of the conversation, Christian emphasized the importance of telling more stories about drag queens and queer individuals in mainstream media, especially at a time when drag artistry continues to gain wider recognition through various performers and platforms.“Lalong-lalo na ngayon, mainit ang usapin ng pagiging homophobic parent. I think it’s about time for the people to know kung saan din nanggagaling, kung ano &#x27;yung struggles na pinagdadaanan ng isang queer na anak para lang makakuha ng validation at matanggap ng kanilang homophobic parent,” he concluded.<div>Directed by Victor Villanueva, Drags to Riches stars Christian Bables alongside Elijah Canlas and Inigo Pascual, and is set to hit cinemas this June 24.</div><div> </div>Lead photo by Lance Joseph Martinez

Metro visited the set of "Drags to Riches" and sat down with Christian Bables, who talked about portraying queer characters through the years and working alongside drag performers for the upcoming film.

Metro visited the set of " Drags to Riches" and sat down with Christian Bables, who talked about portraying queer characters through the years and working alongside drag performers for the upcoming film.