CinemaBravo

Presented by VMX and The IdeaFirst Company, ‘Bigayan’ is an unapologetically bold film that dives into the complexities of modern relationships. Directed by Ivan Payawal, the drama stars Mike Liwag and Jesse Guinto as Kent and Harvey, a couple navigating the ups and downs of an open relationship turned monogamous.

Their story captures an emotional journey that speaks to the often-unexplored facets of love, trust, and personal boundaries in queer relationships.

Chemistry on set

At a recent media conference, both Liwag and Guinto spoke candidly about working together for the first time. As both actors hail from theater backgrounds, they found common ground that made portraying such intense characters a unique experience.

During a one-on-one interview, Jesse Guinto shared to Lakwatsera Lovers, “It was my first time working with Mike, and masasabi ko na very professional siya na katrabaho kasi galing siya ng teatro and galing din ako ng teatro and yun yung nagpadali sa amin na i-portray yung kanya-kanyang characters… Nagbibigay siya, kaya nagbibigay din ako, that’s why it is called ‘Bigayan’.

[It was my first time working with Mike, and I can say he was very professional. Coming from a theater background, just like me, really made it easier for us to bring our characters to life. He gave a lot during scenes, so I was able to give a lot as well. That’s why it’s called ‘Bigayan’ (giving).]

Mike Liwag echoed Guinto’s sentiment: “Sobrang happy ako to work with Jesse kasi, ayun, it is also my first time to work with him tapos sa ganitong genre pa. Happy ako to work with him kasi nga same kami ng pinangalingan which is theater so ang gustong-gusto ko sa kanya e yung nag-plunge lang siya na kapag ganito yung binigay na eksena ni Direk e wala siyang hesitations – talon agad. Magaling siya and very professional.”

(I was really happy to work with Jesse. It was also my first time working with him, especially in this genre. I was happy because we both came from theater, and what I admire about him is that he just plunges in. If the director gives a scene, there’s no hesitation—he jumps right in. He’s talented and very professional).

For them, the film became an opportunity to push their limits as actors and bring to life a story that resonates with many. Their characters’ journey in ‘Bigayan’ offers an exploration of personal growth within a relationship, as well as the courage it takes to confront difficult truths.

The challenges of doing an orgy scene

The movie includes an orgy scene, an unusual feature even for modern Filipino cinema, pushing the boundaries of typical on-screen intimacy. Both actors discussed the technical difficulties and sensitivity required to make such a scene appear authentic yet respectful.

Guinto explained, “The orgy scene was very technical when it comes to positioning kasi we are wearing plasters and kailangan hindi siya makita sa camera… Doon kami pinakanahirapan kasi nakakapulikat siya sa positions, and hindi siya madaling gawin, and sobrang intense pa ng mga eksena. And yung mga guys na kasama namin sa eksena e hindi naman lahat willing na magpa-kiss, kasi hindi naman lahat all-out, kaya we have to respect din naman yung mga limitation ng mga actor na yon.”

(The orgy scene was very technical when it came to positioning. We were wearing plasters, and we had to make sure they didn’t show on camera. That was the hardest part, as holding the positions could cause cramping, and it wasn’t easy. The scenes were very intense, and some of the guys we worked with weren’t comfortable with kissing. Since not everyone was all out, we had to respect the limits of each actor.)

Liwag pointed out the support they received from the production team in navigating this scene. “Very protected kami; talagang hindi kami pinabayaan ng production when it comes doing these types of scenes. Ayun nga, meron lang talaga kaming mga co-actor na hindi sanay sa mga ganitong klaseng eksena, and you just have to respect it, kaya dadayain na lang talaga para magmukhang natural na orgy.”

(We were very protected; the production didn’t abandon us when it came to these types of scenes. Some co-actors weren’t used to this kind of thing, so we had to respect that. We had to find ways to make it look like a natural orgy without crossing anyone’s boundaries.)

The story of ‘Bigayan’

For seven years, Harvey and Kent have been in an open relationship. They met through an orgy, and though they have fallen in love and have shown commitment to each other, they don’t stop each other from being with other men.

But all of a sudden, Harvey’s feelings have changed. He now wants them to be in a monogamous relationship. Kent is taken aback by this, and what’s more alarming is that Harvey wants them to build a family. Harvey comes from a big family where he’s been showered with so much love, being the youngest. Meanwhile, Kent grew up in a broken family. He hates cheaters, but he is also not fan of a monogamous relationship.

There is no doubt that Kent loves Harvey, but this is too much to take for him. Is this going to be the end of their relationship? If Kent can’t give his all, is Harvey willing to compromise? Or is it strictly all or nothing?

‘Bigayan’ is now available via pay-per-view exclusively on Vivamax Plus.