“Comic relief ako sa ‘Basement’” - Betong Sumaya

January 28 2014

We are used to seeing Betong Sumaya in comedic roles, such as his many characters in Bubble Gang.

This February the Kapuso actor will be bringing his wacky persona to the big screen as he gives a comedic spin to the upcoming horror film, Basement.

The film’s premise revolves around people from different walks of life who get involved in one unfortunate event. These people get trapped in a mall’s basement and creepy things start to happen. Could an otherworldly creature be in their midst?

Basement comprises of an ensemble cast including Chynna Ortaleza, Mona Louise Rey, Louise de los Reyes, Kristoffer Martin, Pilita Corrales, Enzo Pineda, Sarah Lahbati, Teejay Marquez and Kevin Santos.

Betong Sumaya plays the role of Bogart.

“Si Bogart po ang assistant ng character ni Kevin [Santos]. Para kaming mga delivery men. Comic relief ako sa Basement pero at the same time horror ‘yung nangyayari sa paligid. Hindi naming akalain na mata-trap kami sa basement,” he said.

Could the killer be one of the characters stuck in the basement?

“Palaisipan talaga sa amin ‘yan kasi hindi namin nakikita kung sino ang killer. All the while, ang daming puwedeng maging suspect doon kaya iyon ang kailangan ninyong abangan,” said Betong.

What sets Basement apart from the usual, run-of-the-mill horror film?

Betong replied,“Tayong mga Pilipino, mahilig tayo sa mga ganitong klase ng pelikula. ‘Yung mga may manananggal, mga may tiktik, pero habang tumatagal naiiba ‘yung atake sa mga ganitong tema. Mas maganda na ‘yung effects ngayon.”

He added, “Itong Basement kasi, hindi lang basta nakakatakot. May istorya ng nagmamahalan, may istorya ng pamilya at may comedy all in one. Tapos si Direk Topel Lee pa ang director namin. Iba talaga ‘pag siya ang gumawa. Alam naman nating magaling talaga siya pagdating sa mga horror movies.”

Basement for Betong is a group effort wherein every character is significant and instrumental in developing the plot. The Kapuso comedian mentioned that he is grateful for his role and all his current projects because they help him in honing his craft even more.

“Sobra akong thankful na nabibigyan ako ng projects at roles na hindi naka-confine sa kung ano lang ‘yung kaya ko. Binibigyan nila ako ng challenges,” he said.

He continued, “‘Yun ang maganda. Katulad sa Bubble Gang, gag show siya pero iba’t ibang roles ang naibibigay. May nanay, may tatay, bata at siyempre si Antonietta kaya masaya at fulfilling.”

Catch Betong Sumaya as Bogart in Basement, in cinemas this February. He also appears regularly in Bubble Gang, every Friday after Rhodora X.

-Text by Samantha Portillo, Photo by Bochic Estrada, GMANetwork.com