From fantasy to reality

Viewers have tuned in to the Kapuso Network for its fantasy-oriented shows, and director Dominic Zapata was behind the camera of several of these hits. For his latest project, he gets a break from the realm of fantasy and instead is required to have a reality check as he makes people laugh. For some time now, Director Dominic Zapata has been involved in shows that tap into one’s imagination, particularly Mulawin , Mars Ravelo’s Captain Barbell and most recently, Super Twins . Perfectly complementing his dynamic personality, these shows had a certain allure that hooked viewers up to the end. It seems that there’s magic in the way he handles his projects. But in the absence of special effects and within the confines of reality, will he still have his magic touch as he takes over GMA 7’s newest reality-based comedy show, Kung Ako Ikaw ? Ever Ready Direk Dom says he always finds pleasure in every project he gets involved with. “I’m task-oriented eh. So kapag binigay mo sa ’kin (ang isang trabaho), sige, didiskartehan ko 'yan. I always find it as a challenge. It’s a new venture and I happen to enjoy it, really.” With such a passion for challenges, it’s no surprise that he’s one who derives satisfaction from different things. “Masarap 'yung nag-i-iba-iba ka rin ng ginagawa, iba-ibang putahe, (iba’t) ibang klaseng gratification,” he adds. What’s his secret to leading Kung Ako Ikaw to success? Never draw attention for oneself as the director, he stresses. “I think I’m doing a good job if you don’t see (or) feel me drawing attention to myself…kasi 'yung bida dito (sa show) ‘'yung dalawa (na host) at saka 'yung mga pinapagawa (naming tasks) sa kanila (celebrity manggagawa).” Very Comic While Direk Dom is the network’s resident director for fantasy-themed shows, he admits to having always loved comedy. In fact, he used to work with Beh Bote Nga and Nuts Entertainment , until he was tasked to focus on telefantasya. “Nahasa 'yung skills ko sa Balakubak (a segment in Nuts Entertainment ). (Kasi) we just sit down and talk kung papano didiskartehan ('yung show). (Doon) hindi basta i-te-take 'yung binato mong ideas. Kailangan talaga nakakatawa rin 'yung binigay mo. Kailangan may saysay,” he shares. The fact that he is a natural comic also works for his advantage. “Puro pa-kwela ako eh. Ang laking part (ng comedy sa ’kin kasi) iyon ang hilig ko. Each part of me is comedy. ‘Di mo ako kayang seryosohin kung minsan,” he confesses, grinning. Easier Said and Done Owing to its novelty, Direk Dom discloses he finds it easier to lead his new show. And though he is certain it will reach a point “na nahihirapan ka na, (pero) kailangan nakakatawa ka pa rin,” he feels working on this project is still lighter. “Comedy siya na nilagyan namin ng reality element. Totoong hanapbuhay ng mga tao ang ipinapakita namin, (tapos) ang kinukuha naming hanapbuhay at artista na i-a-assign, 'yung medyo mahirap ma-imagine para mas exciting,” he explains. He also makes a conscious effort to make sure it’s different from other reality-based programs. “Everyone (in the project knows) we’re trying to do a new show. It doesn’t have to look a certain way kasi you could only do so much. Baka magkaroon ng pagkakahawig, pero sa atake dito, every time na makikita mo 'yung host matatawa ka kasi lahat iyon may function.” Laugh with Direk Dom in Kung Ako Ikaw Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights in the KiliTV block. -- Text by Jessa Ericka C. Bien. Interview by Xylen Geecel D. Alamo. Photos by Jessa Ericka C. Bien. What do you think of this new reality-based comedy show? Share your comments in the forums ! You can also view the following videos for more on Kung Ako Ikaw: The Celebrity Kargadors The Second Task