In preparation for his role as Lakan Makisig in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 entry The Kingdom, Vic Sotto took an unconventional approach by distancing himself from his co-stars. This was to embody the character of a brooding king burdened by leadership.
Set in an alternate reality where the Philippines was never colonized, The Kingdom explores a fictional Malaya ruled by Lakan Makisig, who must choose a successor. Candidates include his children, Dayang Matimyas (Cristine Reyes), Magat Bagwis (Sid Lucero), and Dayang Lualhati (Sue Ramirez).
“I felt the responsibility of being a king because when I step into the studio, hindi mo na ako pwede kausapin (you can’t talk to me),” Sotto shared during a set visit. “The only people I talked to on set were my onscreen children… Others would bow to me instead.”
Sotto admitted that avoiding bonding with his co-stars helped him stay in character, particularly since his role required heavy emotional scenes. “It’s effective for me if I spend less time with my co-stars,” he explained.
Departure from Comedy
Known for his comedic roles in films like Enteng Kabisote and My Little Bossings, Sotto ventured into drama with The Kingdom. He described the transition as challenging but exciting.
“Doing a serious film with no comedy whatsoever is something new for me,” Sotto said. “At first, I found it exhausting, but after a few days, I got the vibe. Acting, whether comedy or drama, is all about adapting.”
This MMFF entry marks Sotto’s return to the festival after a five-year break. Feeling the pressure, he aimed for a project that was “extraordinarily good.” The unique concept of The Kingdom piqued his interest and motivated him to say yes to the film.
The King’s Tattoos
To embody Lakan Makisig, Sotto wore intricate, full-body tattoos symbolizing his royal status. The tattoos, made using alcohol-based ink, took up to three hours to apply. “It’s torture,” he joked, explaining that the application process was meticulous but essential for the role.