First Dibs on the Rey Valera Biopic ‘Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko’

“Hindi ko alam kung ano ang ginawa ko sa buhay ko pero tingnan mo naman yung cast, sino ako diyan sa mga legend na katabi ko,” said RK Bagatsing. The ‘Batang Quiapo’ actor plays the role of Rey Valera in the singer-composer’s biopic, aptly titled ‘Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko: The Music of Rey Valera’ after Valera’s popular song.

We were able to watch the full movie which runs for less than two hours at a cinema in Gateway Mall, during the advanced screening held last March 25. Even though it was
marketed a biopic, this Joven Tan directed movie features an innovative format since, like a documentary, Valera has multiple scenes as an interviewee peppered throughout
the movie.

It seemed a little bit weird at first, but the highly emotional scenes of the very large cast of cameos and support characters lipsyncing Rey Valera songs grow on you eventually. Accompanying RK Bagatsing in the film are: Meg Imperial, Ariel Rivera, Gelli de Belen, Christopher de Leon, Ricky Rivero, Aljur Abrenica, Lotlot de Leon, Rosanna Roces, Lloyd Samartino, Lou Veloso, Ronnie Lazaro, Eric Nicolas, Shira Tweg, Rico Barrera, Jenine Desiderio, Pekto Nacua, Dennis Padilla, Epy Quizon, Arman Reyes, and many more.

The film does not only have so much heart, it is also well-executed and is undoubtedly one of the top 10 MMFF films in the last 20 years. Saranggola Media, owned by Edith Fider, is among the film production companies who have entries in the very first Summer MMFF.

Bagatsing feels very grateful and blessed to have been chosen to fill in the shoes of the iconic Filipino musician in the movie. In fact, Valera even joked before that he actually wanted Piolo Pascual to play as him, but recognizes that Jane Oineza’s partner is handsome as well.

Bagatsing was initially hesistant to accept the role. “Kumakanta ako pero hindi ako ganun kagaling. Parang hindi po yata para sa akin yan,” he said. However, the ‘Kahit Maputi
na ang Buhok Ko’ production people assured him that the songs were pre-recorded and all he had to do was act and lipsync.

At this stage of his career, Bagatsing would prefer not doing safe roles. “Yan yung mga gusto ko, yung natatalot ako,” he exclaimed.

Some of the Rey Valera songs included in the film aside from the titular song are: ‘Ako si Superman’; ‘Mr. DJ’; ‘Maging Sino ka Man’; ‘Pangako Sa’yo’; ‘Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo’; ‘Kung Kailangan Mo Ako’; ‘Walang Kapalit’; and many more.

Valera’s pretty happy with the outcome of the film, which was met with thunderous applause and cheers by the moviegoers as the credits rolled. This emotion is evidenced by the way he hugged Bagatsing and shook his hands, and the way he’s grinning from ear-to-ear after the film.

During the media conference held in the late afternoon prior to the film screening, Valera teased how one of his songs’ real meaning would be revealed in the film, as it was made to honor a gay man’s unrequited love and is therefore really one of the earliest songs in the Philippine history supporting the LGBTQIA+++. He’s also thankful to Sharon Cuneta’s respect towards composers, noting that the Megastar made it a point to recognize the composers and make them popular to the listening public after she sings their songs.

For us, a standout supporting role in the film is Rosanna Roces as “Lilia Limang Piso”. She is one of the key characters in the film which was able to clearly manifest Valera’s observant nature and empathy towards his muses, as he pieces together their gestures and emotions reflected in their eyes to create complex narratives within his
songs.

“Parte na siya ng buhay natin whether you like it or not,” said Bagatsing regarding Valera. Truly, Valera is a musician of the people and his legacy will live on for more decades, if not centuries, to come.

‘Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko: The Music of Rey Valera’ will be shown on cinemas nationwide starting April 8, 2023.