Transitioning from social media skits to feature films is no small feat, but content creator Malupiton is taking on the challenge head-on in the upcoming movie He’s Dating a Boldstar. Teaming up with actress Analyn Barro and director Niokz Arcega, the Internet personality opens up about stepping out of his comfort zone, mastering script work, and aiming to revive classic Pinoy comedy.
Overcoming On-Set Jitters and Building Chemistry
For Malupiton, sharing the screen with a female co-star was a whole new experience. Used to producing content solo or with his usual circle, he admitted that working alongside Analyn required a few steps out of his standard routine.
“Medyo nahihiya lang, naiilang, siyempre hindi ako sanay na may kasamang babae sa content o dito sa movie, kaya sobrang laking adjustment talaga sa akin. Nahihiya talaga ako pero magaan siya kasama, katrabaho, kaya nagawa namin ‘yung pelikula,” Malupiton shared.
Analyn, on the other hand, was already familiar with Malupiton’s comedy routines long before they met in person.
“Siyempre may adjustment talaga, kasi siyempre nakikita ko lang siya sa mga reels. Bago ako matulog, pinapanood ko siya, habang naliligo ako, pinapanood ko siya, ‘yung mga comedy reels niya. So siyempre, nangangapa din ako sa kanya kung ano ba siya in real life or off-screen. And then, luckily, ang gaan katrabaho ni Malupiton and talagang nag-swak din talaga, nag-banter din kami agad,” Analyn revealed.
She credited Director Niokz for maintaining a light, collaborative environment on set, which allowed both actors to bounce off each other’s energy and improvise creatively throughout filming, adding that it was a happy set where they managed to do a lot of creative work.
Ditching Impromptu Skits for Scripts and Drama
One of the biggest hurdles for Malupiton was adapting to structured filmmaking. Content creators often rely on unscripted, spontaneous humor, making traditional screen acting a completely different ballgame. Beyond sticking to lines, executing emotional scenes proved to be a surreal moment for him as he shifted from pure freestyle video creation to following written dialogue.
“Malaking adjustment ko, sa movie kasi may script, sa amin kasi wala, impromptu kami, kaya malaking adjustment sa amin ‘yun. And siyempre, ‘yung iyak. Ako, sanay akong nanggagago sa online, kaya nung umiyak ako doon, hindi ko tinitignan ‘yung sarili ko, sabi ko, ‘mukhang burat ako dito ah.’ Malaki ang adjustment pero unti-unti po na gamay ko na siya, siguro mga second day. Kaya pala,” he remarked.
Bringing Back the Gold Standard of Pinoy Comedy
When asked about his comedy influences, Malupiton pointed to veteran artist Michael V as a current source of inspiration, alongside legendary figures like Babalu, Dolphy, and Redford White who shaped Philippine cinema.
For Malupiton, accepting the project was about more than just trying something new. It was an opportunity to help bring back the classic feel of local comedy films that he feels is slowly disappearing.
“Isa ding reason kaya nag-yes ako kasi gusto ko lang mabalik ‘yung dating comedy na nawala. Nawawala unti-unti. Gusto ko kapag napanood nila kami, naaalala sila Dolphy, ‘yung dating movies,” he stated.
With great chemistry on set and a clear passion for traditional Pinoy humor, the collaboration between Malupiton and Analyn Barro offers an exciting crossover between internet pop culture and mainstream cinema.
Directed by Niokz Arcega, He’s Dating a Boldstar follows the story of Jeboy (Malupiton), a small-town musician and hotel worker who falls in love with Kit Santana (Analyn Barro), a popular film star. Their blossoming romance faces heavy tests as they try to navigate ambition, distance, and the stark realities of their vastly different worlds. Alongside Malupiton and Barro, the movie features a stellar cast including Aleck Bovick as Gina, Leandro Baldemor, Bonn Earl Aquino as Natnat, and Charles Temones as Macky. He’s Dating a Boldstar arrives in cinemas nationwide on October 28.
Watch our coverage from the media conference below: