All hail Lakan Makisig!

Known for his timeless jokes and antics in iconic comedy films, television host and actor Vic Sotto showcases his serious side in his upcoming movie "The Kingdom."

Being a powerful Lakan, the long-time Eat Bulaga host revealed that he rarely talks to his co-stars in order to help him get into his character.

"Bonding? Hindi pwede kasi kapag napanood niyo yung film hindi kami magkaibigan [Piolo] dun. So, ako I tried staying away yung iba kasi bestfriend kayo tapos ganito yung eksena, mahirap siya for me. Kaya mas effective sa akin if I spend less more time with my co-stars," Vic said during an interview. 

(Bonding? It's not possible because when you watch the film, we [Piolo] are not friends there. So, I tried to stay away from the others because you are best friends and then this scene happened, he was difficult for me. So it's more effective for me if I spend less time with my co-stars).

In early Philippine history, the term "Lakan" indicated a paramount ruler and is derived from Tagalog, one of the major languages in the Philippines. Traditionally, “Lakan” is used as a title rather than a personal name.

It translates to “lord” or “chief,” reflecting a person of high rank or nobility in pre-colonial Filipino society. The term signifies authority, respect, and leadership within the community.

Vic also mentioned that one of the things that helped him in making the film was embodying the image of a king.

"Yes, I felt the responsibility of being a King, kasi when I stepped into the studio hindi mo na ako pwede kausapin dahil ako na si Lakan. Bawal na magpapicture sa akin and ang nakakausap ko lang on set is yung mga anak ko on the film, si Sid Lucero, Cristine Reyes, Sue Ramirez, pero yung ibang tao nagbabow na sila sa akin," Vic added.

(Yes, I felt the responsibility of being a king. When I stepped into the studio, nobody was allowed to talk to me because I was Lakan. Taking pictures with me was also not allowed. The only ones I could talk to on set were my children on the film, Sid Lucero, Cristine Reyes, and Sue Ramirez. The other people were already bowing to me.)

Becoming Lakan Makisig

Keeping his serious demeanor throughout the entire movie, one of the surprising things for Vic was the tattoo that was applied to his character.

"Buong katawan yung nilalagyan nila ng tattoo, minsan meron din sa muka, kasi part siya ng Philippine Tradition. Kumbaga in the story the more you have tattoos, the higher your place in the society," he said.

(They tattooed my entire body, sometimes even on my face as it is part of the Philippine tradition. Evidently, in the narrative, the more tattoos you have, the higher your status in society.)

According to Vic, it takes 1 to 2 hours to put traditional tattoos on his body, depending on the scene.

"For my body, it takes about three hours, Parusa kasi iniisa-isa nila yan, with the airbrush. Lalo na pagdating sa likod yung kapag full body, pero kung sa hands lang and minor parts, siguro mga 30 to 40 minutes," he said.

(It takes about three hours to airbrush my entire body, which can be quite a struggle since they do it one by one. It's especially challenging when it comes to airbrushing the back. However, if it's just the hands and minor parts, it may only take about 30 to 40 minutes.)

Aside from his traditional tattoo, Vic also received hand-to-hand combat training because the film will feature action scenes. That's why he mentioned that his daughter Tali won't be able to watch it.

"Kinausap na namin si Poleng [Pauline], si Tali na baka sa streaming niya na lang panoorin yung film kasi may mga violent scenes. So talked to her already na she can't watch my film," he added.

(Pauline and I talked to Tali about watching the film on the streaming platform due to violent scenes. We explained to her that she couldn't watch my film.)

Full drama film and working with Piolo

From his action-comedy film in 2018, Vic mentioned that delving into the storyline of "The Kingdom" posed a significant challenge for him.

"Well doing a serious film from start to finish, no comedy whatsoever. Is something new for me and challenging, nung iniisip ko pa lang siya napapagod na ako, but after a few shooting days nakuha ko na yung vibes," Vic said.

(Doing a serious film without any comedy is new and challenging for me. Just thinking about it makes me tired, but after a few shooting days, I got the vibes.)

Vic recalled the first time the project was pitched to him.

"Nung inoffer sa akin yung project and nalaman ko na si Piolo yung kasama ko, I was very excited about it kasi parang hindi totoo, you know he's from ABS and I was with GMA, TV 5 and other networks. But luckily magkasama kami dito.

An official entry for the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival, ''The Kingdom'' focuses on the Lakan Makisig (Vic Sotto) who faces a dilemma over which of his three children will inherit the throne.

Magat Bagwis is known for his temper. Dayang Matimyas is at odds with the Lakan due to her forbidden love for a political enemy. The closest to his heart, Dayang Lualhati, is preparing to marry a Thai prince but gets abducted on her wedding day by men Matimyas claims are from the secessionist group Tiwalag.

Makisig mobilizes Bagwis and the army to rescue Lualhati, but their efforts are in vain. Meanwhile, an outcast named Sulo has already saved Lualhati from her captors. As they journey back to the palace, Lualhati begins to see the flaws in her father's rule and vows to seek change. However, upon their return, Sulo faces accusations that put his life in jeopardy, forcing him to make a bold move that could alter the kingdom’s future.

Directed by Michael Tuviera, "The Kingdom" also stars Cristine Reyes, Sid Lucero, Sue Ramirez, Ruby Ruiz, Art Acuna, Francis Mata, and more.