One of VMX’s latest films, ‘Tuklas,’ has made rounds online as it prides itself as the first ‘Bis-daks’ movie on the streamer. Shot late last year in Cebu, local VMX talent Skye Gonzaga stars as Alex, a seductive sales manager at an IT company who seduces Chris (Chino Villaluna) with promises of success in exchange for his silence over a financial scandal he uncovered.
How did the cast of ‘Tuklas’ feel about shooting the film’s tantalizing scenes? Villaluna, hailing from Cagayan de Oro, didn’t feel nervous at all, as he was assured by the protective measures in place on set.
‘The VMX team guided us with proper techniques to perform these scenes professionally. On set, everything was handled carefully, like towels were used for cover-ups after the shoot, especially for the female actors. Overall, I can say it was a professional environment that made it comfortable for all of us,’ he told The FREEMAN.
The rest of the cast members said they were nervous but were all game for the project. ‘Kulba jud siya for sure, but dili ingon grabe since this is not my first project nga naay sex scenes,’ said Denzel Cruza Clavecillas, who plays Tony, the ‘firm and seductive’ kontrabida in this steamy affair. ‘I had to own it. I’ve been dreaming of becoming a movie star, and this is just the beginning.’
‘Oh, I was very nervous. There’s no sugarcoating that,’ added Keesha Falcon, who plays Liza, Chris’ ‘pure and innocent’ girlfriend in the film. ‘I come from a slightly conservative family, and I knew people would have opinions. I knew not everyone would understand my choices, and I had to build the strength to face both praise and criticism. At some point, I just told myself: ‘Whatever they say, positive or negative, don’t take it personally. Just take everything with a grain of salt and move on like a queen.”
Falcon also said that she readied herself physically, mentally, and emotionally for the role. ‘I came prepared with my own lingerie and nightwear just in case. Walang sablay dapat,’ she shared.
Alexa Armecin, who plays Ana’s lesbian worker Janet, echoed Villaluna’s sentiments. ‘Preparation was very important. We had clear discussions with the team about the scenes, their purpose, and how they would be executed professionally. There was guidance on blocking, comfort levels, and proper coordination on set to make sure everything was handled with respect,’ she explained. ‘I focused on understanding my character deeply so I could approach the scenes with the right emotions rather than fear. In the end, it became more about trust, professionalism, and staying true to the character than the nerves I initially felt.’
Challenges
Villaluna was working in Cebu when he was offered the project by Viva South’s talent recruitment head, Chiqui Lastierre, when the production called for auditions.
‘I felt overwhelmed when I received her message. I grabbed the opportunity immediately because I saw it as a chance to grow and improve as an aspiring artist,’ he said.
Meanwhile, Falcon initially auditioned to be part of Viva Artists Agency (VAA) in 2024 during a turbulent point in her life, when she lost her dog and wasn’t satisfied with her ‘dead-end’ job. She saw auditioning as a way to reconnect with her acting roots, which started in theater.
When she was offered a spot as a VMX artist, she didn’t say yes immediately. ‘I was honestly shocked. I even joked to myself, ‘Igaton jud siguro ko og face!” she shared. ‘But at the same time, I felt flattered and nervous. It meant so much to know that Viva was finally giving space for Bisaya films, and that I could be part of something like that.’
As one of the recognizable faces of VMX (formely Vivamax), Gonzaga served as the guiding presence on set throughout production, ensuring that her castmates felt comfortable on set. ‘Skye made the working environment very comfortable and approachable, so I never felt intimidated,’ Villaluna said.
The cast built rapport before filming began and during breaks on set, using those moments to grow more comfortable with one another, especially during the film’s intimate scenes.
‘We spent time talking, getting to know each other, and rehearsing our scenes together so we could build trust and natural chemistry on set. Those small conversations and shared moments off-camera made a big difference when it was time to perform. It helped us feel more relaxed, connected, and confident in delivering our roles authentically,’ Armecin said.
Breaking the ice among the cast allowed them to help each other film intimate scenes more smoothly.
Falcon said, ‘Denzel was a lifesaver. As our resident coordinator and co-actor, he guided us through everything – from small movements to full scene flow. We even pulled an all-nighter just rehearsing lines and blocking scenes.’
Falcon also highlighted the presence of an intimacy coordinator. She shared, ‘We had one-on-one sessions with an intimacy coordinator to talk about boundarie…what we’re okay with and what we’re not. Nothing was forced.’
‘All of us were first-timers. So yes… super awkward at first. But also super funny. What made it work was that everyone was committed to getting it right,’ she added.
One of the most challenging parts of shooting ‘Tuklas’ was a last-minute change to Liza’s character that Falcon had to quickly adjust to.
‘My character was supposed to remain ‘untouched,’ but on the last day of filming, the director introduced a major change that involved more intimate scenes. That caught me off guard. But I knew it was a make-or-break moment for me. Opportunities like this don’t come often. I told myself, ‘Do it for the plot.’ And I went for it.’
Clavecillas and Villaluna also recalled the challenges of wearing plasters during filming. Clavecillas shared how one came off mid-scene and had to be reapplied quickly, while Villaluna had to keep them on until filming was finished.
‘It was difficult during long takes because we had to avoid using the restroom, and if the plaster came off, it had to be reapplied, which is a long process that can really test your patience,’ Villaluna said.
For Armecin, the challenge was internalizing a character dealing with intense emotions. ‘My character goes through betrayal, inner conflict, and difficult situations that required me to dig deep and be vulnerable in front of the camera. Some scenes were heavy and intense, so I really had to stay focused and connected to the emotions of the role,’ she said.
The cast’s favorite moments during filming were the camaraderie they built, even within a short filming schedule.
‘Everyone was so relaxed that it didn’t feel like work. It felt like a celebration,’ Falcon recalled of the final day of shooting. ‘We ended everything on such a high note.’
Armecin added, ‘Those light moments helped balance the weight of the scenes we were filming. It reminded me that even while telling a serious story, we were surrounded by people who made the whole experience meaningful and memorable.’
While the cast is aware that people will watch ‘Tuklas’ for its steamy scenes, they vouched that the film has a deeper narrative beyond its main selling point.
”Tuklas’ is far more than its bold reputation. It’s a gripping emotional rollercoaster that pulls you into a world of love, heartbreak, ambition, and unraveling secrets. Each scene peels back another layer, keeping viewers both invested and intrigued,’ Falcon said.
‘The film also conveys important lessons about relationships and life. It emphasizes being cautious about whom you trust, as betrayal can come unexpectedly. Regarding relationships, it highlights the importance of respecting your partner’s decisions and resisting temptations that can harm your bond,’ Villaluna added.
‘It shows how people can be strong on the outside while silently fighting battles within. Viewers can expect raw emotions, uncomfortable truths, and moments that will make them reflect on their own experiences and relationships. I believe many will see parts of themselves in the characters: their struggles, their choices, and their pain,’ Armecin elaborated.
The cast also stressed that ‘Tuklas’ is a proud local production that showcases the talent of its Bisaya cast and crew.
‘The film shines a light on the passion, dedication, and hard work of the Bisaya film industry, something we are incredibly proud to represent,’ Falcon said.
‘What I can brag about this movie is the pure talent and creativity of Cebuano artists. There are a lot of exciting and even more daring scenes than expected,’ Clavecillas added.