“ZsaZsa Zaturnnah” ( 2006 Film)
One of the most interpreted LGBT characters is that of “ZsaZsa Zaturnnah”, a superheroine created by Carlo Vergara in 2002, who has gained a following throughout the years. Vergara’s graphic novel, “Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni ZsaZsa Zaturnnah”, won a National Book Award in 2003.
The book has been used as reference material in gender subjects in some universities, including the University of the Philippines. The story has been the subject of academic journals, essays and a musical.
In 2006, a film adaptation titled “Zsazsa Zaturnnah: ZE Moveeh” was helmed by Joel Lamangan and starred Zsa Zsa Padilla, Rustom Padilla, Pops Fernandez and Alfred Vargas.
Rustom played the role of Ada, a conservative homosexual who was hurt by past relationships and who has decided to settle in the province as a beauty parlor owner. He transforms into the strong and sexy heroine ZsaZsa (ZsaZsa Padilla) whenever he swallows a big stone with the word “Zaturnnah”.
Rustom bagged a Best Actor award at the Urian Awards for his performance as Ada.