Raphael Robes is a certified head-turner for his good looks and sex appeal. But, this hunky actor has a secret he has been keeping for years.
“I’m gay,” this was the bold, brave, and surprising statement of the 27-year-old star during a Zoom press conference for the new digital series ‘Balangaw,’ under the helm of award-winning director Jay Altarejos.
‘Balangaw’ is the story of eight colorful and diverse people who will try to help resolve each other’s problems while solving their own predicaments during the lockdown. The series touches on the differences between lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and asexual gender identities.
Director Altarejos, while considering it a fresh experience, admitted that making the series was quite challenging as they had to shoot it in their respective homes.
Aside from Robes, the digital series stars Jal Galang, CJ Barinaga, Karen Toyoshima, Tads Obach, Mac Mendoza, and Mela Habijan.
The said series will premiere on Saturday, June 27, at 9 pm on 2076 Balangaw Channel Facebook page and YouTube Channel.
In the series, Robes plays the role of a ‘closet gay’ who pursued his dream of becoming an artist. Here, he will land a leading man role. The catch is, will the crowd still accept him if they’ll find out his true colors?
Like his character, will his decision of coming out and revealing his gender earn him their respect and support, especially of the LGBTQIA+ community?
Nonetheless, whether his sudden revelation is true or just part of the promotion of their series, it’s undeniable he has the looks and charm to make it in showbiz.
This is not the first time that he has portrayed a ‘gay’ character. He starred in an episode of the weekend drama anthology Magpakailanman titled, “Fishergays: Mga Tigasing Sirena sa Laot” along with Kapuso stars Jak Roberto and Dave Bornea.
Meanwhile, the model-turned-star earned mixed reactions from netizens over the costume that he wore during the Star Magic’s Black Magic-themed Halloween Ball last 2019. The Star Magic talent wore a GrabFood rider uniform.
Despite the bashing and criticisms, Robes just played it cool and appreciated all the comments as he believed that “they are entitled to their own opinion.”
If you’re not familiar with Robes but felt like you’ve already seen his handsome face somewhere, he has already appeared in several films and TV series He portrayed various roles in several episodes of Wattpad Presents such as Destined as Dwayne, and Wansapanataym: OFishially Yours as Barry. He also played as the cousin of Alex (played by Xian Lim) in the film Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo? starring real-life couple Kim Chiu and Xian Lim.
