Kapuso actor-dancer Mark Herras has spoken up after a viral video showed him performing at a male entertainment bar in Parañaque City.
Many were surprised when clips of the ‘StarStruck’ alum dancing at Apollo surfaced online, with some even comparing his moves to scenes from Magic Mike.
However, in a YouTube interview with Toni Gonzaga, Mark clarified that he did not strip on stage and simply showcased his signature dance moves.
“Pero hindi ko siya planado, kumbaga sumayaw [ako] kasi trabaho.”
Mark admitted that he had no hesitations when he learned that the gig was in a gay bar.
“Sayaw lang? Wala naman problema,” he recalled telling the person who offered him the job.
He explained that when he arrived at the venue, he saw familiar faces—drag queens, fellow dancers who had lost TV opportunities, and even some macho dancers.
“So ako, dumating ako doon as performer talaga as guest nila… parang katulad ng ginagawa ko sa raket fiesta, pero nagkataon lang na gay bar siya.”
Despite the buzz, Mark maintained that his performance was no different from his usual gigs.
“Hindi naman ako naghubad eh, hindi naman ako sumayaw na parang macho dancer or what. I performed. I danced, like hip hop. Hindi naman ako nagpa-table or what.”
Mark also acknowledged the harsh judgment from the public, stating that Filipinos can be quick to criticize others.
“I know it’s a gay bar, pero kasi sa atin grabe ‘yung mga Pilipino na mag-judge ng tao na parang akala nila meron silang karapatan mang-judge sa mga buhay ng tao.”
Despite the backlash, he appreciated the people who defended him.
“Actually, nagulat ako na nag-viral siya tapos natuwa ako kasi may mga nagde-defend… Hindi ako humihingi ng awa, pero nasa stage ako ng buhay na wala akong pakialam sa kanila.”
Mark also admitted that with fewer TV projects coming his way, he has been taking whatever work he can get.
“Hindi ako namimili basta trabaho, okay ako. So ‘nung inoferan ako sa Apollo, why not? Trabaho ‘yan eh,” he said.
“Meron nga akong tinatanggap na parang party lang sa events place na maliit lang.”
Mark Herras rose to fame in 2003 as the first-ever ‘StarStruck’ Ultimate Male Survivor, making a name for himself in acting and dancing. However, his career has noticeably slowed down in recent years.
His last significant role was a guest appearance in ‘Abot-Kamay na Pangarap’ (2024). In the 2023 series ‘The Missing Husband’, he was no longer part of the main cast, signaling the decline of his once-thriving career.
