Christian Mercurio Bables (born December 6, 1992), is a Filipino actor and model. Numerous critics have recognized him as one of the most skilled young actors in the Philippine entertainment industry. He won Best Actor at the fifth Hanoi International Film Festival for his performance as the lead character Intoy in the drama film Signal Rock. He also won the Best Supporting Actor Award at the Gawad Urian Awards, 42nd MMFF and FAP Luna Awards for his character Barbs in the LGBT comedy-drama film Die Beautiful.
Christian Bables | |
|---|---|
 Christian Bables in January 2024 | |
| Born | Christian Mercurio Bables December 6, 1992 |
| Citizenship | Filipino |
| Alma mater | De La Salle University – Dasmariñas |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2015–present |
| Agents |
|
| Height | 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) |
In 2021, won the Best Actor award at the Metro Manila Film Festival, 5th Eddy’s Choice Awards, and 19th Asian Film Festival for the movie Big Night!. In 2022, Bables starred as Dali, an effeminate fashion designer who falls in love with a beauty queen and faces the pressure to prove his heterosexuality to her and everyone else around them, in the romantic comedy film Mahal Kita, Beksman. The film screened at various international film festivals and won the Best Non-US Release (Philippines) accolade at the 27th Online Film Critics Society Awards. He also gained broader recognition among the Filipino public for his role as Max Dionisio in the acclaimed teleserye, Dirty Linen.
Early life
editBables was born on December 6, 1992, in Bacoor, Cavite. He is the second son of Rodrigo Bables (deceased) and Bing Mercurio-Urbano of Escalante, Negros Occidental. He graduated with a Communication Arts Degree from De La Salle University Dasma in 2013.[1] Although Bables grew up in Cavite, where the dominant language is Tagalog, he is fluent in Cebuano. He credits his fluency in the language to his Visayan mother.[2][3]
Bables has denied getting plastic surgery for his distinctive aquiline nose. He has stated that he was "born with it" and inherited the feature from his mother, who is of Spanish Filipino descent. According to Bables, other people bullied him for his nose when he was growing up, calling him Pinocchio.[4][5]
Career
edit2011–2018: Workshops, supporting roles, first lead role
editBables first enrolled in Star Magic's acting workshops in 2011. At first, Bables' mother disapproved of him pursuing showbiz. She wanted him to seek a corporate job or focus on their family's advertising firm. However, Bables was drawn more towards the performing arts, particularly acting. She eventually relented, allowing him to continue his career in entertainment.[6]
In 2017, The Philippine Star wrote that Bables' career "languished for six years", as he was relegated to bit and supporting roles. Bables said of his career's early years, "I auditioned, but no one wanted to cast me. They said I wasn't popular; that I had no name. No one wanted to trust me." He auditioned for the LGBT comedy-drama Die Beautiful and initially failed to land a role. However, the creatives behind the film gave him another chance, asking him to recite the script, and later decided to cast him as the main character Trisha's best friend, Barbs. Bables won Best Supporting Actor at the Metro Manila Film Festival for his performance as Barbs, and the film bolstered his career. The media gave him the moniker "Pambansang Bes" (Nation's Best Friend). Regal Films cast Bables in his first lead role in 2017, for the then-untitled drama film Signal Rock, which was released a year later in 2018.[7]
2019–present: Breakthrough roles
editBables' performance as Barbs Cordero in Die Beautiful earned him 3 Best Supporting Actor awards from separate award-giving bodies, the MMFF, Gawad Urian, and Luna Awards.[8]
In 2018, he won Best Leading Actor at the 5th Hanoi International Film Festival for his performance in Signal Rock.[9]
In 2021, he played the lead role in the black comedy film Big Night!. Jason Tan Liwag of Rappler lauded Bables' performance, describing him as "an indelible onscreen presence" and "a force to be reckoned with."[10] Bables won Best Actor at the 47th Metro Manila Film Festival for his performance in the film.[11]
In May 2024, Bables signed a contract with Legacy Entertainment, a talent agency based in the USA. He clarified that he will "forever" be a Filipino actor and has no intentions to leave his Philippines-based talent agency, KreativDen.[12]
Personal life
editDespite Bables' association with queer characters, he has clarified that he identifies as a straight man. He has said that he's "tired" of the gender role-based stereotyping he has faced and speculation towards his sexuality.[13]
Filmography
editFilm
edit| Year | Title | Role | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | I Love You to Death | Apol | Regal Entertainment |
| Die Beautiful | Barbs Cordero | The Idea First Company and Regal Entertainment | |
| 2017 | Finally Found Someone | Noah Alcala | Star Cinema |
| The Ghost Bride | David Chao | Star Cinema | |
| 2018 | Recipe for Love | Calixto "Calix" Marcel | Regal Entertainment |
| Signal Rock | Intoy Abakan | CSR Films and Regal Entertainment | |
| 2019 | The Panti Sisters | Samuel Panti | Black Sheep, The Idea First Company and ALV Productions |
| 2021 | Bekis On the Run | Donald | Viva Entertainment |
| Big Night! | Dharna/Panfilo Macaspac Jr. | Cignal Entertainment, The Idea First Company, Octobertrain Films and Quantum Films | |
| 2022 | Mahal Kita, Beksman | Dali | Viva Films The Idea First Company Powerhouse Media Capital |
| 2023 | Ten Little Mistresses (Sampung mga Kerida) | Lady G / Lady H | Prime Video, The Idea First Company, Quantum Films |
| Broken Hearts Trip | Alfred | Smart Films Production, OPC, BMC Films | |
| Becky and Badette | Madam Luka (Cameo) | The Idea First Company |
Television
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita | Dwayne | Guest Cast / Protagonist | ABS-CBN |
| 2017 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Salamin | Reuben "Ben" Hernandez | Main Cast / Protagonist | |
| Magpakailanman | Ramon Burce | GMA Network | ||
| 2018–2019 | Halik | Barry Bartolome | Supporting Cast / Protagonist | ABS-CBN |
| 2021 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Paru-paro | Iron Guerrero | Main Cast / Protagonist | Kapamilya Channel / A2Z |
| Your Face Sounds Familiar (Philippine season 3) | Himself / Performer | Main Performer | ||
| ASAP Natin 'To | Himself / Dance performer | Kapamilya Channel / A2Z / TV5 / Jeepney TV | ||
| 2022 | Mars Ravelo's Darna | Dr. Alex Dela Torre / Killer Ghost | Guest Cast / Antagonist | Kapamilya Channel / A2Z / TV5 / Cine Mo! |
| 2023 | Drag You and Me | Charlie Bautista / Bubbles Lacroix | Main Cast | iWantTFC |
| Dirty Linen | Joseph Maximus "Max" Dionisio | Main Cast | Kapamilya Channel / A2Z / TV5 / Jeepney TV | |
| TV Patrol | Himself / first-ever male celebrity Star Patroller | Guest Star Patroller | Kapamilya Channel / A2Z / ABS-CBN News Channel / TeleRadyo | |
| 2024 | Saving Grace | Chito Sumulong | Main Cast / Antagonist | Amazon Prime Video |
Awards, nominations and special recognition
edit| Year | Festival/Award Ceremony | Award | Movie | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 39th FAP Luna Awards | Best Actor |
Nominated | [14] | |
| 2022 | 70th FAMAS Awards | Nominated | [15] | ||
| 5th Entertainment Editors' Choice Awards | Won | [16] | |||
| 19th Asian Film Festival | Won | [17] | |||
| 2021 | 47th Metro Manila Film Festival | Won | [18] | ||
| 2020 | 4th GEMS Hiyas ng Sining Awards | Nominated | [19] | ||
| 2019 | 37th FAP Luna Awards | Nominated | [20] | ||
| 6th Urduja Heritage Film Awards | Won | [21] | |||
| Asian Pop-Up Cinema (Chicago, Illinois) | Bright Star Award |
Won | [22] | ||
| 3rd Entertainment Editors' Choice Awards | Best Actor |
Nominated | [23] | ||
| 42nd Gawad Urian | Nominated | [24] | |||
| 67th FAMAS Awards | Nominated | [25] | |||
| 3rd GEMS Hiyas ng Sining Awards | Nominated | [26] | |||
| 11th National Commission for Culture and the Arts Ani ng Dangal Awards | Honoree |
[27] | |||
| 3rd Film Development Council of the Philippines Film Ambassadors' Night | Honoree |
[28] | |||
| 2018 | 9th Philippine Daily Inquirer Indie Bravo! Awards | Honoree |
[29] | ||
| 5th Hanoi International Film Festival | Best Leading Actor |
Won | [30] | ||
| 2nd Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino | Special Jury Award |
Won | [31] | ||
| 2017 | 11th Gawad Genio | Best Film Debut Performer |
Won | ||
| 33rd PMPC Star Awards for Movies | New Movie Actor of the Year |
Nominated | [32] | ||
Movie Supporting Actor of the Year |
Nominated | ||||
| 35th FAP Luna Awards | Best Supporting Actor |
Won | [33] | ||
| 40th Gawad Urian | Won | [34] | |||
| 2016 | 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival | Won | [35] | ||
References
edit- ^ Valle, Jocelyn T. (March 1, 2017). "Christian Bales". Yes! Philippines. Photos by Cyrus Panganiban. Archived from the original on September 24, 2017 – via PressReader.
- ^ Bonoan, Reggee (December 19, 2021). "Christian Bables kay Direk Jun Lana: Natatakot po ako sa kanya na nahihiya". Bandera (The Philippine Daily Inquirer) (in Tagalog). Archived from the original on December 16, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- ^ dela Cruz, Liezel (August 2, 2024). "Christian Bables shares insights on healthy boundaries and moving on". ABS-CBN News). Archived from the original on December 16, 2024.
- ^ Cruz, Marinel R. (November 14, 2018). "The trouble with Christian Bables' nose". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ^ Lo, Ricky (November 10, 2018). "• Christian: I'm happy & satisfied with my nose • A girl for Cora Waddell & husband Terence Lloyd". Philstar Global.
- ^ Glorioso, Bot (May 20, 2018). "Christian not bothered about being typecast". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on December 16, 2024 – via Press Reader.
- ^ "Christian Bables: Supporting actor no more". The Philippine Star. January 24, 2017. Archived from the original on December 15, 2024.
- ^ "'Die Beautiful' tops 2017 Luna Awards". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "Christian Bables wins best actor in Hanoi". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
- ^ "'Big Night' review: A test of principles, place, and privileges". Rappler.
- ^ "[COLUMN] Christian Bables wins best actor at MMFF, 'Big Night' wins best picture". Asian Journal News.
- ^ "Christian Bables signs with Hollywood agent, vows not to leave PH". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ^ "CChristian Bables opens up on gender identity". Manila Bulletin.
- ^ "Heaven Peralejo, Noel Trinidad bag top acting honors at 39th Luna Awards". ABS-CBN News. August 27, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
- ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, 2022 FAMAS Awards". Rappler. July 30, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
- ^ "Charo Santos, Christian Bables win EDDYS top acting honors; 'On The Job: The Missing 8' bags 8 awards". Inquirer.net. November 28, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Brillante Mendoza, Vince Rillon, Christian Bables win awards at Asian film fest in Rome". ABS-CBN News. April 14, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
- ^ "Charo Santos, Christian Bables win top acting honors in MMFF; 'Big Night' is Best Picture". Inquirer.net. December 29, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
- ^ "Mga Nominado sa 4th GEMS - Hiyas ng Sining sa Larangan ng Pelikula". Henry Magahis Facebook Page. December 27, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
- ^ "Winners, Luna Awards 2019". Rappler. November 30, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ "UFF6 BEST HERITAGE FILMS OF 2019". UFF Blog Post. October 9, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ "Christian Bables, muling nag-uwi ng international acting award". Push ABS-CBN. October 6, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ "Winners, Eddys Awards 2019". Rappler. July 15, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ "Winners, Gawad Urian 2019". Rappler. June 18, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ "Winners of the 2019 FAMAS Awards". Rappler. April 29, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ "Mga Nominado sa GEMS Hiyas ng Sining - Gabi ng Parangal (Pelikula o Film)". Henry Magahis Facebook Page. January 5, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ "55 artists honored in NCCA's Ani ng Dangal". BusinessWorld. February 27, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ "FDCP Names 86 Honorees for the 3rd Film Ambassadors' Night". FDCP Website. February 6, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ Cruz, Marinel (December 16, 2018). "Timeless stories, passionate stars feted at 9th Inquirer Indie Bravo!". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ Caparas, Celso de Guzman (November 7, 2018). "Filipinos win honors in Hanoi International Filmfest". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ Cruz, Marinel (August 22, 2018). "'Signal Rock' wins big at 2018 PPP". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2017". Rappler. September 4, 2017. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ Custodio, Arlo (August 29, 2017). "'Die Beautiful' wins big in FAP's 35th Luna Awards". The Manila Times. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, Gawad Urian Awards 2017". Rappler. July 21, 2017. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ "List of Winners: Metro Manila Film Festival 2016". When In Manila. January 2, 2017. Retrieved December 21, 2019.