Social media personality Sassa Gurl has built an online empire by being the loudest voice in the room—sharp, funny, and unapologetically himself. Yet in Bar Boys: After School, he trades his usual high-energy humor for the role of law student Trisha Perez, a character who’s more at home with “her” books than making jokes.
The sequel, part of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, follows the characters from the 2017 hit as they navigate adulthood. For Sassa, the role is deeply personal.
“I struggled a lot at first. I didn’t know how to say ‘yes’ because I had no idea how to be serious. But the director said I could do it. He was happy with me during the Balota project, which had a political background, and he felt I was ready to get serious,” Sassa said, adding that he sees himself in Trisha.
“Trisha is very special to me. Bilang trans woman, danas ko ‘to. Nangarap din ako maging law student—mahirap, mahal, at may sariling challenges. Mahirap law school lalo na kung trans ka. Saludo ako sa trans women na tuloy ang pag-aaral,” he continued.
from his personal experiences
When asked if there’s a law he hopes would be passed in the Philippines, he advocated for measures that would help LGBTQ+ youth access education.
“I want a law that provides education for LGBTQ+ people who couldn’t finish school. There are many LGBTQ+ individuals who weren’t able to continue their studies,” he answered.
“And you know, of course, when you grow older, if you haven’t finished school and you’re also LGBTQ+, life is really hard. I really want to give some help to LGBTQ+ people. I have many friends who really wanted to study but weren’t given the opportunity,” Sassa added.
To prepare for the role, Sassa underwent workshops and training under award-winning director Kip Oebanda’s guidance.
“He gave me workshops and training. I became very demure—like a valedictorian. So, I was really, really demure,” the content creator shared.
for his role in ‘Bar Boys: After School’ through guided workshops and character study
Sassa also believes the film’s message will resonate with audiences.
“It exposes the lives of ordinary Filipino people. May message siyang relatable. When people relate, we form communities, and we show them truth. Bar Boys is for everyone—it’s a message and a love letter to our country,” he stated.
Bar Boys: After School reunites the original cast—including Carlo Aquino, Enzo Pineda, Kean Cipriano, Rocco Nacino, and Odette Khan—alongside Emilio Daez, Will Ashley, Benedix Ramos, Therese Malvar, Klarisse De Guzman, and Glaize De Castro.
