Tony Labrusca Gets Candid About His Body In New Role for 'Dreamboi'

Tony Labrusca Opens Up on Vulnerability, Confidence, & Playing Dreamboi

TONY LABRUSCA – Actor Tony Labrusca is baring not just his body, but also his soul, as he takes on his most daring and emotionally vulnerable role yet in Dreamboi.

Tony Labrusca takes on a bold and transformative role in his first-ever erotic-psychological film, “Dreamboi”, written and directed by Rodina Singh. The movie is one of the seven official entries in the inaugural Cine Silip Film Festival, taking place from October 22 to 28, 2025, at selected Ayala Malls cinemas.

Joining Tony in the cast are EJ Jallorina, Jenn Rosa, Migs Almendras, Iyah Mina, Meanne Espinosa, and Tads Obach, along with Nicole Cordoves, Inah Evans, Sophie Prime, Barbie Q, Sassa Gurl, and Pura Luka Vega.

“Dreamboi” follows the story of “a transwoman who becomes obsessed with the voice of an underground audio porn star. Caught between fantasy and reality, join her on a journey of desire, pain, and struggle under the glowing neon lights of Quezon City.”

In a recent press conference for the festival, Tony opened up about the challenges he faced while filming the project, admitting that he’s not entirely comfortable in his own skin. “Honestly, I always tell people that I’m a good catfish because what you see on screen is just the best version of me. I’m not really confident with my body. I can’t just show up on set naked. That’s not something I’m comfortable doing,” he confessed.

He went on to share how the role demanded more than emotional depth—it required a level of vulnerability he wasn’t used to. “Just showing up on set gives me a different kind of vulnerability. Because now, it’s not just about showing emotions, you’re literally revealing yourself. That was the most challenging part about doing the film.”

Despite the discomfort, Tony expressed deep appreciation for creatives who offer him meaningful and daring roles. “I have a soft spot pagdating sa mga creatives na lumalapit sa akin… I feel like it’s such an honor. So, si Direk (Rodina Singh) thought the role would be perfect for me,” he said.

For “Dreamboi,” Tony sported pink hair, wore contact lenses, and even had painted nails. He admitted it wasn’t easy blending in with such a look. “It wasn’t comfortable, you know… So kapag nagdyi-gym ako, parang gusto kong i-explain sa lahat ng tao du’n kung bakit may pink hair ako, bakit may nails ako.”

But the director’s advice shifted his mindset: “No, ikaw si Dreamboi! Alam mo sa sarili mo na sexy ka.” Tony reflected, “Even if I’m not the most handsome guy, I can really just believe that I can be confident… it was such good training for me as a human being.”

Seeing himself as Dreamboi, Tony shared, helped him embrace confidence and self-acceptance both on and off-screen.