Former ’80s action star returns home as transwoman Bambi Moreno
Pride Month may be over, but a recent celebrity interview shows that living one’s truth can lead to true happiness.
Former action star Arthur Benedicto, now known as Bambi Moreno, spoke about her journey and the joy she has found in embracing her identity. In a candid conversation with the press, Bambi highlighted her no-regrets attitude toward becoming a trans woman and her plans for the future.
Bambi, who transitioned several years ago, has no regrets about her decision. In fact, her eyes lit up whenever the topic is brought up. She was also game to answer ANY question about it.
A few days ago, Bambi relaunched her entertainment career and is currently trying to assemble performers for her planned comedy club in Osaka, Japan. Now a businesswoman in Japan, she is currently back in the Philippines to recruit talent for her Osaka entertainment bar. “Wala dun na comedy bar na katulad dito sa atin,” she said. She aims to create a unique bar experience for both Filipinos and Japanese.
Another thing Bambi is working on is getting into acting again. She is determined to revive her career. Her past showbiz circle included notable names like Lotlot De Leon, Jestoni Alarcon, Jojo Alajar, and Janice De Belen. During her intimate press interview at Cafe Escudero in Timog, Quezon City, on July 10, Bambi revealed her wish to appear in the hit primetime series starring Coco Martin, FPJ’s Batang Quiapo. “Sana makalabas ako sa Batang Quiapo. Sikat na sikat ‘yun sa Japan at maraming nanonood,” she said. The actress added that she admires Coco and wants to act alongside him and her mentor, award-winning director-turned-actor Joel Lamangan. Direk Joel’s character Roda in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo is a well-loved one and is constantly a topic among viewers online.
Realizing she was gay at seven, Bambi hid her true self due to her strict parents. At 17, she entered showbiz as Arthur Benedicto, gaining fame in the 80s as an action star. In 2004, she traveled to Japan, set on a new career path, and eventually transitioned into a woman through a sex change procedure. Bambi shared laughingly shared how physically and financially demanding it was to have her surgery but she loved it.
When I asked her to recall what the most difficult part was of being in the closet back in the day, Bambi’s quick and seemingly funny response was sincere. “Huminga!,” she repeatedly said. That simple answer encapsulated how difficult it must have been to hide her authentic self. The bubbly and very open Bambi we met is overflowing now with positive energy and expresses herself with so much freedom. She is so carefree and humorous, you may need to tone her down a bit for self-regulation and censorship. Haha.
Bambi plans to connect and work with Pokwang.
Watch out for more of Bambi Moreno.
