BPO worker turns into Martivo, the LGBTQ wrestling champ at PWR

Earl Lagman is a senior trainer at a BPO five days a week. But on Sundays, Lagman — his hair dyed blonde — transforms into gay wrestler "Martivo the Man Doll," clad in his leopard-print legwarmers and LED sneakers, carrying a rainbow flag to represent the LGBTQ community.

Lagman said he chose to craft the character of Martivo to contribute to the positive portrayal of the LGBTQ community in pro wrestling, an industry notorious for its sometimes insensitive depiction of non-cisgender white performers.

"Kasi hindi mo masyado nakikita ang isang bading na wrestler. Sanay tayo sa lalaking wrestler, nasasanay na rin tayo sa babaeng wrestler," he said.

"Pero kapag iisipin mo, lalo na dito sa atin sa Pilipinas, na kapag isang bading o kapag gay ka, ang ginagawa mo lang ay pagpapaganda," Lagman continued.

Lagman's desire to perform in the ring doesn't stop at representation, as he aims to become a strong, beautiful wrestler with a championship title.

"Alam ko ready na 'ko, alam ko meron akong tamang kakayahan, para lang talaga makapagbuhat ng isang titulo at magbuhat ng isang division. Lalo na sa crowd namin, sa audience namin, na worthy ka as a champion," he said.

Lagman can be seen next in PWR Live: Oktoberplex this October 8 with his partner Robynn — Sam Gamboa — as they battle the The YOLO Twins for a spot in the coming International Tag Team Showcase against a yet-to-be-revealed London-based tag team. — Rie Takumi/MDM, GMA News