Love is “color blind.” That could well be the mantra of interracial couples. TV5 delves into the colorful and exciting world of intercultural romance in “Kano Luvs Pinay” (Saturdays, starting Sept. 5). It is a remake of Cine Filipino’s acclaimed 2013 comedy, Randolph Longjas’ “Ang Turkey Man ay Pabo Rin,” but with a twist.
It is top-billed by Tuesday Vargas (Cookie) and American actor Lee O’ Brian (Matthew). The role seems tailor-made for Lee since the dashing afam (foreigner) is truly in love with a local gal, comedienne Pokwang, off-cam.
Lee is an “accidental” actor. His first passion was sports. He has produced projects in various countries and has traveled the world but it seems his heart has found its home in Manila.
Here’s my tête-à-tête with Lee:
What made you decide to do the show?
The opportunity to show what it’s like when cultures mix and people from different backgrounds coexist, in this case an interracial couple. Second, I want to create a career around the world, so this is a great way to start…And obviously it’s a great excuse to hang around longer with my amazing girlfriend.
How are Filipino actors different from other actors you have worked with?
Between the movie “Edsa Woolworth” and this show, the major difference comes from the country’s culture, not necessarily the professional differences. When it comes to work, Americans, Filipinos, Indians and Latinos (I have worked with all of them) all focus well on the process of acting, working the script and delivering a great performance. I will say that the Filipino crews are amazing to work with and are very hardworking.
Tell us about your “Kano Luvs Pinay” experience so far.
This show is very different from other Filipino programs. The style is like a sitcom, yet it deals with many issues that both Filipinos and foreigners alike deal with when interacting. I am really excited to see the reaction from both local Filipinos and Filipinos abroad.
What’s your advice to interracial couples?
“FILIPINOS are amazing to work with and are very hardworking,” says Lee O’Brian.
I believe each partner should practice even more empathy and compassion when dealing with each other. Many times there are challenges in interracial relationships only because one or both partners do not understand fully the culturally programmed reaction of the other partner. So it’s best to ask your partner what exactly is the problem and how they deal with it.
What stage is your relationship with Pokwang at?
We are at the “very serious boyfriend/girlfriend” stage where we want to be together all the time and for a long time.
What do you love most about Pokwang?
She has an enormous heart; she is hilarious; she has lived through experiences which have made her stronger and more compassionate—should I go on?
Are you open to the idea of working with her again?
I would love to work with her again and we both want to create lots of movies and TV shows together.
How do you feel about Pokwang’s miscarriage?
It happened, we mourned, we have since moved on and are both excited for the future together.
Do you have marriage plans?
We have been discussing that and there is a very good chance of it happening.
How’s your relationship with her daughter Ria Mae?
Her daughter is an amazing lady, who has welcomed me to her life and we get along really well. She is great, just like her mother.
Does Pokwang get jealous of your onscreen partner Tuesday?
Absolutely not. She considers Tuesday a friend in the industry. They started around the same time. They share life experiences and through that I think they both see a kindred spirit in each other. Walang jealousy, maraming respect. Tuesday is such a professional, on- and off-camera.
What makes foreigners fall for Filipino women?
Filipino women love you for you. They take care of you and are there for you. The sense of family is strong. They also have a sense of humor and are very open to other cultures.
If you were to entice Americans to visit the Philippines, what would you tell them?
Experience all of the Philippines: the people, the food, the islands and the culture—very few cultures have figured out how to be as comforting and welcoming as Filipinos have.
How Filipino have you become?
Balut for breakfast, adidas (chicken feet) for lunch and adobo for dinner. Now I just need to get a hold of the language.
ZAC EFRON in “We Are Your Friends”
Hunky DJ
It may be easy to associate Zac Efron with music because of his breakout movie, “High School Musical.” But now, the 27-year-old heartthrob is about to make ladies swoon as he spins EDM (electronic dance music) in his latest film, “We Are Your Friends,” from Viva International Pictures and MVP Entertainment Philippines.
Efron plays Cole Carter, a struggling DJ who spends his nights working on a track that may lead him to an illustrious career. In the movie, Cole says the DJ’s job is “to get the crowd out of their heads and into their bodies.” This is how he catches the attention of a charismatic older DJ, James (Wes Bentley of “The Hunger Games”) who takes him under his wing. But Cole falls in love with James’ girlfriend Sophie (Emily Ratajkowski of “Gone Girl”), and must choose between love and loyalty.
To make sure that Efron is convincing as a DJ, the actor was mentored by DJ Alesso, who first gained popularity in 2012, prompting pop icon Madonna to call him “the next big thing in dance music.”
In 2014, DJ Alesso ranked 15th on DJ Magazine’s list of Top 100 DJs.
EDM is also thriving here in Manila, with yuppies frequenting clubs and digging the hip arrangements. Viva talent Tom Taus, a former child actor, is one of the country’s top DJs who can truly bring the house down.