JASMINE Curtis-Smith (left) and Anne Curtis
Anne Curtis rarely finds herself at odds with her sibling, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, whom she dotes on. But Anne, who turned 31 on Feb. 17, admitted to the Inquirer that when she does find herself “on a collision course” with her younger sister, it’s almost always about two things—Jasmine’s studies and her choice in boys.
Anne and Jasmine gamely talked about “sisterly strife” after they took part (and competed) in Smart and Warner Bros.’ “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” event in SM Megamall last Saturday.
It wasn’t hard to see why Anne chose to rally behind the Man of Steel’s in-your-face heroics, while Jasmine was partial to Bruce Wayne’s dark, brooding appeal.
Anne muses, “This is why Jasmine is perfect for the indie films she starred in (like ‘Transit,’ ‘Puti’ and ‘Dementia’). I am unapologetically bubbly, while she’s perceived to have a more serious disposition in life.”
Jasmine agrees, “She is more fun and bubbly—that’s probably why, between the two of us, she seems more youthful. She’s always full of energy.”
With her characteristic vim and vigor, Anne also seized the opportunity to remind her followers to watch for her upcoming album, “Forever Young.”
Anne cherishes her rare public moments with her sister. She says, “I want to do movies or TV shows with Jasmine, but we’re committed to different networks—I’m with ABS-CBN, while she has a contract with TV5. But there’s a bigger possibility of us working together, especially now that Boss Vic (del Rosario) of Viva, which manages my career, is involved with TV5’s programming. I can’t wait for that to happen.”
Do they give each other notes about acting or hosting? Jasmine discloses, “I ask her when I don’t know what I’m doing—and she always has helpful advice. We learn from each other.”
Anne quips, “Some people think that I’m a strict ate, but while that may have been true some years ago, I’m no longer as strict as I used to be. I’m more tolerant now, perhaps because Jasmine has learned to understand where I was coming from. I’m still protective, but these days it only comes out when needed (laughs).”
Didn’t Jasmine feel that her ate’s “protectiveness” was intrusive? Jasmine says, “In the beginning, I couldn’t understand why she was being too strict—and I thought I already knew everything. When you’re young and finding your way in the world, you feel like you know everything. You want to be in control with your life. I was hard-headed … and I would just say, ‘Bahala na.’ Now, I know better.”
Anne quickly quips, “She now knows that I was right (laughs)!” Then, she turns serious and puts their unique relationship in perspective, “We really don’t fight—I don’t see it that way. You have to realize that I am nine years older—she’s only 21. She was just a baby when I began acting.”
How do they bond? Jasmine volunteers, “We stay home and watch movies together.”
What was their biggest fight about? Was it about … Sam Concepcion? Anne smiles cryptically but refuses to name names, “Alam na ng lahat ’yan (Everybody knows that already).”
Jasmine replies, “Was that our biggest fight? Was it because of (she whispers to Anne) … or was it because of somebody else?”
Anne beams, “Minsan kasi, I don’t approve of her choices in men. They have to be kind and respectful to the family—and try to get along with us.”
Perhaps those men probably found Anne too intimidating…? Anne answers, “Ang bubbly ko kaya (laughs). Well, perhaps I’m just being an ate who wants only what’s good for her sister. Besides, the men who are making their presence felt around Jasmine now medyo like ko na (laughs).”
Did Anne see herself in Jasmine when she was just starting out? Like a proud older sister, Anne replies with a smile, “Mas mabait siya sa akin (She’s better-behaved). I warn her against impatience. Patience is important in the different aspects of her life, whether in her career, studies or love life—everything has its time.”