For Eugene Domingo, Italian lover ‘a gift, a blessing’

Eugene Domingo

Being single wasn’t too bad. But wow, God, it’s so nice to fall in love!” said a giddy Eugene Domingo, who, for the first time, opened up about her blossoming love life that has been making her feel “very inspired” these days.

The actress-comedienne revealed that she’s currently in a long-distance romantic relationship with an Italian film critic named Danilo, whom she met at the 2014 Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy, where her movie “Barber’s Tales” was showcased and given an audience choice award.

“He approached me, and I wasn’t ready! I looked tired. The aura I exuded was probably dark,” she told a group of reporters at a recent press conference for her Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: #ForeverIsNotEnough.”

“I guess it just goes to show that things like these come when you least expect it. And you don’t necessarily need to look your best!” added Eugene, who described Danilo as “a gift, a blessing” that God gave her at “a perfect time” in her life.

The two started out as friends. But when did she finally realize that “this is it”? “Nung ‘di ko na siya makalimutan (When I could no longer forget him)!” Eugene quipped, cackling.

While Eugene could see herself settling down with her boyfriend, the couple would rather take things slowly, especially since they don’t get to see each other as often as they would like. Eugene’s mom, on the other hand, seemed to be more excited, and wants her daughter to tie the knot as soon as possible.

“When she found out about the relationship, she told me, ‘Umalis ka na, umalis ka na! Gustong-gusto ko nang mag-asawa ka’ (Leave! I really want you to get married)!” she related.

But as the old saying goes, she said, if there’s a will, there’s a way. And Eugene, 45, is thankful that her work load is relatively forgiving, and allows her to fly to Italy once in a while. She plans to visit Danilo this holiday season.

“Maintaining a long-distance relationship can be quite hard sometimes. But it also forces you to be more creative. And when you finally meet, you get to fully appreciate your time together,” she pointed out.

Domingo and Rosales

Asked if she would be willing to relocate to Italy should the circumstances call for it, she said she’s leaving it all to God. “Whatever His plans are… then so be it,” Eugene said, adding that she’s lucky to have a lover who really understands the nature of her work, and her need to be in the Philippines.

“He respects my profession,” she said. “He’s proud of my work as an actress, and that I continue to practice my craft.”

Eugene is so happy and content right now, she isn’t affected by the negativity surrounding the MMFF this year. For the multi-awarded star, the annual event should be viewed more as a celebration than a competition.

“Let’s not destroy each other, each other’s creativity. Everyone has a right to express his or her art,” she said. “Let’s just all be proud and support each other. Let’s do our jobs.”

Eugene Domingo (left) and Jericho Rosales

Directed by Marlon Rivera, “Septic Tank 2,”the sequel to the 2011 comedy movie of the same title, Eugene portrays a fictionalized version of herself. After doing an award-bait film on poverty and child abuse, Eugene returns onscreen, after a sabbatical, via a romantic drama.

“I believe that this is a better film than the first. The script is better. And Direk Marlon doesn’t spoonfeed us. He makes us work, but guides us at the same time. For a nice change, we shot our scenes not in slums, but in spas and in scenic spots in Baguio,” she said, adding that winning a best actress trophy isn’t in her mind, especially with Nora Aunor also in the running.

“I love Nora Aunor. I would just give her the award already if I could!” Eugene jested. “Anyway, we don’t make movies for awards. Our goal is for the people to go out and support local cinema.”