JC on aggressive girls: I’d rather do the pursuing

Bela Padilla (left) and JC Santos

When theater actor JC Santos made his foray into mainstream show biz via ABS-CBN’s “Till I Met You,” he became an instant sensation. Now, JC has invaded movielandia as well. He topbills Viva Films’ “100 Tula Para Kay Stella,” along with Bela Padilla (opens Aug. 16).

JC revealed that his movie was based on the true story of their director (Jason Paul Laxamana). There really were poems as “love offering” to one special girl. Ooh la la “Tula Love.”

Here’s my chat with JC:

Which poem in the movie touched you the most? Poem No. 80, “Stratosphere,” which goes like this: The way she walks, the way she sings/ Give me a pair of magical wings/ That fly me straight to the stratosphere/ She is a miracle, that much is clear.

What kind of love story does your movie tell? We showed a realistic point of view of college love presented in an artistic way.

If you had to choose between love and career, which would you pick? Love. I don’t want to die alone.

If you write a poem for your future wife, what would the title be? “It Can Be Us.”

In what ways are you like your character in “100 Tula”? I’m torpe like Fidel. The only difference is, I feel like I’m a smooth operator (laughs).

How do you feel about girls who make the first move? Damn, they’re brave (laughs). I would rather do the pursuing.

What do you find hard to understand about women? Their mood swings.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for love? Quit my dream.

Is it tougher for you to act onstage or on TV? Depends on the material. It’s hard to be an actor. Every day is a surprise.

What was the hardest part of your adjustment from acting in theater to TV or movies? Getting used to the long working and waiting hours. Acting onscreen is improvisational, while acting onstage is rehearsed.

If your life story were made into a poem, what would the title be? “Gutom.” I’m always hungry—to learn from new experiences.

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After screening some of Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino/Cine Lokal entries for the Cinema Evaluation Board, here are my musings about the films:

“Bar Boys” has the right blend of humor and drama. Remarkable portrayals by Rocco Nacino, Carlo Aquino, Rener Concepcion (whom I mistook for Bembol Roco) and Odette Khan. A must-see for law students. It will touch you where it matters the most.

In “Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23-B,” Ryza Cenon is a revelation. The cool soundtrack made it seem like I was watching a hip European film made for millennials.

“Puti” is a bizarre mystery that leaves more questions than answers. It stars a deglamorized Ian Veneracion, who steps out of his comfort zone.

Personal: Happy 15th anniversary to Posh Nails. Congratulations to dear friend Cat llacad, Rico Ozamagra and Tyla Guong.