Alessandra de Rossi (left) and Ivan Padilla
There’s a thin line between friendship and love. When the best of friends turn into lovers, do they live happily ever after? Or would it be better if they just remain friends? Let Viva Films’ latest offering, “12” (opens Nov. 8), answer that.
It tells the story of Anton (Ivan Padilla) and Erika (Alessandra de Rossi). They started out as friends for five years, then became a couple for seven years, making it a total of 12 years of togetherness—from the “You complete me” to the “You complicate me” stages.
Here’s my chat with Alessandra (A) and Ivan (I):
What’s the biggest love lesson you’ve learned?
A: It’s not true that first love never dies. But it’s true that we will never have the same love twice.
I: Love chooses you and not the other way around. Even if a person checks all my “requirements,” it means nothing, because the heart wants what it wants.
What’s the craziest thing that you’ve done for love?
I: Hire a mariachi band to serenade a girl from outside her window.
After the success of “Kita Kita,” do you feel the pressure for “12” to surpass it?
A: It’s unfair to compare something really incomparable. “Kita Kita” is a rom-com, while “12” is a heavy drama.
Tell us about your Hollywood experience
I: I was the contravida in Season 6 of “Dexter.” I had cameo roles in “CSI” and “Lucifer.”
What did you discover about Alessandra?
I: Her beautiful softness and sweetness. She’s childlike, which I didn’t expect at all.
In what ways are you like the character you portray in “12”?
A: I prefer taking care of my man than being taken care of by him. I’m a martyr to a certain point, but I also know when enough is enough. I also love myself, so I won’t waste my time when I know a relationship is hopeless.
What do you think of girls who make the first move?
I: I find that very attractive. She knows what she wants and she has the guts to go for it.
What are your thoughts on infidelity and jealousy?
I: Both are bad but unavoidable. It’s like a beautiful beach—no matter how beautiful it is, one day a storm will come. But, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying its beauty.
What’s your dream marriage proposal?
A: Somewhere intimate—no friends, no family, no cameras, please. I don’t want to lose the sacredness of the moment meant for just two people. I might faint.
Can you be friends with an ex?
A: Yes. I’m friends with all my exes. They can call me anytime they have problems. But we don’t hang out because that would be awkward, especially if they have new partners already.
I: Depends on what kind the breakup was and if there has been enough time for us to heal.
The Himig ng Panahon Guitar Competition, presented by Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar on Nov. 18 (call 9260556), is open to guitar players aged 13 to 35. Strum-pa-ram-pum!
PERSONAL: Damo gid na salamat to my dear friend Ian Reyno, amigo Allan Tajanlangit for the post birthday treat in Iloilo, amiga Pauline Banusing for the sumptuous lunch at her Farm to Table resto, and pangga Kate Chaves for an epic night at Prisms.