Agot Isidro
To say that I was deeply moved by Cinema One Originals’ “Changing Partners” is an understatement. We, at the Cinema Evaluation Board, gave the film a grade of A. An adaptation of a musical play by Vincent de Jesus, it delves into the reservoir of emotions of live-in lovers who are caught up in the rapture and chaos of a May-December romance.
The soundtrack could very well be the anthem of romantic fools like me. The film demonstrates that one love fits all, regardless of gender. Agot Isidro ought to win awards for her brilliant portrayal of an older woman in love with a guy who is 15 years younger. But there’s an interesting twist, since Agot and the rest of the cast play dual roles.
It reminds us that l’amour can be heavenly yet deadly. And just because there’s no happy-ever-after doesn’t mean it isn’t a love story.
Here’s my chat with Agot:
What don’t people know about Agot Isidro? I am an introvert. I love people, my family and friends. But I enjoy being with me the most.
How has your definition of love changed through the years? A whole lot. Before, it was about making calls, sending and receiving text messages, gifts, flowers, dates. As much as it is still very important, for kilig purposes (laughs), I value more the idea of respect, consistency, honesty, dependability, friendship and real communication in a loving relationship.
Would you take an ex back? Not anymore. Based on experience, it doesn’t work.
What did “Changing Partners” make you realize about relationships? I realize that a heartbreak is a heartbreak, regardless of gender, economic class and age bracket. We all invest in something we truly believe in. And when reality falls short of expectations, we feel helpless, and our world gets shattered. And at our worst, we act irrationally.
What scene and dialogue in the movie reminded you of your past relationships? The opening scene, where everything is rosy. Despite the obvious differences, tuluy-tuloy lang. “Parang ngayon lang nagdalaga, ang lakas makakilig, nakakagaga,” as the lines of the song in the movie goes.
And the last scene, where Cris says, “Binigay ko ang anim na taon ko sa ‘yo,” and Alex answers, “At ako, hindi nagbigay?” During the play, that was the line that “broke” me the most. Love is sacrifice, and it’s sad when [both parties] don’t see it.
What’s one thing you plan to do this year that you’ve never done before? Maybe learn an instrument.
What do you find hard to understand about men? Maybe the question should be, what do men find hard to understand about us (laughs)? Seriously, they’re easier to read than women. We know what goes on in their minds. That’s why there’s such a thing as women’s intuition.
What do you enjoy more, being single or in a relationship? Honestly, I enjoy both. But for now, I’d rather remain single. I like my freedom, meaning I get more work done, because I can just focus on it. I can take off anytime I want. I can just watch movies and TV shows in bed. I don’t have to worry about anyone. Although nakaka-miss din ang may kakulitan, so then I call my friends or my sister, or play with my dogs.
How do you handle bashers? I don’t mind them. If they get too rude or nonsensical, I just block them. It’s for their own good, so they won’t commit a sin anymore.
What’s your shoutout to 2018? Live, love, sparkle!
Benefit show for BB
Concerned friends of Bernardo Bernardo are mounting the fundraising show, “To BB with Love,” at 6 p.m. tomorrow at Salu Restaurant (26 Scout Torillo cor. Scout Fernandez, Quezon City). A ticket costs P1,000. Proceeds will be used for BB’s medical expenses. Lets cheer BB on by supporting the show.