Kim Chiu (left) and Dennis Trillo
As we welcome December, the countdown to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) officially begins. The annual fest is already a part of Pinoys’ Christmas tradition. So, it would not be complete without a movie from Regal Entertainment, whose entry this year is “One Great Love,” starring Kim Chiu, JC de Vera and Dennis Trillo. The “hugot-bangon” film (which opens on Dec. 25) is directed by my good friend, Eric Quizon.
Since Kim and Dennis come from rival networks, it would be interesting to see how their first team-up pans out. Kim veers away from her usual rom-com portrayals and dares to push the boundaries.
May the story of Zyra (Kim), Carl (JC) and Ian (Dennis) somehow show us that in our search for that “one great love,” destiny sends people our way. But it’s up to us to decide who deserves to stay.
“Emo-rry Christ-Much!”
Here’s my chat with Eric:
Since it’s Kim’s first time to work with Dennis and JC, what can you say about their chemistry? They know their characters very well, and they do their homework. If you’re a good actor, chemistry comes easy. Working with them was such a breeze.
What did you discover about Kim, Dennis and JC? Kim is very family-oriented and religious. Dennis is a quiet individual, who is committed to his work. I only found out recently that he’s back with Jennylyn Mercado. I am just so out of touch (laughs)! JC is very assertive, confident and is also dedicated to his job. He’s a new dad, and I think he knows the job description well.
What was the toughest scene to shoot? I was challenged by the scenes with the plane.
What MMFF entry would you want to watch? I want to watch all entries, so I know what we’re pitted against. It is the MMFF, so in the spirit of Christmas, we must love our own.
What gives you more fulfillment, directing or acting? Each brings me a different sense of fulfillment. However, it is more difficult to be a director because you’re in charge of the whole team from start to finish. But it doesn’t mean that acting is a walk in the park.
With acting, you deal with emotions a lot, which can be taxing. I hate being emotional because I am not that type in real life. I am pretty much in control of myself and my emotions. But I can trigger different emotions on a whim. Acting is emotionally draining, while directing is more physical.
What moment with your dad (Dolphy) would you want to relive? I miss eating with my Dad. We usually had good dinner conversations. If only I could relive each meal we had together.
If Santa were real, what would you ask him for Christmas? Santa, I want a Jaguar, please. Not the cat, but the car!
What if you don’t find your “one great love,” would your life be incomplete? Not necessarily. If you do not have a “one great love,” you wouldn’t know the feeling. If you don’t know the feeling, how can you miss it? However, you’ll always be longing and hoping that there’s someone out there who’s meant to be your “one true great love.”
Have you found your “one great love?” I would love to consider all my relationships as great loves. They have all contributed to making me who I am. Actually, I am my one true love (laughs)!