Loisa Andalio (R) and Ronnie Alonte
Asked what advice they could give this generation’s up-and-coming love teams, reel- and real-life couple Ronnie Alonte and Loisa Andalio—or “LoiNie,” as their fans fondly call them—gave the customary spiel on staying strong, loving the people around them and staying humble.
But one interesting take they made is that some viewers are no longer into love teams who play coy about their relationship status. “’Di na uso ’yung pa-sweet-sweet na ’di kayo umaamin… that you’re merely best of friends. Tama na ’yung ganun—let’s be real,” Ronnie said at a recent press conference for the Metro Manila Film Festival entry “My Teacher.”
One thing Ronnie has observed is that many viewers these days gravitate toward entertainers who are “raw.” “This generation feels different. People want something raw, especially when the pandemic started. That’s why YouTubers and TikTokers have grown in popularity. All too often, we come across someone whom we don’t know, but are actually popular online,” he pointed out.
Ronnie and Loisa would like to believe that this is one of the reasons their tandem continues to thrive. “I think that’s what people embraced in us,” Ronnie said. “[We weren’t] show biz.”
The two actors have been together for six years now. But while they see themselves getting married somewhere down the road, it’s not their top priority at the moment. “Why stay in a relationship if that’s (marriage) not your goal? Otherwise, you would only be wasting time. But we have the same goals,” Loisa said.
Putting work first
But for now, they would rather focus on acting and their newly opened coffee shop. “Work and business muna. The wedding and starting a family… that will come eventually. There will be a right time for that. We need to save up first,” Loisa said.
“Our goal is to open more branches in the future, invest in properties and get more acting projects in show biz,” Ronnie added.
Scene from “My Teacher”
Working with Toni Gonzaga and Joey de Leon in “My Teacher” was an instructive experience for the two actors. “We’re grateful we’re given an opportunity to be part of this festival. We were inspired by our coactors’ love and passion for the craft. Being with them, you realize why they have lasted this long in the industry,” Loisa said.
“Tito Joey is so professional. Kami pa ang nagba-buckle. Ate Toni would sit down and have lunch with us. We talk and she opens up about things in life. That’s something we won’t forget,” said Ronnie, who revealed that he and Loisa will do another film with director Paul Soriano after this one. “New characters and a new story for us.”
Do they see themselves doing a sexy flick, or something more “mature” in the future? “We have never done anything like that, but should that time come, the decision will depend on the story,” Ronnie said.
“We don’t say that we can’t do this or that. If we’re confident enough to do a project—and the project is a good one—[why not?],” Loisa said.
Staying with Star Magic
There were rumors that Ronnie and Loisa—who have been with ABS-CBN’s talent management arm Star Magic since 2015 and 2014, respectively—considered transferring to GMA 7. “We weren’t really aware of that. I mean, it was Star Magic that was contacted for this movie. And we still have an existing contract,” Loisa clarified.
Ronnie, on the other hand, is happy for his fellow members in the dance group Hashtags who have decided to pursue their careers in other networks and media companies.
“Some of them are with Viva Entertainment and GMA 7. And I’m happy because they’re being given good projects and roles,” Ronnie said. “Jon Lucas is doing well in GMA. Wilbert Ross is with Viva… they’re fulfilling their dreams.”
For the coming year, Ronnie and Loisa have nothing more to ask, except good health. “We just wish for continued happiness… and good health. What good is wealth if you’re sick,” Loisa said.
“I know that the Lord has a plan for us,” Ronnie said. “As long as we continue working hard and we’re not stepping on anyone’s toes, we know that we can leave everything to Him.” INQ