Jane Oineza (left) and RK Bagatsing
I’m too selfish. I don’t ever want to share her with anyone,” said actor RK Bagatsing on whether or not he would agree to an “open relationship” with real-life partner Jane Oineza, much like what their characters do in their latest film project called “Swing.”
RC delos Reyes’ dramatic film tells the struggles of a married couple who tries but fails to conceive a child. In an attempt to save their rocky relationship, they relocate to Switzerland and go on a “wild adventure,” which eventually leads them to try what is called an “open relationship,” in which both parties are allowed to have sexual relations with other people.
“I realized that I’m the more vocal about how jealous I get when she’s with other people. Often, Jane would just keep quiet and say, ‘OK lang,’ even when you feel that there’s something bothering her,” RK told Inquirer Entertainment during a recent gathering to announce the partnership between Star Magic and the film’s producer Mavx Productions.
Jane said shooting this film did not change her opinion on getting into an open relationship. “RK sleeping with another woman is still a deal-breaker for me,” she said. “Although it really depends on your agreement as a couple. It’s important that you talk about expectations in your relationship. For some, they would never engage in something like this, no questions asked. But there are others who are convinced that this would liven up their relationship. If you are able to communicate this properly with each other, I think it’s doable,” she explained.
Communication is key
While it’s a hard pass for RK, he said he would never look down on those who practice this. “The concept seems new to most of us, but in other places, this has become common practice. Who’s to say that what we’re doing is right and what they’re doing isn’t? Again, it’s all about communication. It only becomes a betrayal if one does something that’s not part of the agreement,” he pointed out.
“Kevin and Pam are still looking for that one thing that’s lacking in their relationship and that, maybe, they will be able to find it by being with other people. That’s how different they are from Jane and me. We don’t think there’s anything missing in our relationship,” said RK.
The couple said communication also became an important factor while they were shooting their respective sex scenes with other actors. “We worked with an intimacy coach who made sure everyone on the set was comfortable and that no one tried to go beyond the limitations that were set. When Direk RC has instructions for us, he talks to the intimacy coach, who then relays these to us,” RK said.
“This way, no one gets put on the spot. You are not allowed to be spontaneous just because you feel something. Direk RC makes sure everyone on the set feels safe,” he added.
Scene from “Swing”
Feeling uncomfortable
The director said he was ready to halt a shoot the moment an actor began feeling uncomfortable on his set. “We show only what is needed for the film. The rest of the time, my actors are covered. That’s always been my system on the set. Also, I limit the number of people on the set—just the actors, the cameraman and his assistant. The rest of the team, including myself, stay outside. This is my way of showing respect to the artists,” said RC.
RK said he was impressed with how RC guided him through his sex scenes. “I like it that collaboration is important to Direk. Before we do a particular sex scene, he makes sure that I’m loaded with the appropriate emotion. This sort of differentiates one sex scene from the next,” he said.
Jane agreed with RK and said: “Direk was so thoughtful that he made sure RK wasn’t around when I shot most of my love scenes with my Swiss coactor. There was never a time when I felt uncomfortable on the set. The team really took care of me. After each take, they would quickly hand me my robe and check on me. I was lucky to have gotten the chance to work with them.”
“Swing” is one of three collaborations between Star Cinema and Mavx Productions. The others are “Unravel,” which features Gerald Anderson; and “I Love Lizzy,” which hits cinemas nationwide on Jan. 18 and stars Carlo Aquino and Barbie Imperial.