Cristine Reyes and Empoy Marquez
There’s a saying that goes, “Daig ng komedyante ang pogi.”
No objection there from Empoy Marquez. “A person who can make other people laugh—madaling mahalin (easy to love). No matter what you look like, if you’re funny, you can be a magnet not only for women but for all people,” he told the Inquirer at a recent press conference for the upcoming comedy film “Kidnap for Romance,” which opens in cinemas on Sept. 6.
“As for the girls, they just gravitate toward me. ‘Di ko sinasadya!” he said, laughing.
Cristine Reyes echoed her leading man’s sentiments, adding that having a partner with a sense of humor is indeed a plus, especially for emotionally drained actors like her.
“We all need laughter in our lives. It’s the best medicine, as they say,” she said. “I have been hospitalized a few times before due to exhaustion or lack of sleep, so sometimes you just want something lighthearted. The nature of our job is heavy, not everyone will understand how stressful or emotionally draining it can be. So when someone makes you laugh, it feels like you’re about to have a good day. It makes you feel content.”
Unlikely leading man
Cristine, who’s currently dating Marco Gumabao, doesn’t specifically seek out funny guys. “But it’s a bonus, for sure. For me, I trust who’s going to be there for me,” she said.
Empoy emerged as an unlikely leading man after starring in the 2017 box-office hit “Kita Kita” with Alessandra de Rossi. Now, he gets to act alongside Cristine.
“It feels like I’m still dreaming… parang laru-laro ng pagkakataon. I’m thankful I’m given these opportunities; that people trust someone like me. I never imagined this happening in my career… because I’m used to being a sidekick. But suddenly you think, ‘Pwede pala mag-leading man?’ A lot of things changed in my life,” Empoy said.
“The projects keep coming. Kinilig ako,” he added.
“I think it’s just your time!” Cristine told him.
In “Kidnap for Romance,” which is produced by Viva Films and directed by Victor Villanueva, Cristine plays Elena, a stuntwoman forced to join a crime syndicate to earn easy money for her sick mother. She’s tasked to kidnap Fred (Empoy), heir of one of the richest men in the Philippines.
While Cristine manages to abduct Fred, a close call with the police forces them to hide in a secluded villa owned by Fred’s clan. They’re caught wrestling with each other by Fred’s grandfather, Henry (Boboy Garovillo), who gets the wrong idea and demands they marry each other as soon as possible.
Elena’s impoverished family thinks they have hit the jackpot. But Fred, who’s afraid of commitment, threatens to tell the truth.
Childlike quality
“I love doing comedy, so I really enjoyed working even if I didn’t have much sleep. We still felt really energetic on the set, even if we finished taping in the morning,” Cristine related.
Comedy may not be her forte but Empoy noted that she has this childlike quality that lends well to the genre. “It was like being with a playful and naughty kid… You will laugh at her antics,” said Empoy, who joked that he started brushing his teeth three times a day when he learned that he would be paired with Cristine.
“She has a funny personality that’s just infectious. I told her not to watch too much comedy in preparation for the role because I felt there was no need for her to copy anyone. She has her own way of making people laugh,” he added.
Their first project together was the 2008 drama series “Kahit Isang Saglit,” where they both played supporting roles. And being friends in real life helped them build rapport for their first starring movie.
“It was fun working with him. I was very excited when I found out that he was going to be my leading man,” said Cristine, who described Empoy as “prim and proper” on the set. “Kagalang-galang siya and serious. I find that amazing!”
Natural rapport
“It’s great that we’ve had natural rapport, even before we started filming. Although we don’t really see each other often, I always feel comfortable and at ease with him… He’s such a kind person. What you see is what you get. I have always admired his work ethic,” Cristine said. “If there’s good communication on and offscreen, you will be able to pull off what the project requires, whether it’s action or comedy.”
Empoy, on the other hand, felt that their chemistry was “organic.” “Cristine is the kind of leading lady that draws you in when you make eye contact. Talagang mahahawa ka,” he said.
They even prefer the same “language” when it comes to receiving love. “Time is my love language. I say that because I feel sad whenever I miss out on special occasions, because I’m often busy with work. When I see photos of loved ones together, I can’t help but have this feeling of yearning,” she said.
“She’s right,” Empoy said. “Time is really of value in this world… What good is wealth if you can’t spend time with your family and loved ones.” INQ