Why Grace Poe is thankful to Lovi Poe

Lovi Poe (left) and Grace Poe —CONTRIBUTED photo

Grace Poe’s presence at the wedding of her sister Lovi and Monty Blencowe in England speaks volumes about their closeness. Even if they are half-sisters, their love for each other is whole and full.

FPJ (Fernando Poe Jr.) must be smiling up above as he sees his two daughters and son (Ronian) united for the love of him. Call them “Batang Kay Poe” (pun intended).

Here’s my chat with Grace:

Please share any prewedding anecdote with Lovi.

Lovi hugged me and said, “Ate, thank you for accepting me.” I was taken aback that she said this, because it was I who oftentimes felt insecure. Unlike Lovi, I’m not a biological child of our dad.

I am grateful that Lovi and Ronian, our other half-sibling, have always been very supportive and embraced me as their “Ate.”

What’s your marriage advice to Lovi?

True love is a commitment to support each other, to communicate, to gain each other’s trust, and accord each other with respect, especially when faced with challenges. No one is infallible. Couples should be able to forgive each other’s shortcomings and make sacrifices.

A key element to a lasting marriage is respect. You may not always agree with each other, and although it may be difficult, sometimes you need to compromise.

What do you think of Monty?

I like Monty a lot. He is kind, intelligent and takes care of Lovi. As a bonus, his family is also so loving towards Lovi.

If your dad were still around, what do you think he would have liked about Monty?

He would’ve gotten along with Monty, just like he got along with my husband, Neil. He would have appreciated Monty’s kindness and humility and, more importantly, he would’ve seen how much Monty loves and respects Lovi.

What makes Lovi and Monty click?

They have a good mix of similarities and unique experiences and personalities to keep things interesting and exciting. They were able to endure a long-distance relationship and stayed committed. They both have an appreciation for the movie industry and a good sense of humor.

Monty has a sarcastic sense of Brit humor which she finds hilarious. He is a bit more traditional with a slight English formality, and is quite shy. Lovi is more outgoing. In their marriage, she is the right-brained one and Monty is left-brained.

Nadine Lustre —photos courtesy of VIVA

Nadine faces a curse

After the success of “Deleter,” Nadine Lustre and director Mikhail Red are at it again in “Nokturno.” The collaboration of Evolve Studios and Viva Films revolves around the curse of “the kumakatok.”

These creatures from Filipino folklore wear veils and come knocking in the dead of the night. Those who answer the door are cursed to die or lose a loved one in three days. Knock knock … you better lock-lock!

Here are quotes from Nadine (N) and Mikhail (M):

N: Since it’s my second project with Direk Mik, viewer expectations are higher. It’s pressure in a positive way. I’m the type who makes sure I outdo myself in each project.

M: “Deleter” was techno horror. “Nokturno” is more rural and about superstition. There’s an internal struggle within the family and an external struggle vs mysterious creatures.

N: The possibility that our film might be part of MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) like “Deleter” excites me. Instead of looking at it as competition, I consider it as a coming together of filmmakers to cater to different types of audiences.

M: Film is very subjective. It can be good or bad depending on viewers’ tastes. What matters to me is that I make interesting films that will pique the curiosity of the audience.

N: Most of Gen Z don’t believe in the tales of provincial old folks. I find it comforting that through our film, we will be able to share folklore. It’s a Pinoy thing that we must be aware of because it’s part of who we are.

M: Our film will show that our source of conflict could sometimes be our source of redemption.

Jerome Ponce (left) and Krishha Viaje

From ‘insignificant others’ to official lovers?

“The Rain in España’s” “Trie-kada” is now a “univerkada” as their journey continues with new characters to spice things up. Fasten your seatbelt. “Safe Skies Archer” is about to fly on Viva One this October. Directed by Gino Santos, it is based on the book by Gwy Saludes with more than 600 million reads on Wattpad.

After Luna (Heaven Peralejo) and Kalix’s (Marco Gallo) romance blossomed in “Trie,” now it’s time for Hiro (Jerome Ponce) and Yanna’s (Krissha Viaje) love story to unfold. They have a no-strings attached relationship, which puts their hearts in limbo. After five years, their paths cross again. Will they upgrade from being “insignificant others” to official lovers?

Here are quotes from Heaven (H), Marco (M), Gino (G), Jerome (J) and Krissha (K):

H: I don’t feel pressured about the entry of new characters. I am excited for the plot twists they will add to the story.

M: My advice to Jerome and Krissha is that what happens will happen. Don’t be too conscious. Trust and respect each other on and off cam.

G: Book 2 is more mature than the first book (“Trie”). It will show how intimacy changes lives and perspectives. And also how the “univerkada” evolved from having fun to being more focused on career and love.

J: I was surprised that Krissha requested for a sensuality workshop for us. But I welcome it so we can work on our chemistry in our love scenes.

K: My character and I both have trust issues. From Yanna, I learned not to give up on love. We will meet our match if we remain open.

G: We will stay loyal to the book and keep the storyline intact. We will just enhance it for cinematic purposes.

H: After “Trie,” Marco and I have become mentally and physically stronger because we do yoga and work out together. We keep helping each other improve.

M: My takeaway from my character is some people are worth the wait no matter how long it takes.