Jasmine Curtis-Smith. Image: VIVA FILMS
In this age of dating apps, Viva Films’ “A Glimpse of Forever,” a romance drama with sci-fi elements that opens in cinemas on March 6, gives matchmaking a different spin. Written and megged by Jason Paul Laxamana, it stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Jerome Ponce and Diego Loyzaga.
Frustrated with her fiancé, Glenda (Jasmine) seeks cheer from a virtual dating studio called ForeVR. She is presented with four types of virtual guys to date through Virtual Reality (VR). She chooses Kokoy (Diego). They don’t hit it off right away, but eventually become besties.
Dante (Jerome) is a motion-capture actor, providing real-time voice and movement for Kokoy. He is not allowed to reveal his identity to clients. Glenda and Dante can’t deny their connection, but can this cross over to the real world? Would their love be invincible enough, even if he has to remain “invisible”?
Here are quotes from Jasmine (J), Jason (JP) and Diego (D):
J: I already found my “forever” in my boyfriend Jeff [Ortega]. After eight years of being together, I’m ready to get married. What I love most about him is that he lets me grow as an individual without us growing apart.
JP: Our movie is [about] a love triangle between two people. It’s not hardcore sci-fi. It’s more of a relatable love story. It examines parasocial relationships.D: Our movie shows that love knows no boundaries. You will go through hell and high water for the one you love.
J: Just like the character I play, I find ways to resolve relationship problems by seeking help from a therapist or any authority figure. I won’t try virtual dating. It’s too scary.
JP: I fused two of my favorite genres, romance and sci-fi, because I want to offer something else and something more.
D: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quite crazy, but it’s inevitable. That’s where the world is headed. Whether we like it or not, we have to embrace technology and adapt. But our movie does not romanticize AI because there’s still a human being behind the virtual guy I play.
Audrey Avila and Cess Garcia. Image: VIVAMAX
Audrey and Cess’ GL film
“One love fits all could very well be the tagline of “Takas,” now streaming on Vivamax. Directed by Roman Perez Jr., the film is topbilled by Audrey Avila, Mon Mendoza and Cess Garcia.
The GL (girls’ love) film is about two women who run away together to avoid being convicted of murder. As Angel (Audrey) and Lexi (Cess) escape, they meet Lemuel (Mon) whom Angel falls hard for. But Lexi is in love with Angel. Let the battle of the sexes begin.
Here are quotes from Roman (R), Audrey (A) and Cess (C):R: Five years after I launched the “erotica era” via “Adan,” here comes another GL film of mine. Some lesbians got offended with “Adan” because they felt they were put in a bad light. So “Takas” is my way of redeeming myself in the eyes of lesbians. Unlike in “Adan,” ‘di sila nagpapatayan kundi nagmamahalan.
A: I’m bisexual so I didn’t have second thoughts about doing love scenes with Cess. I’ve had relationships with all genders. Just spread love.
C: Just like Audrey, I’ve had relationships with lesbians. Direk Roman keeps teasing Audrey and me that we might develop feelings for each other after getting intimate in our film.
R: I don’t aim to preach anything in my films. I’m no preacher. I just offer realizations. I make sure to outdo myself in each project.
R: The scene of Rosanna Roces in “Patikim ng Pinya” where she was running naked in a field had such a huge impact on me. That’s why I made Audrey and Cess do the same. They were gutsy enough to pull it off.
R: I also want to do a BL (boys’ love) film, but not the rom-com type. I want the story to be dark and real.Gilas back in fighting form
The basketball girl in me was so thrilled to watch Gilas Pilipinas practice at the Philsports Arena for the Fiba (International Basketball Federation) Asia Cup Qualifiers 2025. Thanks to my Mareng Sienna Olaso for making it possible.
After clinching the gold medal at the Asian Games 2023, our national team is back in fighting form. Let’s cheer them on in their game versus Chinese Taipei tomorrow (Feb. 25).
At the Gilas practice, I told Dwight Ramos that he has a striking resemblance to Lee Min-ho. Surprisingly, Dwight has not heard of the Korean superstar. It’s hard to believe that he does not know who Lee Min-ho is. Perhaps he just refuses to be a lookalike of anyone else.