Through her film studio, Lovi Poe wants more Pinoy talents to shine abroad

The past few years have seen Lovi Poe expanding her career prospects beyond the Philippines. Aside from auditioning for and landing roles in Hollywood films, she also launched her own production company that aims to promote Filipino talent abroad.

That’s why she has nothing but appreciation and respect for show biz colleagues trying their luck and finding success on the world stage.

“It’s really great. You always have to commend people who pursue their dreams because that takes lots of courage and hard work,” Lovi said in a recent get-together with select entertainment writers. “And it’s always nice to see many Filipino talents shine abroad, like Dolly de Leon (“Triangle of Sadness”), Liza Soberano (“Lisa Frankenstein”), and Iñigo Pascual (“Monarch”).

Through her namesake company, C’est Lovi, the 35-year-old star hopes to create a platform that will help more Filipino actors get a foot in the door.

“That’s my main thing—showcasing Filipino talent and, hopefully, bringing them internationally. I have been in the industry for quite some time now. We have a lot of great actors, directors and writers. So, I think it would be just nice to see the best of the best excel globally,” said Lovi, who’s set to appear in the upcoming British gangster flick “The Chelsea Cowboy” and Hollywood indie “Bad Man.”Joining Lovi in the endeavor is her husband, scientist-movie producer Montgomery Blencowe, who will serve as an executive producer. “He will be taking care of the finances and I will handle the creative side, putting ideas together and telling stories I want to tell,” she said. Producing for others

One project in the pipeline is the psychological thriller “Alyssa,” which was written and will be directed by Jerrold Tarog. “We’re in the process of casting. We’re also going to be partnering with another international production,” she said. Can fans expect her to produce movies for herself? “If the role suits me and the story is something I want to do, I will do it,” she said. “But of course, the projects don’t necessarily have to involve me. I will be producing for other people. We already have a couple of names in mind that we want to cast for certain roles, but I can’t tell you yet,” she said.

In a way, Lovi’s current career direction mirrors that of her father, the late show biz legend and National Artist Fernando Poe Jr., who also put up his own studio outfit, FPJ Productions.

“I’m proud of my father for everything he has accomplished, for making films. Here I am trying to do the same thing, something I’m passionate about. Now I understand why my father did that. Because it opens doors for actors, for everyone,” she said. Lovi currently shuttles between the Philippines and the United States, so starring in another drama series, after “Batang Quiapo,” remains to be seen. “I have to choose projects that are worth my time. I’m married now and there are other things I want to do, so it has to be something that will make me happy,” she said. “This month I’m here, next month I’m there. It’s all about mindset—walang jetlag-jetlag! I just want to make sure I’m strong and healthy. My wish is to be able to balance everything and excel at it,” she said.

Married life

As for married life, Lovi admitted that—as an independent woman who has been supporting herself since she was 15—the idea of having someone she can depend on is something she’s still trying to get used to.

“I know nothing outside of work. I’m not used to waking up and not thinking about going to a shoot or a taping. Of course, I’m thankful I get to do what I love and call it a job. But now there are days when I wake up in the morning and I’m like, ‘What to do? Oh, I will cook and do the laundry,’” she related. “Everything is new to me. It’s a great experience.”

Lovi, who tied the knot with Monty in August last year, said they postponed the honeymoon because of her busy schedule. Should they find the time, Love said she would love to just laze around on a beach. “I don’t want to, say, go to Europe and jump from one city to another. That’s not a honeymoon. I just want to go to the beach, maybe in the Maldives, to relax,” she said.

Luckily, she has a husband who understands the nature of her profession. “I can’t thank him enough. It’s hard to find someone as understanding, given my line of work and how passionate I am about it,” he said. “He’s supportive of my goals and wants to see me achieve them. He’s very caring. I don’t have to ask when I need him—he’s just there. May kusa.”

“All my life I have had this energy that makes me want to do everything on my own. Now, there’s someone to take care of me and it’s great. Nakaka-spoil. Baka masyado ako masanay!” she said, laughing. INQ