(From left) Barbie Imperial and JM De Guzman. Image: Instagram/@msbarbieimperial, @1migueldeguzman
All is indeed well between former sweethearts Barbie Imperial and JM De Guzman, as Imperial revealed they’re “okay” even before reuniting in their new film “3 Days 2 Nights in Poblacion.”
Imperial and De Guzman worked together in the Kapamilya afternoon drama, which is based on the pocketbook novel “El Paraiso.” Romance bloomed at the time, but the actress admitted in a 2019 interview that they didn’t work out since it was tough to “fix each other” as they were both in the process of healing.
Six years later, they reunited in the RC Delos Reyes-helmed film which also stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith.
“Before I said yes to this project, sinabi naman talaga nila sa’kin na si JM ‘yung makakasama ko. Medyo may slight kaba lang because I haven’t seen him in so long,” Imperial told reporters during the movie’s premiere night in Mandaluyong. “Pero I was more excited to work with him talaga.”
(Before I said yes to this project, they told me that I would be working with JM. I was a bit nervous because I hadn’t seen him in so long. But I was more excited about working with him again.)
The actress also touched on her kissing scene with De Guzman in the film, saying she asked the director to make it “sweeter” at some point during the film. She, however, clarified that she would still do the job if it’s needed in its storyline.
“Parang ewan, nailang ako honestly d’un sa kissing scene because dapat mas ano pa ‘yung kiss nun, basta mas malala. But then I said [kay Direk] baka pwedeng medyo pa sweet lang. Pero if it’s needed naman talaga sa pelikula, gagawin ko naman talaga,” she said.
(It feels weird. I honestly felt nervous about the kissing scene because it was supposed to be more passionate. But then I asked the director to make it sweeter. However, if it’s really needed in the film, I would’ve done it anyway.)
When asked if she and De Guzman are doing better after working together in the movie, Imperial pointed out that they have been on good terms even before their reunion project.
“Okay naman kami talaga (We’re really okay). Whatever happened in the past, it’s all in the past. We were younger so now, we’re more mature,” she said.
On the other hand, De Guzman briefly said he’s thankful for the chance to join forces with the “Pinoy Big Brother: 737” alum.
“Super grateful na naka-work ko siya ulit (I’m super grateful to work with her again),” he said while smiling.
In a Philippine Daily Inquirer interview, Delos Reyes said the kiss between Imperial and De Guzman’s characters is a crucial part of the storyline as it would be the turning point between the former sweethearts and Curtis-Smith.
The movie tells the story of forever best friends Gabbi (Jasmine Curtis-Smith) and Charlie (Barbie Imperial) who meet Javi (JM De Guzman) during a night out in Poblacion, Makati. It was then revealed that Charlie and Javi had previously hooked up, despite Javi and Gabbi harboring feelings for one another since childhood.