JOHN Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo star in “The Mistress.”
One of my fave books of all time is “Advice to a Young Wife from an Old Mistress” by Michael Drury. It basically says that, to be a good wife, you sometimes must know how to act like a mistress.
The unspoken dynamics and emotional capacities of a three-way love affair is what Star Cinema’s “The Mistress” (opening Wednesday) tackles.
The film is topbilled by Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary as a love team. In a way, Bea is some sort of a “mistress” to Lloydie—because even if they are both involved with someone else in real life, their onscreen team-up is still going strong.
They will also star in ABS-CBN’s coming teleserye, “A Beautiful Affair.”
The feelings expressed in an illicit romance may be wrong, but it’s real nonetheless. Any woman would not mind risking it all just to be Lloydie’s mistress. Many dream of becoming his wife.
The actor shares his thoughts with me in this interview:
What can a mistress do that a wife can’t?
JLC: I think it’s subjective to one’s needs or motivation on why a mistress would allow herself to be in such a difficult situation. But mistresses tend to try harder since they are competing with the wife to satisfy the needs and desires of her partner.
What are your thoughts about mistresses?
JLC: Sometimes they are also victims of their own passion, ambition and love. But even love can never justify a wrong. Ang mali ay mali (What is wrong is wrong).
What is the secret of your love team with Bea that makes it click even if you’re not a couple in real life?
JLC: Our tandem has a strong and deep foundation. It’s built on a long-time partnership that has gone through the most defining moments, our ups and downs in the biz. It’s also built on sincerity and honesty to the fans. The success we have as a team is project-driven. I feel exceptionally blessed to be given the trust and opportunity by ABS-CBN to be part of some of the most memorable films of the last decade.
Would you consider having a mistress?
JLC: I don’t see any sense in that. It’s something I would never wish anyone to resort to. What’s the point of momentary pleasure which may lead to a lifetime of suffering eventually?
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I congratulated Brillante Mendoza via text for the well-deserved citations that his film, “Thy Womb,” bagged at the Venice film fest. Brilliance is truly in every masterpiece he makes.
I also asked him a few questions:
You’ve won countless awards. Does it feel any different now that you’ve won in Venice?
BM: I just really feel grateful for the warm reception given to our film. The award is more of an unexpected bonus.
What kind of edge did “Thy Womb” have over the other entries?
BM: The sincerity of the film overall and how Ate Guy (Nora Aunor) was able to convey her character’s humanity.
What was the hardest part of shooting the film?
BM: Logistics.
What can audiences learn from “Thy Womb”?
BM: They will see the other side of Mindanao that is not commonly known.
What’s your fave film in the Venice fest?
BM: “Pieta” by Kim Ki-duk.
What’s your next film?
BM: I’m working on “Sapi,” a horror film with Dennis Trillo and Meryll Soriano.