Erich says Thai screen partner very playful, even naughty

ERICH Gonzales

Shooting almost half of the movie “Suddenly It’s Magic” in Bangkok drew actress Erich Gonzales closer to her leading man, Thai superstar Mario Maurer, and acquainted her with a different  culture.

One of the first things Erich observed was that the Thai film crew followed a 12-hour per day limit, unlike in the Philippines where shooting could extend beyond 24 grueling hours.

“They were very strict about it, so it was tough at first. But we eventually adjusted,” Erich said at a recent press con for the movie.

Director Rory Quintos added: “We’re usually very passionate and hyper, while the Thais are laid-back. They thought we were crazy when they learned that we worked such long hours!”

Produced by Star Cinema, “Suddenly It’s Magic” is about Thai superstar Marcus Hanson (Mario) who, in an effort to escape the tediousness of show biz, flies to the Philippines where he meets and falls in love with Joey Hermosa (Erich), a baker.

For the Thais, the head is the most sacred part of the body, and touching it is considered taboo. Unaware of this, Erich, in one of the scenes, gave Mario a real slap, which shocked him.

Similarities

Mario’s manager, makeup artist and stylist, who were all watching the shoot, jumped off their seats and started talking frantically in Thai. Apparently, onscreen slapping is customarily simulated in Thailand.

“Here, we don’t fake it,” Erich explained. “Good thing Mario was okay with it. I apologized, and asked his team if we could do the scene again. They said: ‘No, only once!’”

But Erich said she later realized there were also similarities between Pinoys and Thais.

“We’re both happy and hospitable people,” she said. “I even cooked adobo for Mario and his team!”

Working with Mario was fun and effortless, said Erich. “He doesn’t have an ounce of arrogance. He’s very professional … also very playful and naughty.”

More than that, the quality that Erich admired most in Mario was his openness about his relationship with his girlfriend of nine years. Did this inspire Erich to be open with her love life as well? “Well,” she said, “I’ve never lied about anything. I’ve been dating a non-show biz guy for over a year.”

“Suddenly It’s Magic” opened in theaters on October 31.