What Tony Labrusca does about his toxic traits

Ariella Arida (foreground) and Tony Labrusca

The “seven-year itch” dilemma is real. Some couples cannot fight the urge to merge with someone else. This is how trouble starts in “Breathe Again” (now streaming on Vivamax). It is directed by Raffy Francisco and topbilled by Ariella Arida, Tony Labrusca, Jela Cuenca and Ivan Padilla.

The provocative flick will make you wonder if you would stay with someone just because you have a history together or fall for someone new whom you have chemistry with.

Here are quotes from Ariella (A), Tony (T), Ivan (I) and Raffy (R):

A: It’s my first time to work with Tony, so I was wary if I would suffer by comparison to his previous leading ladies. But it’s just been “chill mode on” working with him. Most of our scenes were shot underwater, so it gave us a relaxed vibe.

T: At first, I felt a bit awkward doing sexy scenes with Ariella. I look up to her because she’s a title-holder. That made me extra nervous.

A: My love scenes have different dynamics. With Ivan, it shows intimacy in a long-term relationship. But with Tony, it captures the spark of a newfound love.

T: I have a lot of toxic traits. But when I’m called out about it, I adjust and change.

R: The core of our movie is about finding yourself again. It also has facets about caring for the sea since Tony portrays a free diving instructor. He and Ariella had no double in their underwater scenes.

T: Sometimes, we were underwater all day, so Ariella and I teased each other that we tasted salty when we kissed.

I: I miss doing action films because I’m a martial arts expert. Even if our film is kind of erotic, there’s something for everybody to enjoy.

A: If I meet someone new who ignites that spark, I will end my long-term relationship. Out of respect, I won’t make my relationships overlap.

T: About the controversies I got embroiled in, it is what it is. I just wish they didn’t happen. I’m glad the case is over. It was suffocating to be judged. Now, I can breathe again.

R: The title of our film means hope. Your next breath could be someone’s last.

I: My takeaway from our film is to choose the right things to fill up the emptiness inside you.

Felix Roco (left) and Denise Esteban

‘Secrets’: The dark side of sexual experimentation

Follow the frightening journey of discovery of a couple who thought they knew everything about themselves in “Secrets” (streaming on Vivamax June 10).

Topbilled by Janelle Tee, Denise Esteban, Felix Roco and newbie Benz Sangalang, it tells a dark tale about sexual experimentation.

Directed by Joey Reyes, it will show how couples who are trying to keep their promise of love to each other could also be keeping secrets from each other.

Here are quotes from Janelle (J), Denise (D), Felix (F) and Benz (B):

J: There are things we will do that we never thought we could do when we meet someone who fulfills the needs that our partner can’t.

B: Even if I’m a newbie, Direk Joey didn’t make me feel intimidated.

F: I am not very good at keeping secrets. There is certainly too much pressure not to squeal.

D: I have no deep, dark secrets that I’m afraid will be uncovered on my way to stardom.

B: My body is my puhunan (investment). But I also am very much aware that in show business, sexiness is not enough. I must hone my talent, too.

F: It takes guts to do bold scenes. It doesn’t get easier the more you do it.

J: I am not worried that I will have nothing left to show after doing sexy movies one after the other. Definitely, I will always find ways to surprise the audience and outdo myself in my next projects.

D: If I’m bored in a relationship, we will have to talk things over. It’s a no-no for me to sleep with someone else just to spice up my life.

J: I’ve learned not to overthink. Fear will always be there. I just trust my director 100 percent. My boldness is not just in stripping off my clothes, but also in my tenacity.