Shalanie De Vera, Chester Grecia push back against stigma of doing adult films
Vivamax stars Shalanie De Vera and Chester Grecia addressed the stigma often attached to doing adult-themed projects, saying they choose to view their work as a form of storytelling rather than something “shameful.”
The two stars spoke during the recent press conference for the upcoming VMX original film “Latina,” directed by King Abalos.
Asked how he handles judgment surrounding Vivamax projects, Grecia said he focuses on his love for acting and refuses to dwell on negative perceptions.
“I handle it like a professional. Nage-enjoy ako sa ginawa ko. I love this job,” Grecia said. “So walang negative para sa akin. If people see it that way, it’s okay.”
“Pero ‘yung sinasabi ko sa sarili ko, just always think that some people might think that way. Pero some people really like it so much. So na-appreciate ko ‘yung work na ito,” he added.
READ: Vivamax stars stress boundaries, consent in intimate scenes for ‘Helena’
De Vera, meanwhile, recalled a conversation with a tattoo artist who immediately associated her work with pornography after learning she was a Vivamax artist.
“Sabi niya, ‘Artist ka din? Ano klaseng artist?’ Sabi ko, ‘Vivamax artist.’ Sabi niya, ‘Ah talaga? So you do porn?’” she recounted.
Instead of taking offense, the actress said she saw it as an opportunity to explain the nature of her work and the story behind “Latina.”
“Sabi ko, ‘Hindi. I do provocative storytelling,’” she said.
De Vera added that after she explained the film’s narrative, the tattoo artist eventually changed his perspective.
The actress stressed that she accepted the project because she connected deeply with its story.
“I’ve been passionate about this film ever since from the start. Storyline pa lang, talagang tinignan ko muna kung kaya ko siyang ganapan,” she said.
Abalos also defended sensual storytelling, pointing out that many acclaimed international films and actors have explored erotic themes without losing artistic credibility.
Abalos cited films such as “Basic Instinct” and “Mulholland Drive,” as well as Hollywood stars including Nicole Kidman and Halle Berry, who have taken on daring roles throughout their careers.
“There’s nothing shameful about being confident with who you are, and there’s nothing shameful about our bodies,” said the director.
The filmmaker also admitted he largely ignores online criticism.
“Hindi ko naman nababasa ‘yung mga ‘yun kasi hindi ako nag-scroll through social media. And second, I really, really don’t care,” he explained.
“Latina” follows Nikki, Popoy and Mark, portrayed by De Vera, Grecia and Mhack Morales, whose unconventional arrangement centered on freedom and emotional detachment begins to unravel with the arrival of Katarina, played by Athena Red. /ra
