Songbird and Bad Boy reunited

By : Johanna Sampan

The Manila Times

3 October 2006 8:28 AM

Five years after their first film, Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez and the Bad Boy of Philippine cinema Robin Padilla are back together in another romantic movie. This time around, however, Till I Met You, in cinemas on October 11, confronted the award-winning chanteuse and the action star with tougher acting sequences. Surprisingly, shooting had been a breeze, for Robin and Regine’s friendship had blossomed on the set. In this interview, the two share more about their lives, loves and acting experiences.

How is your working relationship now than when you did your first movie?

Regine Velasquez: We’re much closer now unlike before when we did Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw. I’m comfortable with him now. Every time the taping ends we’re always together chatting. I really had a great time working with him again.

Robin Padilla: We’re very happy when we are in and out of the set. Like she said, were always together and talking about our lives.

How can you compare the tandem that you have now than before?

RP: I had a hard time in the first movie because Regine was a snob back then. After taping, she would just disappear. Now, I can say that I know her much better. Every second of every minute of every hour we’re enjoying and laughing together.

RV: Same thing with me. In Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw there’s this shyness and awkwardness. He thought I was suplada (snob). Now I’m comfy with him. I shared many things to him. We got to know each other.

How do you compare the experience of doing a romantic film from an action movie?
RP: There’s a different rush when doing an action movie. In romantic movies, emotions are really needed. It’s fulfilling when you see the whole movie after doing it.

How different is Till I Met You from the other romantic movies that you did?

RP: The story is good. The location is also good. I’m with Eddie Garcia and the element and twists of the story are really interesting. It’s easy to do love story than action movies.

How is it working with direct Mark?

RP: He’s very professional and has many ideas. I want to work with him also in an action movie.
Was there a point that you almost fell for Regine?

RP: Yes! But I don’t think she wants someone (my type). When we talked about marriage, Regine wants to be the only one in her husband’s life. In Muslim tradition, we can marry more than one.

And why is that?

RV: Of course, who wouldn’t want it? I can’t go through a lot of pain. If I can prevent it, why not? I believe there’s someone out there for me. Just for me.

You remained unattached to anyone for so long. How come?

RV: That’s what you know. Seriously, I’m happy. Yes, I’m committed and yes, I’m in love.

We’re four years already and I’m just keeping it. One day, I will be happy to announce who the guy is.

And when will that be?

RV: After 10 years…

How does this special person make you happy?

RV: He balances everything for me. This person who I am with right now makes me happy. Yes, in a relationship there are sunny and rainy days and we all learn from that experience. It’s really nice to have somebody to share whatever success you have.

Why haven’t you introduced him to the public yet?

RV: Because of the rumors, I want to spare him from that. He is not used to it and I want privacy.

Is he Ogie Alcasid?

RV: Ogie is a good friend and he respects me but no, it’s not Ogie.

Regine just said that she’s already committed. What can you say about it?

RP: I’m happy for her. If she’s happy then I’m happy for her.