Derrick Monasterio is happy that after three years, he will be paired anew with former screen partner Barbie Forteza in a grand movie project titled Almost a Love Story under BG Productions.
“It will be directed by Louie Ignacio. This is a romantic comedy which I’m sure will delight DerBie fans.”
It can be remembered that the two headlined successful soaps in the past like Luna Blanca, Paroa: Ang Kuwento ni Mariposa, Anna Karenina, and The Half Sisters. This will be the first time that they’ll do a film opposite each other.
“Of course, I’m glad with this development. It’s been three years since we worked together on television. The movie will also be shot abroad, Italy in particular so it’s just exciting. We’ll stay there for more than a week. It’s a great bonus indeed.”
Derrick recalls how smooth sailing his screen partnership was with Barbie before.
“With her, it’s always fun on the set. I have only good memories of our working relationship. It’s a nostalgic feeling actually. Barbie’s such a good actress. When it comes to doing the scenes, she’s serious and you’ll learn from her discipline. But off-cam, she’s so bubbly.”
Now that they’ll be doing a film together, many of their solid fans fantasize that their on-screen romance translate into reality, this, despite the fact that Barbie and Jak Roberto’s relationship is out in the open.
“Honestly, my friendship with Barbie has remained intact despite the passing of times,” Derrick reveals. “Even if we don’t get to see each other that often, but when we do, you can see and feel the warmth and closeness. That’s what’s good in us!”
This early, many ask if Jak has nothing to be jealous about with their upcoming screen pairing.
“I don’t think that there’s a reason for him to feel that way. There is no point. Barbie is not my girlfriend. We will not sleep together in one hotel room while shooting in Italy. Ha-ha-ha! As I’ve said, there should be no cause for alarm because we’re professional actors. We’ll just do our job.”
It’s not a remote possibility that they might have a kissing scene in the movie. Is he prepared for such eventuality?
“Personally, if it’s really vital to the scene or story, it’s just okay with me. It’s part of my being an actor. I will just follow what the script and director says.”
The handsome Kapuso hunk doesn’t want to disappoint the fans who still dream of seeing him and Barbie ending up together eventually.
]“It’s not for me to decide—it is fate. I don’t want to pre-empt things. If it’s going to happen, let nature take its course, right?” ends Derrick.
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In spite of Jennylyn Mercado’s sexiness, Derek Ramsay still consider her All of You leading lady conservative.
“Yes! I’m not saying that she’s not sexy because she is. But in reality, she’s still conservative. For example her cover for the popular men’s magazine FHM, yes, it’s sexy but not that daring compared to others. Jen is sexy but at the same time, conservative,” he avers.
According to Jennylyn, their 2017 MMFF entry is one daring project for her.
“It’s sexy but not as daring as the other films I made with other leading ladies. It’s sexy in the sense that the story is very real. In fact, in most scenes, I can say that I wasn’t acting at all. Everything seemed to be so clear and words just came out of my mouth. I spoke from the heart!”
Comparing her work with English Only, Please, what changes in Jennylyn as an actress did he see in their latest starrer?
“I think she’s matured more remarkably! That’s what sets her apart from my other leading ladies. I’m not saying that my other screen partners are not good or immature but Jen is different. Perhaps, that can be attributed to the fact that she has a son already. Alex Jazz is her priority and works hard for him.
“Another thing, she’s also family-oriented. She works for them. And don’t discount as well the fact that she has already dealt with losing a loved one. These contribute to her maturity as an actress. You can see this in her movements before the cameras,” Derek states.
