Max Collins couldn’t contain her excitement now that shooting has officially commenced for her international movie titled Footprints on the Moon directed by Jan Xavier Pacle whose major scenes will be shot in Qatar.
“I’m really happy and proud to be the female lead,” she says. “I auditioned for the part way back in early 2014 and now, I can’t believe the cameras have started grinding. Actually, the project’s original title was Remembering Ada. It’s an epic romance about how love endured the tests of time.
“It tells the story of Adeline and Ethan, the central characters who gave up the hope of seeing each other again after 50 long years. But there’s this aspiring novelist named Franz who will bring them back together. It’s a touching love story for sure and I’m simply thrilled to play Adeline.”
Supposedly, Alden Richards will play the role of the novelist in the story but he was replaced by indie actor Jess Mendoza.
“Yes! Originally, he was part of the project. But when he was cast last year, his schedule wasn’t as hectic as it is now. Because of his intense popularity these days as the other half of the sensational AlDub love team, his workload tripled, so to speak. So, because of that conflict, he had to be replaced for the shooting to start.”
Many are asking if she had regrets with this development.
“In the first place, who wouldn’t want to do a project with the Pambansang Bae? Alden’s everywhere at this point. He’s very popular. Actually I don’t have huge regrets because I was able to do projects with him on television before, like in Ilustrado and Sunday All Stars. It would have been my maiden vehicle with him on the silver screen though, and for international release!” avers Max.
The pretty star is actually happy for her fellow Kapuso with his present success.
“Oh yes! Alden deserves whatever triumph he enjoys right now. Basically a kind guy, he is just blessed. Everything happens for a reason. Maybe it’s not yet time for us to do a film together. I will miss the opportunity of working with him again. And it would have been nice to see him in an international movie like Footprints on the Moon.”
The cast and crew are set to fly to Qatar in January. For her role, the Bubble Gang mainstay needed to undergo violin lessons.
“Yes, that’s one of the main requirements when I officially got the part. So my next step was to hire an expert violin teacher and watch movies with a character playing the said musical instrument like Meryl Streep in Music of the Heart. I realized it’s hard to play the violin and until now, I’m still learning.”
Footprints on the Moon came in at the right time.
“Perfect timing, I should say since I still don’t have a major soap opera to work on. Right now, I’m just doing Bubble Gang and Juan Tamad. I can really concentrate on my character here. I hope that the viewers will like it as I vow to do my best,” ends Max.
★★★★★
Martin Nievera was in his best element during his grand concert at The Theatre of the Solaire on Dec. 1. Dubbed as Martin Home for Christmas, the Concert King treated the audience to an unforgettable musical extravaganza.
From his classic hits like “No Way to treat a Heart,” “Each Day with You,” “Be My Lady,” and “You are My Song “to his rendition of some OPM pieces like “Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin” to Frank Sinatra ditties like “Let Me Try Again” and timeless Christmas songs like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” Martin wowed the crowd with his depth and vocal pizzazz.
His special guests included his son Robin who did a duet with him, Matteo Guidicelli who also did a duet with him of the classic Basil Valdez hit “Corner of the Sky” and KZ Tandingan.
There was also a portion in which Martin sang a touching song he wrote for an old couple.