Lovi: I don’t set boundaries

MANILA, Philippines - When it comes to acting, Lovi Poe said that she doesn’t “set any boundaries.”

“I just let things happen. If I think I can do it, I will really give it a try. If it’s an acting piece, you’re not supposed to set boundaries on yourself,” said the 24-year-old star of Regal Entertainment’s upcoming film The Bride & The Lover. (The STAR was able to interview Lovi during a set visit yesterday somewhere in Project 6, Quezon City.)  

That’s probably why doing the love scenes in the Joel Lamangan-directed sexy dramedy The Bride & The Lover didn’t entirely faze Lovi.

“It’s definitely sexier than anything I’ve done in the past. This is the most extreme that I’ve done. So, medyo nahirapan ako but I trust direk Joel (Lamangan),” Lovi said.

“Of course, you feel a little nervous and scared, but then if you’ve worked with the same team, over and over again, (you) get a little bit comfortable.”

In the film, Lovi and Jennylyn Mercado are the best of friends who challenge the bounds of their friendship when they get entangled with the same man played by Paulo Avelino.

Asked about the title, Lovi isn’t telling who the bride is or the lover.

“The viewers will be the one to decide if I’m the lover or the bride. It depends on the perspective of the viewer. It will really make them think,” Lovi explained.

She stressed that its story “is not just about having someone else, or the usual (love triangle that’s now seen in the movies or TV). It’s about two friends, and how far you’re gonna go…will you break the (so-called) girl code?”

Lovi isn’t also saying how far she went in terms of daring in the film (although there’s one scene she described as “too much talaga, it’s crazy”), but one thing is certain, in real life, she won’t ever go to that extent — risking a friendship just for a guy.

“I’ll never put myself in that situation.”

Lovi, who’s been linked with the likes of former leading men Jake Cuenca and Rocco Nacino (from the just-ended GMA 7 soap Yesterday’s Bride), maintained that she’s single. “Wala. Nothing talaga. I really just want to work and work. I’m happy like this so maybe that’s why I don’t notice it (being alone).”

On-set romances are common, but for Lovi, she actually makes an effort not to fall for a screen partner — at least for the duration of the project.

“I put that wall (because) I won’t be able to act. I feel conscious the whole time. Kunyari may time na, aw shucks nagiging crush ko siya, dumi-distance na ako. Siguro pagtapos na (laughs). Yes, may time siempre na ganyan. It’s hard not to have some sort of attraction,” Lovi said.

But will she keep the leading men from falling for her (as it seems the case)? “No,” Lovi answered, laughing. “I can’t stop it! Joke!” 

Meanwhile, Lovi’s career continues to be on a roll. After, The Bride & The Lover, she’s doing another indie film. Her contract as a Kapuso is ending in March but there are already rumors of a teleserye.

She continues to be a favorite cover girl, snagging coveted covers that are equal parts sultry and classy. And if there’s any other thing more unique about Lovi is that she’s not the stereotypical mestiza female lead.

“I never found (my being morena) a hindrance (in my career). Although I’ve been told that pero matigas ang ulo ko. I never felt any pressure to change that about myself. Sexiness should come from within. Once you’re confident with yourself, that’s good enough. You’re not supposed to be conscious about it. Love who you are. Love it! Love it, Poe (laughs)!” she said.

Asked about the other goals she has set for herself, Lovi said, “For me to be able to balance my personal life and (work). Dreams? I still want to do a lot. Siguro I’ll never figure out what my dreams are till I get them. It happens to me a lot.”