Bea-Zanjoe, from friends to lovers in“24/7 in Love”

CEBU, Philippines - Although real-life lovers Bea Alonzo and Zanjoe Marudo swore they won’t work with each other in a project, both couldn’t say no to the roles of Belle and Butch, respectively, in Star Cinema’s offering in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Star Magic, “24/7 In Love.”

“Siyempre umoo ako kaagad agad kasi Star Magic yuh  eh. Siyempre wala ka naman ibang gagawin kundi mag-support sa pamilya mo ‘di ba? So walang pagdadalawang isip akong umoo.” Bea shared regarding her role in the talent management’s first venture into producing a full-length film. “Na-excite ako na magiging part ako ng selebrasyon ng Star Magic. Nung pinresent na sa akin ang istorya, iba iba ang naramdaman ko eh. Tapos natawa ako,” Zanjoe added.

What made the project very interesting yet funny for Bea and Zanjoe is that they will be playing odd couple, Belle and Butch. Belle falls for her best friend Butch, but the problem is Butch is in love with …another man.

“Ngayon lang ako nag-portray ng role na ganito ka-persistent, ganito ka-obsessed sa isang character din, at saka first time ko magkaroon ng character na na-in love sa isang becky!” Bea said as she laughingly described what becoming Belle was like.

Zanjoe on the other hand, had doubts in playing the fashion savvy Butch. “Mas magaling siguro kung gumawa ng role eh totoong gay ‘di ba? Haha! pero siyempre nakaka-proud din na yung mga tao may tiwala sa ‘yo. Unang-una, ako kaya din lumakas loob ko para gawin yun dahil may mga tao na naniniwala sa kakayahan ko.”

Though Bea felt weird at first working with Zanjoe for the first time since they became an item, his gay character made her more at ease than having him play a more serious role. “It was weird acting with him, buti na lang malaking difference yung character niya sa totoong buhay, kasi kung hindi siguro I’d be feeling more awkward than how I’m feeling now.”

Zanjoe agreed that it was indeed a challenge but fun working with his girlfriend. “Nakatulong kasi yung role ko medyo iba, at least mas magiging komportable ako na gawin ‘yun sa harapan niya dahil alam ko naman na hindi niya ako ija-judge at tutulungan niya pa ako, pwede ako humingi ng mga tips. Ayun ang saya nung shooting namin kasi si Bea yung katrabaho ko, mas komportable ako, na inaakala ko dati na mahirap umarte sa harapan niya.”

Bea and Zanjoe’s episode is directed by Mae Cruz and will be shown on November 21 in theatres nationwide.

For more information about “24/7 in Love,” log on to http://www.StarCinema.com.ph.  (FREEMAN)