The mystique of Ms. D

Not all women can pull off what Dina Bonnevie does with ease.

There is only one actress who can actually amalgamate maturity with sensuality, professionalism and passion. And we all found out on the day Miss D posed for FHM.

She smirks for the camera, striking an almost feline pose, her body oozing with grace, sensuality, and a sense of undeniable mystique. Another pose: hands on her lap, legs slightly spread, her taut leather outfit emphasizing a body that doesn’t only exude a sensation of unmistakable sensuality, but a sense of self-confidence and mature appreciation of the self. Easily pushing forty, Geraldyn Schaer Bonnevie, better known as Dina Bonnevie, still manages to sizzle through show business thanks to her unmistakable appeal, acerbic wit, and sagacity that is rarity in today’s mono-faceted young actresses, as proven in her recent interview in this month’s issue of FHM.

FHM: So did you brag about your inclusion in FHM’s 100 sexiest Women in the World to your ex-husbands and ex-boyfriends?

Miss D: You may not believe it, but they were the ones texting me about it. They were saying, "Hey, I’m proud of you!" They even found out before I did! But I’m really happy about it. In fact, when I went to Dish for the Victory Party, nagulat ako because there were so many photographers taking pictures of me. This despite the fact that nandoon naman sina Samantha Lopez, Joanne Quintas, and other, much younger women.

No vehement reactions from friends and family then?

No naman. In fact, everyone I see says, "Hey you’re so bongga, you’re in the FHM thing. You looked great! Some people asked me how old I really am. When I told them I was turning 40 next year, they couldn’t believe it. My kids had mixed reactions about the whole thing. Oyo was like, "Wow ang sexy ng mom ko!" Danica, on the other hand, was going, "Yabang talaga ni mommy, feeling naman." I’d tell her, "Insecure ka naman!"

A lot of people know you as Ms.D, the talk show host. How much of her is the real Dina Bonnevie?

I think I’m mostly myself in Ms.D. In my show, I really had no pretensions. I listened to my guests, talked to them, really tried to know them. I guess that I was a slight problem in my show, that I’d get too cerebral, forgetting that the masa is also watching. Some people would also say that I was too maarte in the show, but that was really who I was. I had to study manners and etiquette when I was young, and it really shows in who I am. But when I’m naughty, that’s really me (laughs).

What’s the naughtiest question you’ve ever asked a guest?

I asked this politician once if I could see his toes. I said most women are sticklers for cleanliness, and if a guy has clean shoes and toes, then he must be smooth and good-smelling all over. He suddenly started to blush! So I went, "Hmm…can I see your toes? He suddenly went, "Huh?"(laughs). But really, if a guy’s feet smell good, then he must smell good all over, even his crotch (laughs).

This project you’re doing now (a movie, Tatarin, based on Nick Joaquin’s story, "Summer Solstice") seems to be showing a new, sexier side if you. Is that really what you want to do?

Not really. Actually I never thought that I could be one of FHM’s 100 Sexiest women, let alone be doing an FHM cover. The movie itself isn’t really sexy. It’s actually more about women’s empowerment. It’s set in the 1920’s, when women’s attitudes toward sex were not as liberal as they are now. My costume itself is made up of around seven skirts! But underneath they’d be wearing lace camisoles. Maybe that’s what makes the movie sexy.

In Tatarin, you star with a bevy of sexy young actresses who undoubtedly have great bodies. Do you really feel you’ve got what it takes to match up to them?

If it comes to dressing up sexy, dancing, things like that, then I’m sure I can. It’s just that I will never, ever go topless. I don’t think it’s necessary, because if I did it, then I would lose some of my mystique. And that should be the bonus that only your boyfriend or husband gets, di ba? It’s better to leave some things to the imagination. I mean, if Julia Roberts has never gone topless, and she’s a great actress. But maybe if no one else was doing it, I would (laughs).

To read more of the scintillating interview with Ms.D, pick up the December issue of FHM available in newsstands and bookstore everywhere. FHM is a Summit magazine.