Nancy’s role, that of Paolo’s love interest, must be a piece of cake for this Primeline artist.
Nothing can be closer to real life. And nothing can be more enjoyable.
Unsurprisingly, rumors swirl about an upcoming marriage, which Nancy is quick to deny.
"See, I’m not wearing any engagement ring!’ she holds her ring finger up for everybody to see.
Paolo, who was within hearing distance, gamely replied, "But I’ve already ordered one"
Six months of being sweethearts have done both of them well. Paolo is emerging as a talented comedian who can even play swishy gay roles, like the one he portrayed in the recent Noon at Ngayon.
Nancy’s Canada-based parents, who are visiting her late this month, have noticed how happy their youngest daughter has been.
"They talk over the phone weekly. My parents sense what a great time I’m having here, and how Paolo takes good care of me," Nancy gushes.
It helps a lot that they are both Pisceans.
"We’re both homebodies and not fond of gimmicks. We’re sensitive and misunderstood. And we both listen to our hearts," Nancy ticks off similarities, besides their mixed ancestries (she has Italian, Filipino and Canadian blood, while Paolo is half Italian).
Their rapport is such that Nancy even suspects she and Paolo were together in a past life.
"He knows how to inspire me when I feel down and out. I look up to him even if he’s younger (Paolo is 19, Nancy, 22). He’s older than me psychologically, maybe because he started working at age four. And he already knows what he wants in life," Nancy continues singing her sweetheart’s praises.
The intensity of their feelings notwithstanding, she is not turning a blind eye to the huge demands of starting a family. She and Paolo know they have to save first before taking the plunge.
Nancy is Canadian, so she cannot own property. But Paolo has lots to his name, one of them in cool, picturesque Antipolo.
"We will get married once we’re financially ready, with a home to stay in," Nancy reveals. But, as long as he doesn’t change, this winner of two most promising actress awards is sure Paolo is the man for her.
A good gauge of how far the relationship has blossomed is the way they talk about their future children. A recent medical checkup showed that Nancy has a small ovarian cyst that may make it hard for her to conceive.
While other men’s affections may sour upon learning this piece of news, Paolo’s reaction was refreshingly different. It mirrors the maturity Nancy admires in him so much.
"He saw no problem with that. He’s willing to adopt. There are so many babies out there who can be adopted," Nancy reveals.
What’s more important for Paolo is that the cyst is not life-threatening, and can go away with proper medication.
Nancy, who inherited the propensity to develop cysts, is not biting, though. She’d rather let nature take its course, and let divine intervention weave its magic.
"If God wills it, it will happen. I want a family, and I don’t mind having twins!" she says.
She has even mulled about where she will give birth. If it’s in Canada, her whole family (whom she will visit come Christmas) will be there, but Paolo won’t. So the Philippines, where she plans to apply for a dual citizenship (the kind Paolo has) looms as a most likely place for her to give birth in, if and when.
But before hopeless romantics jump to conclusions, Nancy is the first to dispel speculations that she and Paolo are just about to start a family. That can wait, even if so many people are excited about seeing them walk down the aisle.
"I’m doing Love to Love on GMA 7 every Sunday, when I am also seen noontime on SOP as one of the hosts. I’m also playing the title role in Mulan at the Ayala malls. Up next are a sitcom and soap on GMA 7," she says.
Her face lights up those giant billboards along EDSA as she endorses a wide range of products, ranging from apparel brands to a department store.
Meanwhile, Nancy continues working on her Tagalog, especially on the movie set, where she did a lot of huffing and puffing – running and shooting (with a baby armalite) in Asboobs (culled from the words asal and bobo).
"I enjoy action. It’s something people don’t expect from me," Nancy says, happy at the prospect of surprising her audience by showing them another side of her personality.
The sparkle in her eyes seems to add, "You ain’t seen nothin’ yet."