Is she really, uh, a "threat" to Rufa?
"I don’t think so," said Francine whose current starrer, Seiko Films’ Bikini Open (her fourth, after Liberated, Bridal Shower and Liberated 2, all also by Seiko), also casts her in, well, a "Rufa Mae Quinto" type of role. "There’s only one Rufa Mae Quinto. But I’m flattered when people compare me to her."
Besides her Seiko movies, what’s firming up Francine’s stock as a sexy comedienne is her GMA sitcom, Bahay Mo Ba ‘To (which replaced her first, All Together Now), in which she’s a riotous delight as the neighborhood beauty who takes fancy on Keempee de Leon’s swishy gay character Harold.
Off the big and small screen, we see Francine bigger-than-life in those eye-catching Bench billboards all over the Metropolis as image model for Bench underwear, competing for motorists and commuters’ attention against other Bench bodies like Alessandra de Rossi and Kris Aquino ("The Sexy Pouting One" who is the envy of some congresswomen who want her – Killjoy! – out of sight).
Wanna find out how sexy Francine is in mind and in body?
Here’s how:
What part of your body do you consider the sexiest?
"My face, especially my lips."
How do you define sexy?
"It’s in the way you carry yourself. If you’re confident and comfortable with yourself, you can project your own brand of sexiness."
According to that definition, who are the three actors you think are sexy?
"There’s Marc Nelson. Nice body! Borgy Manotoc. Boyish na sexy. And Christian Vasquez (because he’s my friend and I know him very well)."
Do you find older men sexier than younger men?
"Either. Basta men!"
What do you find sexy in the Bench underwear?
"The design, the fit, the look."
What’s your favorite fantasy?
"Secret! Unprintable!"
What part of a man’s body do you find sexy?
"Not too much muscle, but the upper part which must be firm."
Do you read sexy books?
"I don’t. I prefer romantic novels. And magazines."
What’s the sexiest magazine that you’ve read, Playgirl?
"No, I don’t read that magazine. The sexiest? FHM, I think. Kasi palagi akong napi-feature d’un."
What’s the sexiest scene have you seen in a movie?
"The love scene of Antonio Banderas and Angelina Jolie in Original Sin."
The sexiest song you’ve ever heard?
"I find songs by Enrique Iglesias sexy. He has a sexy voice."
What to you is the sexiest-sounding musical instrument?
"The violin."
If another woman makes advances at you, how would you react?
"Huwag naman po!"
Which of the billboards along EDSA do you find sexiest (aside from your own)?
"The one of Kris Aquino."
What time of day or night do you feel sexiest?
"At night when I’m in bed, about to go to sleep."
What role would you consider sexy?
"Not necessarily one which requires an actor to show flesh." Remember that scene between Julia Roberts and Clive Owen in Closer? The dialogue is very sexy. Nakaka-turn-on na nakakatuwa!"
Can you deliver the same dialogue without buckling?
"Of course. Why not?"
What role would make you strip to the buff?
"A good role...with a good director."
Choose between a nice body and a fat wallet.
"Nice body."
Have you ever been seduced by anybody, man or woman?
"A, several times!"
Have you given in?
"Never! Wa epek sa akin ‘yon!"
How do you deal with guys who make advances?
"I give them a dagger look. You know, makuha ka sa tingin!"
In Bahay Mo Ba ‘To, you’re attracted to Keempee’s character despite his being gay. In real life, how would you feel if you discover that your boyfriend is a closet queen or really straight but has a gay lover?
"I’ll drop him!"