Anne looks back — but never regrets

"Everything happens for a reason," says Anne Curtis, one of the two lead stars of ’Wag Kang Lilingon, a horror movie from Star Cinema and Viva Films, which opens on Nov. 15 in local theaters. The other is Kristine Hermosa, who is making a comeback after a sojourn from the biz, although she appeared on Enteng Kabisote last year and guested in Kapamilya shows.

"If ever I did something wrong in the past, I should not regret it. Somehow, I learned from it," adds Anne. Perhaps she is just living up to the title of her latest starrer.

However, if there’s one role Anne wishes to reprise so she can improve her performance, it’s that of Angela in Ika-13 Kapitulo, her first horror-dark film also from Viva Films. In the movie, she is the child of Satan, played by Albert Martinez, who was born to spread discord and fulfill the ill intentions of her other father.

Given the chance to do so, her high-pitch, screeching voice is the first thing Anne will change. But that’s her trademark. Anne’s voice tends to hit the high note when she gets excited or elated. Another one on her list, Anne adds, is her acting. Anne thinks she could have done the role better with more emotions and deeper understanding.

But that was Anne six years ago, a teen star then fresh out of youth-oriented films and shows like T.G.I.S., Anna Karenina and Magic Kingdom. An artist who struggled to find her own niche and create her own name. With some twists in her career, the last two years saw Anne at the verge of becoming an actress. That potential was tapped in memorable projects like Filipinas, Kampanerang Kuba and Hiram that gave Anne the opportunity to tackle mature, challenging roles.

Anne has improved her craft. She believes there’s no big or small project or role.

"I don’t choose a project based on exposure," says Anne and explains at the same time why she accepted the Celine role in Maging Sino Ka Man, opposite Sam Milby, which is clearly a Bea Alonzo (and John Lloyd Cruz) drama series. "I accepted it because of its quality." At this point in her career, Anne is willing to play untried roles.

Her first step in that direction is playing a nurse in ’Wag Kang Lilingon.

"It’s really difficult to do horror," says Anne of her experience doing the movie. "In drama, if you have experienced a lot in life and emotional pains, may paghuhugutan ka. You get into the character easily. It’s different and extra challenging to get scared, particularly if it’s fake. My role required a lot of imagination."

In ’Wag Kang Lilingon, Anne also had to underact, avoiding hysterical acting, unless required by the scenes.

"I had to be conscious of my voice. I had to control it," says Anne.

The scare movie is a twinbill, with directors Quark Henares for the first episode Uyayi and Jerry Lopez Sineneng for the second episode Salamin.

Uyayi, which stars Anne and Marvin Agustin as Anne’s boyfriend, is the story of unexplained deaths in a hospital where a nurse experiences spooky and eerie encounters with the unknown. She asks her boyfriend’s help to unleash the truth and the mystery.

Salamin, on the other hand, which topbills Kristine Hermosa, is about a mirror that can foresee what lies ahead for its holder – including eventualities better left unknown. This piece might also play a role in solving strange happenings in the story.

"I don’t know which is the scariest," answers Anne when asked which one is the better episode. "Both directors have their own treatment or style. I hope I will give justice to my role."

What is the ultimate scare for Anne? Her answer: "Losing someone I love. How do I handle fear? I pray to God and I let Him take over."