Quark to Hayden: Peace!

His two fingers forming a “V,” Quark Henares, Dr. Vicki Belo’s movie-director son, broke into a boyish smile when asked if he had any message to his mom’s fiancé, Hayden Kho, and said, “Peace!”

Asked further if the peace offering came from his heart, Quark confirmed, “Yes, of course!”

Funfare’s exclusive interview with Quark, along with his younger sister Cristalle, was held yesterday at Annabel’s after the presscon for Quark’s latest (fifth) work, Rakenrol, which is the closing film (on July 23) for the 2011 Cinemalaya which opens tomorrow (July 15) at the CCP Main Theater.

Cristalle gave an I-second-the-motion nod.

The crucial question had to be asked because of the loaded statement from Quark to the effect that “blood will flow” if Hayden would hurt Vicki again, issued in the wake of reports that Vicki and Hayden are getting married (date not specified). Vicki admitted to Funfare that for seven months now she has been wearing the engagement ring Hayden has given her, describing it as “priceless.” She hinted that she and Hayden would get married only after their friends, David Foster and girlfriend Yolanda, do maybe on 11-11-11.

Quark revealed that Vicki, who was with Hayden, talked to him after that statement came out in the papers.

Their mom Dr. Vicki Belo and her fiancé Hayden Kho.

“I said ‘sorry’ to my mom and to Hayden,” said Quark. And, according to reports, Hayden assured Quark that he understood.

I noticed that Quark referred to his mom’s fiancé simply as Hayden and not, as may be expected, “Kuya,” “Tito” or any term of respect for somebody older (especially if close to a relative).

“Baka soon, Papa,” Quark said and then laughed.

“Pappy,” Cristalle corrected Quark and then also laughed.

Cristalle said that she and Quark have known Vicki and Hayden’s engagement since December last year but it took six months for the news to sink in.

“So when the story came out in the media,” said Cristalle, “I was already less emotional, parang na-conditioned na ang mind ko.”

Neither of them believes that Vicki and Hayden have gotten married (secretly) abroad.

And how’s their relationship with their soon-to-be stepfather (whom they used to openly disapprove of)?

“Okay naman,” they chorused.

Told that it was Hayden who has asked for a pre-nup, Quark said, “I could believe him. Maybe it’s his way for atoning for his wrongdoings.”

Doesn’t that prove that Hayden really loves their mom and is not only after, contrary to general suspicion, their mom’s money?

“Let’s see how things work out after the wedding,” said Quark who is, according to Cristalle, “really very over-protective towards our mom. He’s even more so nowadays.”

If and when, what role would they want at the wedding?

“Knowing my mom,” said Cristalle, “if ever, the wedding would be something different, nothing traditional. Baka sa abroad pa nga gawin, eh.”

What about Quark?

“Ring bearer,” he joked.

The brother and sister agreed that their hardworking mom deserves to be happy.

The stars of Rakenrol (from left): Ketchup Eusebio, Alwyn Uytingco, Glaiza de Castro and Jason Abalos

“Life is short,” said Quark.

“Wherever or whoever she’s happy with,” conceded Cristalle.

Speaking of Rakenrol, which took a few years to finish because of changes in producers, Cristalle said that it’s some kind of a tribute to NU 107 FM radio station which folded up in November last year. It was owned and managed by Cristalle and Quark’s father, Atom Henares, who has remained friends with Vicki even after their separation (marriage annulled).

“Kuya Quark and I grew up with NU 107. When we were kids,” recalled Cristalle, “kaming dalawa ang nag-a-arrange ng mga CDs, most of them rock music. I’m proud of the movie because it really captures the era of rock ‘n’ roll in the Philippines. I admire my brother for his dedication to the project, talagang pinaghirapan niya…putting into it blood, sweat and tears.”

“NU 107 was a vital part of our growing-up years,” agreed Quark (who is leaving soon for the US to take up an MBA at the University of Southern California). “I even produced the NU Rock Awards.”

“My dad saw the movie when it was shown at a film festival in L.A.,” added Cristalle, “and he really enjoyed it.”

Produced by Reality Entertainment (of Dondon Monteverde and Erik Matti), Furball (of Mads Adrias) and Postmanila (by Dondon alone) and co-written by Diego Castillo (guitarist of Sandwich) and Quark himself, Rakenrol stars Glaiza de Castro, Jason Abalos, Alwyn Uytingco, Ketchup Eusebio and Diether Ocampo, with Ricardo Cepeda, Matet de Leon, Jun Sabayton and Hiyasmin Neri among the supporting cast.

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