Body Talk with Bangs Garcia

Despite her name that threatens multiple explosions, Bangs Garcia isn’t the type who resorts to earth-shaking gimmickry to call attention to herself. She has been toeing the slowly-but-surely line, silent water running deep.

She has a 2011 Metro Filmfest Best Supporting Actress award tucked under her belt but not many people know it. She won it for Segunda Mano, the Dingdong Dantes starrer described by Bangs as “my first big movie” which came after several others (Shake, Rattle & Roll, her first; Cinco; Bulong; The Reunion [all mainstream]; and indies Marino, Migrante, Posas; and Burgos as one of Editha Burgos and the late Joe Burgos’ children).

But Bangs will surely make heads turn with Lauriana, her latest screen caper, produced by BG Productions and directed by Mel Chionglo from a screenplay by Ricky Lee, which is one of the 12 films included in the non-competition National Film festival (All Masters Edition), a project of the FDCP (Film Development Council of the Philippines) in cooperation with SM Cinemas slated for Sept. 11 to 17 (with a Recognition Night on Sept. 7). The 11 other directors (each given by FDCP a seed money of P1.5M) are Elwood Perez, Gil M. Portes, Joel Lamangan, Peque Gallaga (with Lore Reyes), Chito Roño, Maryo J. delos Reyes, Romy Suzara, Joey Javier Reyes, Tikoy Aguiluz, and Celso Ad. Castillo (with his last film, finished by his son Chris).

In Lauriana, a period film set in the 1950s, Bangs plays a bailarina battered wife of a soldier. “It’s based on a true story which happened in Quezon Province,” said Bangs (who is busy shooting two others, El Brujo and Sabine). “Lauriana is a dreamer who falls for a guy (played by Allen Dizon) who turns out to be on obstacle to achieving her dream. It’s a role hard to portray. It could be my first and last daring movie.” Spoken too soon? Wait and see.

Working with Mel was, according to Bangs, an awesome experience. “He’s comfortable to work with,” she added, “a very good director with a good heart, who manages to keep his sense of authority on the set.”

Before venturing into movies, Bangs was an Ateneo student and host of a variety show, a stint that was part of her prizes for winning an interschool talent competition called Campus Idols.

Recalled Bangs, “When I was a kid, I fancied being an actress but it wasn’t really my dream. Laru-laro lang ba. My dream was to be a famous model in commercials and a businesswoman or a doctor at the same time. That’s why I competed in the Close Up to Fame (a national competition) in 2005.”

What’s your beauty regimen?

“In the morning, I wash my face with my favorite facial wash, put on my toner and moisturizer, and then apply sun block on my face. I apply lotion all over my body. Same routine before I go to sleep minus the sun block.”

What kind of diet do you have?

“I have no regular diet; just discipline when I have a TV/movie project or a pictorial.”

What’s usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

“For breakfast, I sometimes eat Koko Krunch or Gold Cereals, or egg with hotdog, bacon with rice, pancit canton, fruits, or veggie salad.” 

What food do you always crave for, food that you avoid?

“I usually crave for Chinese food like dumplings and French food like Crepes. I avoid only ampalaya (bitter melon) because I don’t like bitter food.”

Any snacks between meals?

“Yes, usually sweets.” 

How much water do you take per day (soda, coffee, tea or energy drinks)?

“I guess four to five glasses of water a day. No sodas for me. I seldom drink coffee, only tea from time to time. I take energy drinks only when I have dance rehearsals or when I lack sleep from tapings.”

What vitamins do you take?

“Vitamin C, iron, fiber, fish oil, Lutein and calcium.” 

What workout do you do?

“When I have time at home, I just do sit-ups and twisting. Occasionally, when somebody asks me to, I hit the gym and do the treadmill. Or I bike. When I’m not lazy, I do the Spartan workout.”

What part of your body needs improvement?

“My legs…for my height. Hahahaha!”

What part of your body is most vulnerable?

“My legs and feet because I always wear heels.”

What part of your body is your favorite?

“My neck and nape (up to my shoulders).” 

What part of a man’s body do you notice first?

“The eyes. Also, his hands.”

What else in a man turns you on?

“His stance, his smile, sense of humor and his character. He must also smell good.” 

And what’s in a man that turns you off?

“’Yung mayabang, proud and disrespectful.”

How’s your love life?

“As of now, none.”

Do you have a nightlife?

“I do when I get invitations from friends.”

How much sleep do you get per night?


“Usually, five to six hours are enough for me. When I don’t have work, I could sleep for up to 12 hours to pay for sleep debt.”

Favorite sleepwear?


“Loose white V-neck shirt.”

Do you snore?


“According to my friends, they hear me snoring mildly when I’m too tired.”

Do you talk in your sleep?

“No, I don’t.”

Do you sleepwalk?

“No.”

How many pillows do you sleep with?

“Five to six. I love pillows!”

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“Drink water, then pray.” 

First thing that you do as soon as you wake up?

“Pray…thank God for giving me another day.”

How do you unwind, cope with stress (massage or meditation)? What’s your favorite sport?            

“I unwind at the beach or travel out of the country. I paint or cook. Have a massage. I play sports — volleyball and badminton.”

Favorite city?

“Abroad, New York. Here, Cebu because it’s the combination of my hometown Davao City which is kinda laidback and Manila where life is fast-paced.”

Name three men that you think have nice bodies?

“Hollywood: Jansen Ackles, Aaron Johnson and Ryan Gosling. Local: Piolo Pascual, Marc Nelson and Sam Milby.”

And three women that you think have nice bodies.  

“Angel Locsin, Megan Young and Eula Valdez.”

Using only body language, how would you make a guy know that you admire him?

“I’d sit close to him and have a long conversation with him. From then on, I just go with the flow.” 

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