Just because Dingdong Dantes has proposed to Marian Rivera (wedding on Dec. 30 at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City) and so did Sen. Chiz Escudero to Heart Evangelista (wedding on Feb. 15 next year at Balesin Island Club, Quezon Province), it doesn’t mean that Zanjoe Marudo should be a copycat and do the same.
“Marriage is sacred,” Zanjoe told the movie writers during the presscon for Maria Leonora Teresa, Star Cinema’s latest offering (opening on Wednesday nationwide, Sept. 17) in which he co-stars with, among others, Iza Calzado and Jodi Sta. Maria.
“It’s not something na minamadali,” added Zanjoe who is going steady with Bea Alonzo, “it’s something that you have to prepare for.”
Asked what keeps his romance with Bea strong, Zanjoe said, “Trust and respect for each other.”
Directed by Wenn V. Deramas from a screenplay by Keiko Aquino, Maria Leonora Teresa is a horror-drama about the interconnected lives of three mothers who lost their daughters in a brutal accident. The mothers will do anything to keep the memories of their daughters alive. To cope with the pain, they seek professional help from a doctor who offers them dolls who look exactly like their deceased daughters. The dolls will cause terror beyond their wildest imaginations.
In Maria Leonora Teresa, part of Star Cinema’s ongoing 20th-anniversary celebration and which marks the first time direk Wenn is directing a horror movie, Zanjoe takes a break from comedy as he plays the role of Julio, a gay teacher who is the adoptive parent of Leonora.
What’s your favorite horror movie?
“Sixth Sense.”
You have played gay roles. How did you find the experience?
“It’s challenging because it is different from my other roles, bukod sa gender, ang journey ng character merong development, positive ang appeal sa viewers. But more than being gay, Julio is portrayed in the movie as just any typical parent regardless of gender.”
Describe your role in Maria Leonora Teresa. Did you know that there was a Guy & Pip Doll named Maria Leonora Teresa?
“Yes, I am aware that there was a Guy & Pip doll. I heard bigay ito ng mga fans nila at hanggang ngayon inaalagaan nila si Maria Leonora Teresa.
“My role is a closet gay teacher and a father to a six-year-old child. Nawala sa piling ko ang anak kong si Leonora, magsisimula ang drama and horror when a psychiatrist gives me a doll which looks exactly like my lost daughter. It’s supposed to be a therapy for me. Dito magbabago ang takbo ng buhay ni Julio. People, especially parents, can easily relate to my character because the story is about a mother’s love for her child.”
On to the sexy talk. What is sexy to you?
“Being confident.”
When do you feel sexy?
“When I am confident with what I’m doing.”
What part of your body do you find sexiest?
“My eyes (sabi nila).”
What part of a woman’s body do you find sexiest?
“Her waist.”
When did you lose your innocence?
“I don’t remember anymore.”
To an older woman, younger woman or a woman your age?
“All of the above. Joke!”
Lights on or lights off?
“Whatever.”
Sexiest book?
“How To Be A Gentleman.”
Sexiest movie?
“Pretty Woman.”
Sexiest musical instrument?
“The organ.”
Sexiest TV show?
“Breaking Bad.”
Sexiest food?
“Japanese food.”
Sexiest car?
“Audi R8.”
Sexiest perfume?
“Dior Homme.”
Sexiest part of the house?
“Garden.”
Sexiest animal?
“Horse.”
Sexiest billboard?
“Bea’s billboards.”
Sexiest scene you have ever done?
“I think I’m not the right person to be asked that question.”
Sexiest thing you have ever done to yourself?
“I think I should keep that a secret.”
Sexiest thing you have ever done to or with a woman?
“Being a gentleman always.”
Sexiest fantasy?
“Too many to mention just one.”
Sexiest clothes?
“White shirt.”
Sexiest concert that you have ever seen?
“The concert of Bruno Mars.”
Three women that you find sexy?
“Bea Alonzo, Angelli and Phylbert.”
(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com. You may also send your questions to askrickylo@gmail.com.)