Julia in the realm of the senses

MANILA, Philippines - In this early evening encounter, Julia Montes is in full bloom and framed by a red gown that highlights her subdued and virginal appeal.

She is escorted by her two leading men Gerald Anderson and JC de Vera, and her director Emmanuel “Manny” Palo who has many things to say about Halik Sa Hangin which translates as a complex film on love and coming of age.

They all refer to Julia’s character (Mia) as the young woman in search of love and ends up baffled every end of the way by what she is looking for in her journey to womanhood.

Direk Manny and writer Enrico Santos agree that many things about Halik Sa Hangin are in the realm of the intangible. They are careful not to give so many details except that the preparations for both actors and director are formidable.

Says Enrico, “This script is totally different from what I’ve done earlier. What I am sure of is that this is not your usual love story with predictable ending. There are elements of love and sensuality without the usual kilig factor coming along the way. There is a lot to balance in this story but looking at the finished product, I think we succeeded in doing a love story like no other. I am glad direk Manny was able to translate into film many things that look intangible to the eye.”

Gerald admits his part is unique, complicated and tougher than what he did on films and in many of his teleseryes like Budoy.

Says he, “I liked the script instantly and how my character is defined. It is completely different from all the love stories I have done in the past. What is tough about this role is that it demands all shades of emotions from you. Many scenes are very intense I have no idea if I got it right or not. I am completely in the hands of the director. There are sensitive scenes shot early in the morning in Baguio City and you can imagine the cold weather and the delicate scenes we have to do. The story has my character being tested on how much he could give and capable of doing in the name of love. It is a complex story but I am sure many can relate to it.”

What is clear is that Julia will figure in her first delicate adult portrayal enough for the director to admit that this is a coming-of-age film with a lot of exciting challenges for the actors.

Gerald adds some scenes are indeed very sensual and he has to exert a lot of effort to make Julia comfortable with the part. “In fairness to her, she gave it everything she’s got.”

Before the shoot, actors participated in a sensuality workshop and on top of that, they have to undergo guitar and painting lessons to make their characters credible.

Elaborates Julia, “Yes, I can very much relate to my character whose journey in some ways is akin to mine. She is constantly looking for a father figure and as she grows and falls in love for the first time, I could see young episodes in my own life. She is always looking for something she cannot quite pinpoint and here she goes through several variations on love and life.”

For her portrayal, both Gerald and JC gave Julia a perfect score of 10.

“Julia is just perfect for the part and it was easy to see she has the making of a great actress. I hope she doesn’t change,” adds co-actor Ina Raymundo.

Halik Sa Hangin opens in theaters on Jan. 28.