Xian says working again with GF Kim ‘feels like the first time’

Reel-to-real life couple Xian Lim and Kim Chiu are back as a loveteam as they play lead roles in Viva Films’ Always, a Philippine adaptation of the 2011 South Korean flick of the same title. Their last movie together was 2015’s All You Need Is Pag-Ibig.

Their film tells the romance between a former boxer and a blind telemarketer, played by So Ji-sub and Han Hyo-joo, respectively, in the original version.

Always is Kim’s first movie under Viva Films. She said during the media conference held recently in Quezon City that accepting the offer was a no-brainer for her because she’s been an avid K-drama fan. The film also allowed her to act again after quite some time and of course, to collaborate anew with boyfriend Xian.

Both were equally “excited” to work together because they had the chance to explore a more “serious” genre, away from their romantic-comedy projects before. Some of their rom-com flicks are Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo? (2013), Bride for Rent (2014) and Past Tense (2014).

The two also took notice of how their acting has improved over the course of their careers.

“(In Always,) mas malalim na si Xian, grabe mega diet talaga siya para sa topless scenes,” shared Kim. “There were some scenes that I got to watch sa booth with direk and we admired him so much because of his intense acting. Hala, ang galing ni Xian. Nakaka-in love lalo.”

Xian added, “I can feel na nag-grow na kami from where we were (before). Our very first project together, which is My Binondo Girl in 2011. So, it’s very different definitely. Sa sobrang tagal naming magkasama, it still feels like it’s the first day I met her, parang ganun. Yung parang may skip pa rin yung tibok ng puso ko.”

Kim and Xian were last paired on screen via the ABS-CBN series Love Thy Woman in 2020. Being a couple on- and off-screen has its advantages and disadvantages, according to Xian.

“It’s challenging (in a way) because we’re very familiar with each other and alam na namin… naiilang na kami sa isa’t isa kasi we know each other so well. But at the same time, it’s fun to do. Like what I’ve said earlier, when I’m with Kim, kinikilig pa rin ako. Nagtatawanan pa rin kami. Nandun pa rin yung first time na nagkita kami, yung pakiramdam na yun. There are challenges but there are also perks of being a reel and real (couple).”

The biggest challenge was to separate Kim and Xian from their roles as Anna and Lino in Always. “But we help each other. The work is much easier if you both know each other so well,” admitted Kim.

Meanwhile, the actor-turned-filmmaker Xian said he would love to direct his girlfriend someday. “There are moments namin ni Kim na kami lang kunwari nag-di-dinner kami or having a conversation, like ‘Kim, what kind of story do you like (for a project)? I will write it for you.’ We have those moments na nagkukwentuhan lang and stuff but definitely, it’s one of my goals to be able to direct Kim.”

He continued, “As to the question will I be able to handle her? Naku, I don’t know. Because Kim is a natural born leader. For me, to tell her what to do, patay ako. So paano? That’s another challenge.”

“Baka ‘pag sinabi ko na dito po tayo, Ms. Kim. ‘Hindi, gusto ko dito.’ O sige po, Ms. Kim. Ganun. Mabilis kausap. Haha! ‘Pag happy yung girlfriend, happy yung buhay,” enthused Xian.

Kim said she also wishes to experience Xian’s directing style and shared that during the filming of Always, he would remind her of her role.

“Maganda din na director na siya ngayon so napapaalala niya na, ‘Oi bulag ka dito tapos sabi ko ay oo nga pala sorry.’ Sorry akala ko kasi nagku-kwentuhan lang tayo. We are at that stage where we feel comfortable with each other so sometimes kasi antagal ko na rin na nag-stop ng acting, so he would remind me.”

Moreover, the long-time couple still gets to discover new things about each other every day.

Xian told The STAR, “I think it’s more of… kasi lagi every single day nag-iiba tayo. May mga quirks akong nakikita kay Kim na parang ang tagal ko ng hindi nakita yan but at the same time, grabe after eight years, this is where we are now. I think, the love matures. I think our love for each other, it grows. I felt na we grew as individuals and we also grew as a couple. I always say that so it’s very healthy.” The two also professed that they will “always” be there for one another.

If there’s one question that is answerable by “always,” it would be, “Do you love me?” for Xian and Kim.

Always is directed by Dado Lumibao and written by Mel Mendoza-del Rosario.

(Always will premiere on Sept. 28 in cinemas nationwide).