MANILA, Philippines — Vivamax sexy actresses Angeli Khang and Robb Guinto feel pressured, but at the same time, grateful to be entrusted by Viva Films to help entice people to go back to cinemas through their R-16 film “Unang Tikim.”
“This is the first R-16 Viva film (to be screened) in cinemas and I was chosen (for the role.) I think the weight is on me. Haha! But (I’m) thankful and honored to be entrusted with the movie,” Angeli told The STAR in an exclusive interview.
Robb added that she is feeling jittery and having mixed emotions. “I’m glad that Viva put their trust in us. Like kami yung magiging way for people to go back to cinemas. Nakakakaba and (also) a good feeling because this is the first Vivamax film to be shown in theaters.”
“What Angeli said was right, there’s weight but of course, we will do everything (for this movie). All of us, as the characters, gave our best in (doing) whatever we needed to showcase in this film because we know that this will be shown in cinemas.”
“That’s why when there was a scene or an acting part where the director (Roman Perez Jr.) was not satisfied, it was OK for us to do that scene again, kahit ilang take yan.”
The upcoming erotic romance-drama tells the story of bisexual Yuna (Angeli) and lipstick lesbian Becca (Robb), who fall madly in love and share all their firsts with each other. Their love seems unbreakable until Becca is forced to migrate to the US to be with her family.
Then comes Nicco (Matt Francisco), Yuna’s boss, who has always been interested in her. They eventually get engaged.
Becca, now a professional photographer in the US, returns to the Philippines to complete her dream photo exhibit. She has a new lover named Trisha (Christy Imperial).
Yuna and Becca’s paths cross again and they’ve realized that they still have feelings for each other.
Angeli and Robb have been friends prior to filming “Unang Tikim” but it will be their first time to act in the movie as lead actors. The two didn’t have awkward moments while doing the intimate scenes since they are already comfortable with each other.
“Especially with the first few intimate scenes, we would just laugh around,” shared Robb. “For me, when I learned that I would be working with Angeli, there were really no adjustments for both of us because we are very comfortable working together aside from (the fact) that she is my friend.”
Angeli recalled, “I remember what we said when we were naked, facing each other (during the shoot), ‘Luckily, it’s the two of us working on this together.’”
“It was fun because it was like we were just playing while doing our parts,” continued Angeli.
The most challenging part for them was their steamy scene along the creek.
“It was raining (at that time). We were filming early morning. (The water) was ice cold. The challenge was while we were doing the sexy scene, tina-try kong hindi manginig yung bibig ko.”
“It was like an ice bucket challenge,” quipped Robb. “Of course, when we were doing the love scene, we had to look normal even if it was cold. After they said, ‘Cut!’ we were really shivering.”
When queried if there’s a difference in doing a kissing or steamy scene with a girl or a guy, Angeli said there’s none. “Because it’s (part of) work,” she replied.
Both agreed that they are more comfortable doing such scenes with a girl as co-actor.
Robb explained, “You know your limitations with each other. You know the things that are not allowed. Pakiramdaman, eh. If you feel that your female co-star is uncomfortable, when she’s struggling with the kissing scene, you have to adjust. Because you’ll feel that she’s not able to execute it.”
Asked about their reactions on bashers on social media, Angeli stressed with a laugh, “It’s not true na laspag kami. No penetration.”
The Queen of Vivamax noted that doing sexy roles is just work. “We are different in real life and we are only doing what we’re being told. Also, if you see that it’s a bad thing for you to watch and for your family to watch, next ka na lang.”
“They thought kasi na may mga ganun, eh (laughs),” chimed in Robb. “As long as we are happy doing our work, wala naman kaming gustong iparating sa iba sa ginagawa namin.”
Meanwhile, Angeli and Robb shared an encounter with a fan who has been “very generous and supportive” of them.
“Every day, he would go to the set and bring with him a box of McDo and Jollibee (food) for us. Tapos laging mag-me-message sa’yo,” disclosed Angeli.
“There was this one time nag-pa-paint siya ng picture naming dalawa (Robb) and he requested us to sign it. And every time he goes to the set, he would ask for a photo with us and then leave.”
“He even visited Angeli while filming ‘Black Rider,’” added Robb. “He would also visit me in my events in Cebu and Tarlac.”
(“Unang Tikim” will hit cinemas on Aug. 7).