Max Collins is Qatar-bound

CEBU, Philippines - After wrapping up work on her first TV lead role in “Innamorata,” the lovely Max Collins is now gearing up for another first – a titular part on an international indie.

Tentatively titled “Remembering Ada,” Max says the story is akin to that of the classic film adaptation of Nicholas Spark’s “The Notebook.” Past scenes will be interspersed with the present time in this project that sees an independent Qatar film company and Philippine producers collaborating.

The GMA-7 talent nabbed the role of a Muslim violinist who will fall in love with a Filipino. Who will play that Filipino is not yet certain, although confirmed actors who are also involved in the film are Max’s fellow Kapuso regulars Alden Richards and LJ Reyes.

“I was taking workshops under GMA Artist Center when one of my teachers emailed me an audition piece. During the auditions, Mr. Leo Martinez [one of the film’s producers] was there, and one director from Qatar,” Max shares of how she bagged the part. “It was a fortunate accident. I just wanted to audition; I didn’t think I’d get it. Now, I’m taking violin lessons to prepare for the role.”

A month passed before she received the good news of being chosen for “Remembering Ada.” The 21-year-old Fil-Am was the sole auditionee from GMA-7; the rest came from TV5.

This will be Max’s second dip into the indie genre, after briefly appearing in the 2013 film “Bamboo Flowers” directed by Maryo J. delos Reyes.

Max, currently seen in the gag show “Bubble Gang” and variety program “Sunday All Stars,” expressed her desire to tackle wide-ranging characters and genres.  “I would like to do a period piece, since I’ve never done that before. One day, I’d also like to try being a superhero. Actually, I’d like to try out a variety of roles. ‘Innamorata’ made me experience how it’s like to have prosthetics on, so the next project I want to do, I want it to be something different.”

She shakes her head at the suggestion of going ‘sexy,’ such as posing for a cover of a men’s magazine. “I just want to try different things before going sexy. For now, I’m preparing for the Bench fashion show in September,” says Max, appearing slimmer than she did during her last Cebu visit.

Max also hopes to take advantage of her current down time to plan for her next travel destinations. It’s an opportunity she relishes, for seeing the world makes her value what she has, she says.

“I think travelling makes you appreciate more your home base. When you come back, you see things differently and you appreciate the small things. Life doesn’t become monotonous because of too much work. One of my goals this year is to travel more. And I’m excited about the movie because it will allow me to go to Qatar and experience their culture. Not everyone has the chance to play a Muslim, so that makes me really excited.”