ShareThisVersatile actress, singer and model Lovi Poe is the newest horror queen of Philippine movies with the success of her starrer, “Aswang.”
Produced by Regal Film, “Aswang” was directed by acclaimed director Jerrold Tarog, whose past works, including the thrillers “Confessional” and the “Funerarya” episode of “Shake, Rattle & Roll,” earned critical acclaim.
“Aswang,” formerly an Alma Moreno-Peque Gallaga classic, takes on a new dimension, with a new set of creatures called the “abuwaks,” clearly inspired by the monsters from “28 Days Later, “Resident Evil” or “30 Days of Night.”
Lovi plays in the movie Jasmine, a mysterious girl who is revealed to be an “abuwak.” She has accepted her fate but refuses to lead a life like an “abuwak,” which preys on human beings. Jasmine sees hope when she meets a human, Daniel (played by Paulo Avelino), whom she sees as her hope to escape from the world of the abuwaks.
The film also stars Jillian Ward and Albie Casiño as two children running away from a hitman (Marc Abaya), accidentally leading them to the paths of Jasmine and the “abuwaks.” Beauty queen Precious Lara Quigaman, Noni Buencamino, Nina Jose and Bembol Roco complete the cast.
The daughter of the late Movie King Fernando Poe Jr. has earned raves even from actress Susan Roces, widow of FPJ. The widow said she would be willing to work together in a movie with Lovi, a news readily welcome by the young actress.
Lovi, who made history with the cover of FHM magazine last September, was linked for a time to former Ilocos Sur congressman Ronald Singson.
Singson, however, was jailed in Hong Kong due to possession of prohibited drugs. While Lovi showed support to the solon during the pendency of the case, it was learned that Ronald eventually set her free.
This prompted rumors linking her later to some actors, including Jake Cuenca .
Jake, however, denied speculations romantically linking him to his “My Neighbor’s Wife” co-star Lovi Poe.
Although he invited her to be his date during the recent Star Magic Ball, Cuenca said he and Poe are merely good friends.
“Ako naman, talagang nirerespeto ko yung pinagsamahan namin sa set at nirerespeto ko yung pagkakaibigan na ibinigay niya sa akin. Right now, we’re just having fun, no pressure, no nothing. That’s it,” he toldPush.com.ph.
In an interview with DZMM Teleradyo’s “Mismo” , Jake reiterated his denial.
He explained that the close relationship he has with Poe is a mere manifestation of a great friendship developed through their comfortable working ties on the set of “My Neighbor’s Wife.”
Jake was earlier tied with Melissa Ricks. The relationship, however, ended in a breakup, prompting Jake to proclaim that he has temporarily put his love life on hold.
“Right now, I’m just enjoying being single, enjoying the time for myself, focusing on work,” Jake said.
Jake Cuenca started in the movie, “My Neighbor’s Wife,” which tackled sensitive marital issues such as infidelity and adultery.
“The movie is an eye-opener to what a struggling marriage is,” he explained.
“‘Yung pelikula namin, it’s a story na hindi pinag-uusapan. ‘Pag may asawa ka, hindi mo ito ikukuwento sa kaibigan mo kasi ayaw mong, siyempre mahal mo pa rin yung asawa mo no matter what, ‘til death do us part ‘yan eh, hindi mo naman kayang siraan ang asawa mo.”
Jake played the role of an adulterous husband in the film.
When asked whether he sees himself playing a similar character in real life, the young actor replied, “Kapag ako nagpakasal na, I think I’d be a hundred percent sure na talagang paninindigan ko ‘yung tao.”
“Doing the movie made me realize na hindi basta-basta dapat nagpapakasal. Dapat talaga panindigan, pag-isipan ng maigi [ang pagpapakasal].”