Close but not too intimate

Author: Joseph Peter R. Conzalez
Column: Life & Entertainment

Jon Avila admitted that he and Rufa Mae Quinto got very close during the filming of the romantic comedy Single, which will be shown early next year. In fact, they even went out on a date recently.

“It happened in a restaurant called Ascent in Tiendesitas. It was a wonderful experience. But for the record, I’m not courting her yet though she knows I like her,” the hunk said.

Lack of time as he is focused on his career is what Jon points out as the reason he can’t take things to a more intimate level.

“It’s easy to fall in love with Rufa Mae. Apart from her physical beauty, she’s very down-to-earth. But at this point, I’m really focused on my career, especially now that a lot of projects are coming my way. Another hindrance is our affiliation with different home studios. I’m with ABS-CBN 2 and she’s with GMA-7. If only she were a Kapamilya, chances are we’ll get to work on various projects and seeing each other often won’t be a problem.”

Jon stressed he’s not totally closing his doors to the possibility of pursuing Rufa Mae.

“Eventually, let’s see. Next year perhaps, I’ll be able to find time. Anyway, we have constant communication through text messaging. Let’s not rush things,” he said.

What Jon likes best about Rufa Mae is her passion for her craft and positive disposition in life.

“We’re the same when it comes to that aspect. Like during our serious talks, she would tell me that she wants to accomplish more in the ‘biz. That’s why she ventured into producing films, the latest of which is Single. She told me that somehow, it mirrors her present situation in real life where a stable love affair is lacking. Actually, we’ve shared a lot of things with each other. All I can say is that she’s a beautiful person inside and out,” revealed Jon.

Apart from Single, Jon is also in OctoArts Films’ One Night Only.

“I’m a womanizer in the story torn between Diana [Zubiri] and Valerie [Concepcion]. I figured in a lot of comic moments, especially when I try to divide my time between the two girls in just one motel! I enjoyed doing the movie because it has wit and humor. Our director, Jose Javier Reyes, is good. I hope the public will support the project.”

Meanwhile, his next project promises to be a blast. “It is titled Isang Lakas and is slated for a primetime slot. We’ll start taping anytime this month. Here, I will reprise the role of Kapitan Boom. The story is like the Justice League where all the famous superheroes are featured. Lastikman [Vhong Navarro], Varga [Mariel Rodriguez], Tiny Tony [John Prats], Flash Bomba [Luis Manzano] and Dragona [Shaina Magdayao] will also be there. It’s really an ambitious project,” Jon proudly ended.

No sexy scenes

Fresh from the US where she fulfilled commitments for shows in a month, Jennylyn Mercado is now home. At the press conference for One Night Only, she explained her side on the issue that she didn’t want to promote the movie and instead flew to America.

“That’s not true! I finished all my commitments for the movie first before I flew to the US. I told OctoArts and Joey about it in advance. I did a series of concerts there which was a prior commitment. In fact, as soon as I arrived here, I did the rounds in many GMA shows like Eat Bulaga and Sis to promote the film,” she said.

Unlike her co-stars in the movie, Jen has no sexy scenes. “Balot na balot ako rito! Ha-ha-ha! My role didn’t require me [to be sexy] in the first place since she is in a dilemma whether to have a relationship with a lesbian [played by Manilyn Reynes] or not. And in case there will be some sexy scenes, definitely, I can’t go all the way. There will still be limitations.”

Judging from her positive and glowing aura, it’s clear that she has moved on from her failed relationship with actor Patrick Garcia.

“Definitely! I’m glad that he’s already out of my life. I thank God for my fast recovery. As long as my baby and family are there [where?], I’m okay.”

Does this mean she doesn’t have even a tinge of love for the father of her son now?

“None and that’s the truth! My emotion is already drained. He hurt me a lot! It’s good that at the early stage, I firmly decided to forget him.”

Up to this day, Patrick has yet to see and spend time with Alex Jazz.

“He must wait ‘til I introduce him to my son. At this point, I don’t even let AJ see his dad’s photos. And when he grows up, I will tell him how irresponsible his father was and that he neglected me at a time when I needed him most,” Jennylyn said.

Talks are ripe that Patrick is currently dating actress Glaiza de Castro.

“Good for them! That’s what I’m actually praying for every time, that he finds another love so that there will really be no connection between us. It’s inevitable that there will be times when we still get linked. Some even ask me if after all the pain, I still see a possible reconciliation in the future. But as I’ve said before, I feel no love for him!”

She was with perennial screen partner Mark Herras in her US shows and they are to start a new soap for GMA next year. People are curious if it’s possible for them to get back to each other’s arms.

“Well, Mark had been very supportive of me all these times. In fact, he’ll be one of AJ’s godfathers when he gets christened. Let’s see,” the talented singer-actress stated.

New movie for off-screen couple

For their next film project, Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo opted to do a light comedy. This will be under Lily Monteverde’s Regal Entertainment.

“This is the first of our two-picture contract deal with them. Actually, we had a hand in choosing the material. We thought of something light because my last screen appearance was in a horror movie, Matakot Ka sa Kulam, and Ryan is doing heavy drama in Pieta. We want that in our next film together, it’s like we’re just playing in the set, no heavy stuff. We’re meeting together with Tito Alfie [Lorenzo] to finalize everything regarding the project,” Juday confirmed.

Rumors have it that she and Ryan will just finish all their commitments before they zero in on their wedding plans. In fact, according to reliable sources, they have already tapped a wedding coordinator and started preparing the list of their wedding entourage.

“Where did they get that? Perhaps, it’s better to talk about it in the future, especially now that I’m busy with Ploning’s Oscar bid,” Judy Ann quipped.

Source: Manila Standard Today

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