The role of the philandering husband of Alice Dixson who’s having an affair with Cristine (who’s in turn married to the gay Jake Cuenca) in “Where The Love Has Gone” is truly a great role for Gabby. It was originally played by the late Dindo Fernando in the 1983 film about infidelity, “Nagalit ang Buwan sa Haba ng Gabi”, which was written, directed and produced by the late Danny Zialcita for his own company, Essex Films.
This is the kind of plum role that should have been played by Gabby when he just returned to showbiz after his 15-year hibernation in the U.S. He is every inch the standout lead actor here, unlike in his comeback flicks “I Love You Goodbye” and “I’ll Be There” that didn’t help forward his comeback bid 5 years ago as a top leading man.
If Gabby reprised the Dindo role, Cristine’s role was first played by Gloria Diaz and her gay husband was Eddie Garcia, now played by Jake Cuenca. Dindo’s wife then was Laurice Guillen and she’s now played by Alice Dixson. Their daughter, now played by Andi Eigenmann, was Janice de Belen then. A seemingly minor but actually very important role in “Nagalit” was played by Susan Valdez, whose character gave a shocking twist to the story. It’s now played by Dina Bonnevie. Janice’s boyfriend then, Tommy Alvarado, is now played by Anton Revilla, son of Princess Revilla (sister of Sen. Bong) who’s being introduced here.
Another short but standout role in “Nagalit ang Buwan” was that of the doctor played by Liza Lorena who delivered a long line about the garden of Eden and what tranquilizers could have done to prevent Adam and Eve from sinning. But we’re told current director Andoy Ranay has decided to retain that scene in his reimagining of Zialcita’s work in “When The Love Has Gone”.
At the movie’s presscon, since it’s Gabby’s birthday, Viva presented him with a huge birthday cake while everyone was singing the birthday song for him. Direk Andoy revealed that he and Cristine had a total of nine sizzling love scenes in the film.
“They did it sa pool, sa dagat, sa car, sa gubat and of course, sa bedroom”, he adds.
Did Gabby have any qualms about making love to someone who’s about the same age as some of his daughters? “No, I don’t look na lang at how old she is para walang ilangan. I treat it as trabaho lang, walang personalan. I’m just thankful to Boss Vic for giving me this project and giving me the chance to work with Cristine.”
Direk Andoy adds that Gabby’s charisma remains intact after all these years. “He’s really amazing. Still oozing with sex appeal. At wala siyang attitude, walang kiyeme. Lahat ng pinagawa ko, ginawa niya. In that pool scene with Cristine, I told him to take off his shirt and pants and just dive into the pool in his briefs, and he did it.”
“It’s good nga I was wearing briefs that time,” Gabby quips. “E, dati, when I was younger, very conscious pa ako kung ano ang brand that I’m wearing. It’s good that day I’m wearing Boardwalk, which I’m endorsing.”
The film’s theme song was done by U.S. based singer Jason Farol, who won in ‘Duets’ with Kelly Clarkson. It’s featured in his debut album with Viva Records. The movie opens in theatres nationwide on November 27.
