LOVI POE had a zoom lunch presscon right on her birthday last Thursday, February 11, while doing lock in taping for her new show, “Owe My Love”, somewhere in Bulacan. And on Sunday, she’ll be celebrating Valentine’s Day while still there.
“Hindi naman ako malulungkot kasi andami kong ka-Valentine dito,” she says. “Last night (Wednesday), akala ko pack up na kami but they told me I have to do again a heavy scene I did kasi hindi raw nag-roll ang camera.
"So sabi ko, sige, yun pala, the whole cast gathered around me and sang happy birthday. Also, Ate Jackielou Blanco and I have the same birthday kaya sabay kaming nag-celebrate ng birthday sa set with the rest of the cast.”
She’s enjoying being in a romcom like “Owe My Love”. “Lately, sa movie man or on TV, puro drama ang ginagawa ko so it’s nice to do something light naman, for a change.
"The story is something na nangyayari sa buhay. I play Sensen Guipit, breadwinner sa family na laging nagigipit, kaya naman nababaon sa utang. But even if she’s being chased by her debtors, very positive pa rin siya at pinipilit maging masaya.
"There’s actually so much to learn from Sensen’s journey. Gusto niya talaga, maging nurse, pero poor nga sila. The important thing is she loves her family and she’ll do everything to succeed para makaahon sila sa financial problems nila.”
When the pandemic came, she thought the show is not pushing through anymore.
“Actually, one year in the making itong show as we started bago pa mag-lockdown. And when it came, andaming kailangang sundin na health protocols before we started taping. But it’s worth it as it’s for our own safety and the staff made it easy after so much preparation on their side. Eventually, we learned how to cope with all the requirements and limitations. Now, we’re very proud of the show pinaghirapan namin.”
So how is it doing lock in taping?
“This is actually the second leg of our lock in taping so alam na namin kung ano ang mga dapat naming dalhin and we know exactly na what to do, so we can feel at home kahit na we’re away from home.
"Enjoy kami so I’d like to work with the same group, even with our production team, kasi I feel we’re all very safe. Sagana kami sa food. I requested pasta from Ate Ai Ai de las Alas as she cooks for us on the set and her pasta is so super sarap it’s mind blowing.”
She’s glad that her co-stars are all fitness oriented. “Sabay-sabay kaming nagwo-workout dito nina Winwyn Marquez, Ben Alves, Ate Ai Ai and Jackielou. Working out is a lifestyle to make sure you’re healthy and energized at masarap gawin ito kung may mga kasama ka.”
Since “Owe My Love” is about borrowing and lending money, would she be willing to lend money to someone?
“If it’s a loved one, there’s nothing wrong kasi we’re supposed to support each other. Kanino pa ba lalapit yung loved one mo kundi sayo? Kung natutulungan mo nga ibang tao, siya pa ba hindi?
"Pag inutangan ka naman, you would feel naman if you’re being used. Pag puro utang na lang na walang bayaran, ibang usapan na yon.”
Doing “Owe My Love” with so many comedians was initially a challenge for her.
“I’m excited to work with them and do comedy. I try to be on my toes when I’m with them kasi they’re good in making people laugh.
"Kapag si Tito Leo Martinez as Lola Badong ang maga-adlib, I don’t wanna be caught off guard na matatawa rin ako. Masaya kaming lahat now that the show is finally airing starting this Monday. We can’t wait to see how the audience will react to it.”
Won’t she miss her BF who is in the States, Montgromery Blencowe, on the day of hearts?
“I will but I celebrated naman the last holiday season with him and his family. Also, he prepared a video pala for me and he showed it last night. He greeted me with my family and my friends.
"Nag-effort talaga siya kasi alam niya I’m on lock in taping and I’m away from my family and friends. So he really showed me how much he loved me kahit magkalayo kami. Namaga nga mata kasi napaiyak ako nang husto.”
After “Owe My Love” taping, she is scheduled to do two new movies, one with Regal and one with Viva, and she will release a song she recorded in New York.
“It’s actually an extended play album and I also did a pictorial and music video so abangan nyo. Also, our ‘High Rise Lovers’ sa ‘I Can See You’ will be shown sa Netflix so watch it.”
To Lovi, wishing you more birthdays to come! Happy Valentine! And may 'Owe My Love" be a huge hit in the ratings.
