TWO NEW ACTORS are given lead roles in Vivamax’ “Palitan”, a sex-drama directed by Brillante Mendoza. These are Luis Hontiveros and Rash Flores. We'll focus on Luis first.
Luis is the nephew of Sen. Riza Hontiveros and broadcaster Pia Hontiveros. He started as a commercial and print ad model then joined the reality show PBB 7 in 2016.
He took masscomm at University of the East but didn’t get to finish it. He’s also into a lot of sports and martial arts training, which is why he has a ripped body.
He stayed with ABS-CBN and became part of the group ASAP Cover Boys for a while. But nothing much is happening to his career so, last year, before ABS-CBN lost its franchise, he transferred to GMA Network and he was included in “The Lost Recipe”.
He’s currently part of the hit primetime drama, “To Have and To Hold”.
He now gets his biggest break in the movies in “Palitan”. “Until now, I’m still overwhelmed at hindi ako makapaniwala that I get to work with Direk Brillante Mendoza, who won best director sa Cannes Filmfest,” he says.
“For someone na nagsisimula pa lang sa industriya, tapos first indie film ko pa ito, working with a direktor like him, talagang I feel truly blessed. I’m also thankful sa tiwala ng Viva in giving me this opportunity para maipakita ko kung ano ‘yung kakayanan ko sa craft ko sa pelikulang ito.
"And working with Direk Brillante is hindi lang siya maganda sa resume ko, kasi ang dami ko talagang natutuhan sa kanya, lots of words of wisdom on and off cam.”
He plays a challenging role as James in “Palitan”, the boyfriend of Jela Cuenca who has mental health issues that affect their relationship.
“Demanding ang role at sobrang daring ang karakter ni James. Medyo na-shock ako, pero excited ako sa pagka-culture shock ko, kasi malayung-malayo sa TV at sa mainstream kung paano tumatakbo ang scenes sa indie film.
"Maraming daring scenes, but this one is a well written film na hindi lang puro sex. I had butt exposure, but it’s not like porn. You have to watch it from start to finish para maintindihan mo ‘yung istorya at ang bawat karakter dito.”
What did his family say about him doing a sexy flick?
“Actually, hindi ko pa sinasabi sa kanila. Ang kuwento ko lang sa nanay ko, it’s a sexy drama. Hindi na naman ako pagagalitan kasi I’m old enough to make career decisions for myself.
"As of now, I’m still just trying to build my career as an actor at alam naman nila ‘yung passion ko sa pag-arte. Like any other family, I know they will support me at the end of the day. I have sisters na mas bata sa akin and I will just tell them not to watch the movie.”
