INA RAYMUNDO is thankful and proud to be part of a prestige project like “Pieta”, directed by Adolfo Alix Jr.
“When I was told na ang mga makakasama ko rito are Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar and Jaclyn Jose, siempre medyo kinabahan ako dahil they’re such formidable, award-winning actresses,” she says.
“They’re the best in the industry, but I considered it a challenge for me to give my best and also, I’m sure that I will gain a lot of new knowledge about our craft as actors just by working with them.”
Ina was discovered in 1995 as the sexy model in the Sabado Nights SMB commercial.
She then forayed into the movies that same year in “Bikini Watch” and became a favorite leading lady of action stars.
She was launched as a sexy star in “Burlesk Queen Ngayon” in 1999, a blockbuster hit.
She then made one movie after another: “Shame”, “Madame X”, and “Tuhog” for which she got an Urian best actress nomination.
In 2003, she married Ukranian-Canadian businessman Brian Poturnak and they now have four daughters and one son.
Ina’s last movie was “Block Z” in 2000.
“Ang tagal na rin,” she says. “Kaya natuwa ako when Direk Adolf Alix got me to be part of ‘Pieta’ and we have already started shooting it.
"It’s nice to be back acting before the movie camera.”
What is her role in “Pieta”?
“I play the girlfriend of Alfred Vargas, pero hindi kami nagkatuluyan kasi he was arrested for allegedly killing his own father,” she says.
“Biglang natapos ang relasyon namin. Then after so many years, nakalaya siya at ako naman, may anak nang teenager, played by Tommy Alejandrino.
"Nang magkakilala sila ni Alfred, they become very good friends at naging father figure ni Tommy si Alfred.”
At the cast reveal presscon of “Pieta”, Ina is asked if she ever had a bad experience working with young stars like what Dina Bonnevie and Sharon Cuneta experienced before?
“Oh yes, pero hindi ko na lang babanggitin ang name niya,” she says.
“We were all together in one small room with the other cast members at wala siyang pakialam na nagyoyosi siya.
"She is not at all aware na we’re all suffocating because of her smoke.
"I’m so affected kasi may asthma pa naman ako at nai-inhale ko ang second hand smoke niya. Sana tumigil na siya kasi everyone knows smoking is bad for one’s health.”
At 47, Ina has maintained her sexy figure and alluring good looks.
The combination of her and her husband’s genes is impressive as they have very good looking “artistahin” kids.
Will she allow them to join showbiz?
“I will, kung gusto ba talaga nila,” she says. “But both my husband and I prefer they finish their studies first.
"The older two, Erika and Jacob, are both in college. Sa limang anak ko, it’s the youngest, Minka, who seems inclined to follow in my footsteps as an actress.
"But she’s still very young so dapat, mag-aral muna siya.”
Ina also just celebrated her 21st wedding anniversary with hubby Brian.
“We have our differences kasi magkaiba ang aming culture and background, but he’s really my Prince Charming, the man of my dreams, an answered prayer. So, no regrets at all.”
