GORGEOUS, sexy, versatile, and a natural comedian, that is actress Cristine Reyes.
Among her many attributes, her “Kidnap to Romance” co-star Empoy Marquez admires her knack of making people laugh.
But her talent for comedy is not something she acquired in the business. It’s just her – she’s born with it.
“Naturally mahirit kasi akong tao. Kung minsan, kailangan kong pigilan kasi maram, akong hirit, lalo na nkung masyadong akong kumportable sa tao,” Cristine admitted during the recent “Kidnap to Romance” press con at Viva Cafe in Cubao.
The Viva comedy is the first screen teamup of Cristine, who is marking her 20th year in showbiz, and veteran comedian Empoy, who got his biggest break in the 2017 blockbuster movie “Kita Kita.”
“Slapstick ito,” said Empoy, referring to Cristine, “sa totoong buhay. Pero I feel much better pagka ganun. Sobrang saya nya, akala nya everyday birthday nya. Minsan matutulak ka nya…. Dun ka matatawa sa tawa nya. Alam mo ‘yung may kasama kang anak na makulit?
Ganun sya pag may baterya.”
Cristine is happy to be starring in a romantic comedy again after five years. This time with some action added as she plays a stuntwoman in “Kidnap for Romance”, opposite the endearing Empoy.
Cristine plays Elena, also called “Ganda.” She doesn’t have the best influence at home. Her father Mando (Archi Adamos) and brother Jayjay (Nikko Natividad) are in jail for theft, and now that her mother Rosing (Yayo Aguila) is needing medical assistance, she is forced to join a syndicate for easy money.
Marquez plays Godofredo Tan, “Fred” for short. He’s half-Chinese, although he doesn’t look like it. He is the only grandson of Henry Tan (Boboy Garovillo), one of the richest men in the Philippines. Grandpa Henry wants him to get married already and make him his worthy heir to all their riches. But Fred is afraid of commitment.
Elena’s godfather, Ninong Arturo (Jeric Raval), the leader of the syndicate, assigns her to abduct Fred and hold him captive for ransom. Elena is able to capture Fred, although it was a close call with the police, making it necessary to hide at a villa owned by Fred’s family.
As Elena and Fred engage in a squabble that leads to them wrestling each other, Fred’s grandfather happens to visit the villa and catches them in an improper position. Lolo Henry reacts rather extremely, demanding that the two get married as soon as possible.
Does Empoy have any advice on how Cristine can further embrace her being a funny girl?
“Siguro kung may advice ako sa kanya, wag syang manuod ng comedy, wag syang manuod ng nakakatawa. Kasi ‘yung buong pagkatao nya, nakakatawa na. Organic sya para sa akin kasi hindi nya kailangan gumaya sa iba. Mayroong siyang sariling portrayal,” said Empoy
“Kidnap for Romance” is under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Victor Villanueva and is set to open in theaters on September 6.
