Excited to spread her wings, actress Lovi Poe admits to feeling nerves as she embarks as producer for the first time.
Lovi, the country’s “Supreme Actress,” gives her all in front of and behind the cameras for “Guilty Pleasure,” her debut as a producer under C’est Lovi Productions. She is grateful to be partnering with her longtime home studio, Regal Entertainment, and receiving invaluable guidance from her husband, British movie producer and scientist Monty Blencowe, and Regal’s president and CEO, Roselle Monteverde.
“It’s like any other business. Mas sanay ako being an actress, so I’m starting something new, getting into producing [so there are necessary steps and guidelines]…nangangapa pa ako.”
But when the cameras roll, there is no trace of nerves as Lovi transforms into Attorney Alexis Miranda, her first time to play such a role.
In a previous interview, she revealed how she carefully prepared for the part, making sure she looked and sounded like a lawyer – from her look to her lines.
Less stressful for Lovi was preparing for her sizzling scenes. The actress has starred in several sexy drama roles in the past, but emphasized that “Guilty Pleasure” is unlike anything she’s done before.
“Definitely, hindi pa ito nakikita ever,” she said. “But I think there’s something that needs to be talked about, and that’s one of the reasons why this film is gonna be out there.”
She hopes the film will ignite discussions about boundaries and trauma: “One thing that we should learn about people is boundaries, and we have to understand that thin line. As JM said, we have to respect everyone’s personal boundaries, personal space, and quirks. What is pleasurable to you may not be pleasurable to someone else.”
Lovi’s co-stars, JM De Guzman and Jameson Blake, matched her intensity, according to director Connie Macatuno, who noted the palpable tension in the scenes. “There’s a tension and heat inside of me, but that could mean many things. It depends on you. There’s tension in every scene,” Connie said, describing how the film keeps the audience on edge.
On the film’s powerful message, JM believes “Guilty Pleasure” delivers a balance of entertainment and information to viewers. “Mas lalawak ang self-awareness ng mga tao kung ano ang mga thin lines na pwedeng lampasan on consent.”
For Jameson, the film carries an important lesson on betrayal and inner strength. “I think people will pick up a lesson from it – how to deal with other people and how to be aware of their actions.”
For Roselle Monteverde, “Guilty Pleasure” is more than just a film – it carries a powerful message of betrayal and redemption. “It’s about how dreams, both personal and professional, can be crushed by someone you once held dear,” she explained.
Keith Monteverde, executive vice president of Regal Entertainment, also emphasized the film’s theme of empowerment through choice. “The ability to say ‘yes’ when it’s truly your decision is as important as saying ‘no.’ ‘Guilty Pleasure’ explores this balance of consent and agency in a way that opens up meaningful conversations.”
Meanwhile, Roselle said she was pleased that the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) rated the film R16 without cuts, acknowledging Lovi’s convincing portrayal and the film’s compelling story. “Nagandahan daw sila sa story. Tama lang na R16 because it’s an adult drama,” she shared.
Written by Noreen Capili, “Guilty Pleasure” opens in cinemas nationwide on October 16.
