Kris Bernal studied videos and learned how drug addicts would use paraphernalia in order to prepare for her upcoming film titled Kontradiksyon.
The GMA-7 actress will act opposite ABS-CBN actor Jake Cuenca in this film, which depicts the Philippines' current drug war.
Directed by Njel De Mesa, this movie aims to make viewers see the various aspects and opposing views of this timely issue.
Kontradiksyon, which is expected to premiere this 2018, had its media launch last Saturday, June 30, at Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The event marked the relaunch of the operations of Bell Films, the film production arm of Universal Records Philippines.
Katrina Halili, John Estrada, Paolo Paraiso, Elizabeth Oropesa, Will Devaughn, and twins Toffy and Kenny Santos will star in this 2018 debut production of Bell Films.
Director Njel De Mesa says Kris was able to effectively portray the transformation of her character who got high on marijuana.
He narrated, "There's this one sequence that we shot the other day, bugnutin siya, inaantok then papasok siya sa banyo, todo iyak siya.
"Tapos, lalabas siya, masaya na siya kasi naka-chongki [marijuana] na siya!
"One sequence, three emotions: Kris Bernal."
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that night, Kris candidly talked about the preparations she did for her character who is a drug pusher.
Kris described her role by saying: "I’m a very loving mom and I have a child and mommy ko. Ako bumubuhay sa kanila so kailangan ko mag-trabaho, kailangan ko mag-benta...
"Kailangan ko mag benta nun para sa pamilya ko, para mabuhay kami."
She said she understands her character since she is forced to sell drugs in order to earn money for her family.
"I guess very relatable yung character ko kasi may mga tao talaga na parang kahit ayaw natin gawin we have to do it just to ano provide to our family, provide for our family.
"So I guess it’s very close to me as well kasi ako talaga I work hard. Kumbaga eleven years na ako sa showbiz and I still love my job, ine-enjoy ko pa rin siya and at the same time and sarap ng feeling na I can provide for my family."
According to the director of Kontradiksyon, Kris had to depict various emotions as her character got high on drugs.
Kris admitted, "Yeah, may ganoon talaga. As in, struggling talaga ako sa scene na ‘yon...
"Wala akong experience, but nanood ako ng mga documentation about drugs at shabu.
"Nanood talaga ako ng documentation so doon ko nakuha, doon ako kumuha ng inspiration and acting tips. But still, it was very hard because wala akong experience at all talaga.
So struggling talaga ako, pero binigay ko pa rin talaga yung best ko...Gagawin ko talaga for art’s sake.
According to Kris, she had to learn how to use a marijuana pipe.
"Legit talaga as in...parang, they want to make it realistic talaga as much as possible. So yung mga instruments namin, yung mga gamit namin talagang totoo.
"Mock up siya na talagang totoo. Kung ano daw yung ginagamit talaga na mga materials. So ina-assemble ko talaga siya."
ENDORSEMENTS. Did Kris hesitate to accept this role? Isn't she afraid that her endorsements could be affected?
The Kapuso actress admitted, "Hindi naman. I guess ano lang talaga siya, siguro role lang din talaga siya.
"Before I accepted this project, it was approved muna. It was handed to the bosses muna of GMA, to my managers, to Artist Center bago nila i-approve ‘yon. Talagang pinagaralan din nilang mabuti.
"Once naman na, alam mo ‘yon? Ako kasi masunurin ako, e. Once naman na they’re okay with the script and wala namang mababanggang, alam mo ‘yon? Siguro endorsement or image ko, siguro tinanggap na rin talaga namin and it’s very challenging, e. Ako kasi, since I’m eleven years na nga sa industry..."
Is her character involved in drug trafficking in the country?
Kris revealed, "Yeah, I’m involved."
Does she think her fans are ready to see her bad side in this film?
The 29-year-old actress pointed out, "Hindi ko alam kung handa ang tao kasi ito talaga intense. Not just yung mga eksena na involved sa drugs but yung mga love scenes, mga sexy scenes.
"Kasi minsan naka-lingerie lang ako. Tumatakbo ako naka-bra and pants lang, alam mo ’yon?
"Diyos ko, Lord, di ko alam kung paano ako tatanggapin ng tao for that.
"At saka I tried kasi something na would excite people din and [make them] look forward if I can pull off a character na, alam mo ‘yon, angas and bad. Di ko naman ‘to tatanggapin if hindi ako macha-challenge, e. Of course, I’m still after na makilala ako as a versatile actress, ganoon, I’m still after that."
LOVE SCENE WITH JAKE CUENCA. For her first project with Jake, Kris will shoot a love scene with the Kapamilya actor.
Kris admitted, "Kinakabahan nga ako, e. Feel ko ano, e, feel ko masa-starstruck ako.
"Though friends naman kami ni Jake, pero kasi alam ko kung gaano kagaling si Jake, e, as an actor, alam ko kung gaano siya ka-serious sa craft niya.
"So medyo kinakabahan ako kasi sana ma-one-[take]. Sana one take lang kasi ako may tendency ako na baka mag-buckle ako pag ma-intimidate ako. May intimidate factor ako pag masyadong, alam mo ‘yon, masyadong parang bago sa akin. Parang bago katrabaho."