Roxanne Guinoo would rather not talk about ex-flame Jay Cuenca and his reported involvement with fellow ABS-CBN star Bea Alonzo.
During the shooting of Regal Entertainment's upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry Shake, Rattle and Roll X last Tuesday, September 9, at the old Regal office on Valencia St. San Juan, the pretty Star Circle Quest alumna said that she's intently focusing on her work above anything else.
In the said horror film, Roxanne portrays a doctor. "Iba ‘yong character ko ngayon, medyo may pagka-woman na ako dito, sophisticated, compared to my other characters iba talaga ‘to. So another challenge for me. Like ngayon, kahit nag-start na kami, kailangan ko pa rin aralin ‘yong character ko. Hindi naman madali i-portray na parang doctor ka, so more practice pa for me," Roxanne told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal).
This year's installment marks Roxanne's third appearance in the popular horror trilogy.
"Masyado na nga akong nawiwili yata sa pagkuha nila sa akin sa mga horror-comedy, suspense-thriller. Third ko na ‘to, sunud-sunod 8, 9, [and] 10," she smiled.
FEELING THE PRESSURE. Just like GMA-7's JC de Vera, Roxanne admitted feeling both nervous and proud working with talents outside her home network.
"Makatrabaho mo lang ‘yong mga artista like JC, one of the prime artists ng [GMA-7], malaking pressure din ‘yon. Like ako, sanay ako sa mga co-actors ko basta [ABS-CBN], parang kampante ka na agad lalo na pag ka-age bracket mo ‘yon. Ngayon, iba ‘to, dapat mag-blend ‘yong acting ninyong dalawa. Dapat onscreen magkaroon kayo ng chemistry, and hindi madaling gumawa ng chemistry on screen, so ‘yong ganun."
JC and Roxanne had no chance to bond at all since director Mike Tuviera buckled down to work right on the first shooting day. The two lead actors of the film's third episode, "Emergency," were also surprised when they were informed that their kissing scene would be taken on the same day.
"Parang siyempre medyo awkward ‘yon, di ba?" giggled Roxanne, "na parang, 'ay hindi pa kami nakakapag-create ng konting bonding, hindi pa nagbu-blossom ‘yong friendship [may kiss na agad].'"
Starring alongside GMA-7 artists presents a fresh challenge, according to Roxanne. But other than trading acting chops, one great thing about mixing it up with actors from the rival network is that they all gained new friends.
"Masarap magkaroon ng chance [to work with others] kasi nagkakaroon ka rin ng kaibigan sa kabilang istasyon. So, outside work nakakapag-create ka ng iba't ibang friends," she explained.
LIGAW NA BULAKLAK'S LAST HURRAY. After its successful run, Roxanne's afternoon soap Ligaw na Bulaklak will bid farewell this October. The production team of the series is currently taking measures to patch up problems brought about by Marc Abaya's illness. Marc was reportedly stricken with hepatitis, causing him to miss a couple of tapings for the show's concluding episodes.
Ligaw na Bulaklak figured pretty well in the nationwide survey of AGB Nielsen Media Research Philippines. Despite the show's impressive showing, Roxanne reiterated that she's no longer bothered by rating figures, unlike before.
"Ako naman, hindi na din ako after ng ratings," she sincerely said. "Kasi sa ‘kin, masarap na ‘yong feeling na ‘pag lumalabas ako, tinatawag ako na ‘Lea! Lea!' meaning nanonood sila ng Ligaw Na Bulaklak. Kasi dati, concerned ako sa ratings.
"Pero, at least, na-extend kami, ibig sabihin nagustuhan din ng tao ‘yong istorya. And kung i-extend pa namin, feeling ko wala nang pipigain sa story and okay lang din para hindi naman maumay rin ‘yong tao. So kung may magandang project na kapalit, masaya ‘yon."
Roxanne expressed sadness over the indefinite postponement of her movie with comedian-TV host, Willie Revillame.
"Kasi may sakit siya sa puso," she said sadly. Willie was reportedly advised by his doctors to rest and take it easy for at least two months, "So tengga kami," said Roxanne. The movie, titled Mr. Housewife, was originally planned to be shown this month but Willie's delicate health stalled its completion.