After producing the family drama Sagrada Familia, Legaslas Entertainment is now offering another independent movie titled Pitas. PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) had a chance to interview its lead stars Kristel Moreno and Sid Lucero during the premiere night last Friday, February 26, at SM North EDSA Cinema 6. This indie film is currently being screened in cinemas.
Young actress Kristel Moreno is paired with indie film actor Sid Lucero in her launching movie Pitas, which is directed by Joey Romero. Completing the cast are Bembol Roco, Rio Locsin and Francine Prieto. The film also features Are You The Next Big Star finalist Greggy Santos and introduces Star Magic talent Enrique Gil.
Pitas is a story of a young girl named Jasmine (Kristel Moreno) who falls in love with a snatcher named Rafael (Sid Lucero). Jasmine and Rafael's love story faces challenges when Jasmine had an unwanted pregrancy and more conflicts unfold when she is raped by her stepfather Kabo (Bembol Roco).
Kristel used to be a Sexbomb dancer but is now part of Star Magic Batch 16. She describes her character by saying, "Ako si Jasmine sa movie, simple, loves dancing and priority ang kanyang family until mai-in love siya sa isang pickpocket na si Rafael played by Sid Lucero."
The former I Love Betty La Fea mainstay recalled her feelings when the lead role was offered to her. "Actually, surprised and nervous. Hindi po ako makapaniwala na magkakaroon po ako ng isang launching movie. Yung role mature and daring pero na-challenge ako kaso kasi maganda yung script, very interesting so I never had second thoughts of accepting it."
Kristel feels privileged to have Urian Best Actor Sid Lucero as his first onscreen partner in her launching movie. "When I found out na siya ang leading man ko, natuwa ako dahil alam kong magaling siyang actor. Kinabahan din ako kasi magaling nga siya, dapat galingan ko rin."
When asked to talk about her daring love scenes, Kristel couldn't help but breathe out heavily, "Kinabahan po ako kasi first time ko na magkaroon ng love scene. Pero yun kasi ang hinihingi ang script. Kailangan kong gawin yun at kailangan kong ibigay ang best ko. Besides, may tiwala ako sa leading man ko, kay Sid at kay Direk Joey na aalagaan nila ako sa eksenang yun."
Kristel told PEP that her boyfriend and Legalas Entertainment top man producer Romeo "Don" Lerit Jr., did not get jealous of Sid Lucero when they did the lovemaking scenes. "Don is very open-minded, alam niyang trabaho ito and very supportive siya. Hindi siya nagselos."
She also admired Sid for being a gentleman while they shot their love scenes. "He's very professional. Hindi ko po naramdaman na he took advantage of the scene. Actually, tinuturuan niya pa nga ako on how to execute yung scene na maganda at hindi magmukhang bastos." She continued, "Sid took good care of me sa set kaya I'm very comfortable nung ginawa na naming yung love scene."
Aside from the steamy love scenes with Sid, Kristel also has a rape scene with thespian Bembol Roco. She admitted that she was apprehensive about doing the scene with the veteran actor. "Kinakabahan po ako, sobra. Siyempre Bembol Roco yun, e. Pero pinaghandaan ko talaga yung eksena nay un. Pinag-aralan ko yung scene bago pa man ako sumalang sa set. Pero masaya ako after makuhaan ang eksena dahil nakuha ko naman ang hinihingi ng eksena at dahil yun kay sir Bembol kasi effective siya maging rapist."
Kristel was overwhelmed by the good turnout during the premiere night and by the positive feedback that she heard. "Nagpapasalamat ako kasi maraming pumunta para suportahan ang launching movie ko at nagpapasalamat ako kasi nagustuhan nila ang Pitas," she said with a smile.
Pitas is directed by Joey Romero and produced by Legalas Entertainment. It is now being screened in Philippine cinemas.