By PABLO A. TARIMAN
ON a humid evening with a hint of rain, actors Maja Salvador, Paulo Avelino and Jake Cuenca show up in a forum meant to dissect relationships and what makes them complicated.
Avelino starts by saying that in any relationship, you have to invest time and lots of love to make it work. But it so happens that he has a unique status (a single father) and he expects some complications to arise out of it.
“I think the best way to handle a complicated relationship is to be honest to your partner whatever your status is,” he says. “In my case, it’s complicated because whatever relationship I have with any woman, I make it a point to have quality time with my son. I any relationship, I leave a place in my heart exclusive to my son without sacrificing your love for the other person in your life.”
Salvador who figured in the top-rating teleserye, “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” says one can learn a lot from the ups and downs of any relationship and an actor can use it to make him a better interpreter of any character. “Let’s face it, any relationship goes through rough times. In the early phases of my relationship, I always like it that I am the one who calls the shot. But it cannot be like that all the time. You have your own private needs but you also have http://starrgennett.org/online/ to respect the other party. Constant adjustment is a must in any relationship.”
Cuenca — who figures in several reel and real break-ups in the showbiz world — opines any relationship only becomes smooth when you go through difficult times and survive it.
“t’s up to you if you want a simple life and trouble-free relationships,” he confides. “But the thing is everything that happens to you is a learning experience. Let’s face it, any relationship is nothing but perfect. Like what Paulo (Avelino) said, any relationship is an investment. You give so much but you can get hurt in the process. It’s not all the time that a relationship works. But if you outgrow the complications, it’s going to be a smooth for both parties. I also long for long-term relationship with my partner. When you find one who matches what you look for in a person, of course you secretly hope it works.”
The three actors figure in a romantic comedy film called “Status: It’s Complicated” directed by Chris Martinez who megged the well-received “Here Comes The Bride.”
According to director Martinez, the movie is inspired by the original Ishmael Bernal film Salawahan. “The film is still timely,” he explains. “We just made it a contemporary picture of present-day relationships.”
Cuenca plays the role of a well-chiseled chef who believes love and sex should be shared with as many partners he can manage to have. “I am not like that at all in real life,” the actor points out.
Avelino plays the role of the conservative graphic designer pursued by two clients — a fashion designer played by Solenn Heussaff and a sexologist played by Eugene Domingo who recently won an Asian Best Actress trophy in Tokyo for an indie film, “Barber’s tale.”
In the trailer, Domingo, the movie’s sexologist, gets to romp with her object of desire dropping all inhibitions in what looks like virtual bed calisthenics.
Avelino admits not all relationships work and when that happens, you can always turn to your life-support system.
” It always happens that you fall in love and later, you fall out of love. It is a trial that will not be so hard on you if you turn to your other loved ones – your parents, your friends and in my case, I have a son who can neutralize whatever it is I am going through. I derive so much happiness from being with my son. When it gets tough, you can always turn to someone up there,” he rues.
Salvador — who has logged ten years in showbiz — concludes it up to the parties if they want to prolong any complication in any relationship.
She points out: “You can actually handle complications in a way that will work for you. When you have been through it, you know how best to get out of it fast and when another problem arose, at least you are ready to cope with it. You become strong in the process.”
Through the years, the actor said she has learned to accept partners as humans, not perfect models.
Rumored to be going steady with Gerard Anderson, Salvador confidentially gives the guy a perfect ten. “When I see flaws in a person, I feel better because I realize he is just human just like me — prone to make honest mistakes. I also stopped looking for perfect love. Love will always be love without complications. On the other hand, any complication will teach you how important that person is in your life.”
Coming from the famous Salvador showbiz clan, Maja said she also feels the pressure to excel. “I know the award-winning Salvadors in showbiz. I am doing my best because I want them to be proud of me as well.”