Lovi Poe is set to make her big screen return in “Guilty Pleasure,” a project she is especially proud of as it is a co-production between her and husband Monty Blencowe’s C’est Lovi Productions and Regal Entertainment Inc.
“Guilty Pleasure is our first local collaboration with Regal. My husband is guiding me, teaching me how it is produced, and so I take care more of the creative side — like coming up with concepts, acquiring or writing scripts, and casting. So, I have the fun part of things. He does all the financial side of things,” Poe shared in an intimate interview with the press.
Apart from her being the co-producer for the project, the film also holds sentimental value for Poe as it is one of the final three projects approved by Regal matriarch, Mother Lily Monteverde, before her passing.
“It’s sad, but it’s nice that I’m part of it. Mother Lily was an instrumental figure in my career. Without her, I wouldn’t even be here. I started with Regal, when no one else would take a chance on me as an actress, she was the first to say yes. Now, I want to do my best to honor her and hope people will watch this movie because I want to do it for Mother Lily,” Poe shared emotionally.
Directed by Connie Macatuno and written by Noreen Capili, “Guilty Pleasure” stars Poe alongside JM De Guzman and Jameson Blake who all play as lawyers.
The film is said to explore “the complex relationship and personal struggles of three lawyers as they navigate their way through love, betrayal, revenge.”
“I’m very proud of this movie, which is why I’m so excited for people to see it, because it’s something I don’t think I’ve seen in Filipino cinema. It’s a legal drama. We have court hearings, of course, but it also shows the personal lives of the lawyers and what they’re going through,” enthused Poe.
When asked about her involvement as a producer, Poe revealed she had some input in casting.
“I had requests. I’ve wanted to work with JM for a while, and I really like Jameson’s work. They were perfect fits, and I’m blessed because they’re both great actors and genuinely kind people,” she said.
The film also features daring scenes that push boundaries. According to Poe, the film’s sexy moments have importance to the story.
“Some scenes are daring, but they are necessary for the film. It’s a crucial part of the storytelling, showing the contrast between normal intimacy and something far from it, which plays a significant role in the characters’ dynamics,” she shared.
As for her first role as a lawyer, Poe admitted it was challenging. Despite her initial hesitations, Poe was drawn to the script.
“Honestly, I used to say I’d never want to play a lawyer or a doctor because of the memorization required. You have to be credible in these roles, and it’s not just about being emotional — you have to know what you’re doing and do your research,” she said.
“The moment I got my script, I started memorizing right away. I even worked with an acting coach, repeating my lines daily for weeks before the shoot. It paid off because when I got to the set, everything was done in one take,” she added.
In the end, Poe mentioned that “Guilty Pleasure” is a project she’s passionate about because it addresses important themes that need to be discussed.
“It’s something people have to watch. What we’ve shown in our teasers are really just teasers — you still don’t know what’s going to happen. I have a feeling that once people watch it, it will spark a conversation, and they’ll be like, ‘Wow, I didn’t expect this movie to be about that,'” she continued.
“Guilty Pleasure” is set to premiere on October 16 in cinemas nationwide.
