John Arcilla recalls first love scene with Rosanna Roces in ‘Ligaya’
MANILA, Philippines — Award-winning actor John Arcilla recalled feeling nervous while filming his first love scene with Rosanna Roces in the 1997 film “Ligaya Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin.”
In an interview on “Kay Susan Tayo Vlogs,” John looked back on how the film marked his transition from theater acting to becoming a leading man in mainstream cinema.
The actor began his career in theater before gaining wider recognition through a television commercial featuring the line “Coffee na lang, dear.” He later appeared in the mainstream film “Sa 'Yo Lamang” while continuing to perform onstage.
His big break came when veteran actress and film producer Armida Siguion-Reyna noticed him playing Jose Rizal in a theater production.
Siguion-Reyna eventually offered him the opportunity to become the leading man of Roces in “Ligaya Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin,” which was intended to establish the actress, then known for her sexy films, as a full-fledged dramatic performer.
John said he was surprised to be considered for a leading role in a Reyna Films production, which had worked with established stars such as Maricel Soriano, Snooky Serna, Dina Bonnevie and Richard Gomez.
“Why not? Kasi kapag sinabi mo noon na Reyna Films mga ano lang 'yan Maricel Soriano, Snooky Serna, Dina Bonnevie, Richard Gomez, ano lang 'yan mga number one na mga matinee idol at saka mga aktres, 'yun lang ang kinukuha,” he recalled.
“E, napasama ako, sabi ko, ‘Woooo! Ano'ng ibig sabihin nito?!’” he added.
John also remembered Siguion-Reyna's reaction to the unusual pairing, given his portrayal of the national hero and the contrasting characters they played in the film.
“Sabi daw ni Tita Midz, ‘Ano kayang sasabihin ng tao kapag nakita nila si Jose Rizal na nakapatong kay Rosanna Roces?’ 'Yun ang eksaktong sinabi ni Tita Midz,” he said.
In the film, John played Paul, a conservative provincial man who falls in love with a woman of the world.
When the time came to shoot their love scene, Arcilla admitted that he was nervous as the crew prepared them for the intimate sequence.
“Sabi ko, ‘Ano ba 'tong ginagawa ko?’” he recalled.
The actor said Roces helped him overcome his anxiety when she admitted that she, too, had been nervous while filming her first love scene.
“Tapos nu'ng sinabi ni Rosanna Roces 'yon na, ‘Ako mismo John nu'ng first time, nanginginig ako.' Ah, dive ako sa eksena, go!” he said.
RELATED: John Arcilla hits ‘idol’ mentality in politics amid flooding
- Latest
- Trending
