Albert and the ‘X’ factor

Curtain-raiser:

• Congrats to Gil Portes whose latest film, Munting Tinig, has been invited to join the Toronto International Film Festival in September by no less than Steve Gravestock, a festival official who described it as Gil’s "finest film so far." Also included in the same event is Joel Lamangan’s Hubog, winner of several awards in last December’s Metro Filmfest.

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Because his starrers almost always get an "X" from the MTRCB, including his latest, Imus Productions’ sex-drama Ang Galing-Galing Mo, Babes, Albert Martinez (and leading lady Joyce Jimenez) are getting to be known as the "X" stars, a rating that makes the public more curious about a movie which eventually turns into a box-office hit.

Babes, directed by Ed Palmos, went through the eye of a needle, so to speak, before it got an "R-18" rating after first its trailer and then the whole movie were "X-ed." Previous to this, Albert’s movie with Joyce, Scorpio Nights 2, and Ekis (with Sunshine Cruz) also got an "X" before they were approved with a "R-18."

"In fact," recalled Albert, "Scorpio first got a ‘double X’ so it was sent on appeal to Malacañang."

Although he concedes that Babes is his boldest screen caper so far, with him playing a man who uses women for his own and other men’s pleasure, Albert doesn’t show private flesh in the movie, saying that he definitely has "limitations" including not doing any frontal nudity.

"Besides," smiled Albert, "am I not too old for that?"

But five years ago, he almost did in an abortive project called Linda Marikit in which he would have played a transvestite stripped to the buff by the Japanese (the story is set during the Japanese Occupation) to expose his real gender and to public humiliation.

"At that time," said Albert, "I already conditioned myself that I would be showing my ‘front,’ kaya lang hindi rin naman natuloy ’yung project." (Linda Marikit will be filmed soon, directed by Joel Lamangan for his and company’s own outfit, with Jay Manalo as the lover of the character Albert was supposed to play, a part turned down by Onemig Bondoc because he couldn’t do a kissing-love scene with Jay.)

How is Joyce as a sex partner?

"On the screen?" Albert was quick to emphasize. "She’s okay. We’re comfortable with each other because, besides having the same manager (Shirley Kuan), we trust each other, we protect each other. Kabisado na namin lahat, from the blocking to the choreography. May sarili na kaming choreography in our love scenes. Everything is automatic na with us."

Babes is Albert’s second movie with Ed Palmos who first directed him in the Rufa Mae Quinto-topbilled comedy Gloria Labandera.

"Ed wanted to make a comeback," said Albert, "and I’m doing him a favor by appearing in Babes. It’s a good movie. I’m saying it not because I’m in it. Ed is a good director and Babes is, I think, one of his best works."

Albert’s "bold" image hardly bothers his wife Liezl and their children (Alyanna, 17, a high school senior at Poveda; Alfonso, 15, a high school sophomore at La Salle; and Alyssa, 10, Grade 3 at St. Paul’s College). There was only one time when Liezl walked out of Albert’s movie (Ekis) because she found Albert’s sofa love scene with Sunshine "offensive." There were reports, which both Albert and Liezl later denied, that the incident led to a brief separation.

Since then, according to Albert, "I always discuss with Liezl any project, especially if it’s a bold/sexy one, before I make a decision. I let her read the script. Then I ask her, ‘What do you think? Should I do it?’ Liezl and I have a silent understanding on what I can do and what I can’t do, what I should do and what I shouldn’t do."

Surprisingly, added Albert, their children have become more understanding and more broad-minded as they grew older.

"Before, nako-conscious sila in school. Now, they take it as a matter of course, a job that I have to do. They’re even proud of me."

Because most of his roles require him to bare parts of his body, Albert sees to it that he’s always in pang-romansa form. He exercises regularly, lifts weights and does the treadmill whether at home or at the Discovery Spa in Ortigas Center. He avoids fats, rice, sweets and red meat, and limits himself to a diet of potato, camote, tufo and vegetables. He takes vitamins C (as many as 1,500 mg. daily), E (1,000 IUs), B-Pollen and Aspilets (80 mg. to prevent blood from thickening).

Anytime now, Albert will start shooting Regal Films’ Two Timer (with Ara Mina).

Of course, he expects the "X" factor to again come into the picture as soon as the movie is put to can and submitted for review to the MTRCB.

"So what else is new?" said Albert. "Sanay na akong na-e-X-ed."

What’s up?

• The "I Love You, Yaya!" basic seminar for care-givers will be presented by Businessworks, Inc., led by STAR Lifestyle columnist Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, and the Center for Early Childhood Care & Development, Inc. on Aug. 10 (Saturday), 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the ground floor of the Avalon Condominium, Xavier St., Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila. Topics to be discussed include: Self-Awareness; Health, Hygiene and Nutrition for both yaya and child; Knowing the Child (Development Milestones); Creating a Stimulating Environment; First Aid, Emergencies and Common Pediatric Illnesses; Effective Communication with Children; and Family and yaya Partnership. There will also be games. Seminar fee is P1,500 (inclusive of lunch, two snacks, giveaways, handouts and certificates). Slots are limited, so call now for reservations – 0916-4572687 (ask for Annie).