A 'Thorny' love story

MANILA, Philippines - Matinik is the most fitting adjective to describe My Cactus Heart, Star Cinema’s latest offering on the heels of Enteng ng Ina Mo, the 2011 Metro Filmfest top-grosser starring Vic Sotto and Ai-Ai delas Alas, and A Mother’s Story, Pokwang’s first full-length drama assignment.

Directed by Enrico Santos, My Cactus Heart introduces a new kind of love triangle topbilling Maja Salvador, Xian Lim and Matteo Guidicelli in his first movie-starring role.

My Cactus Heart is the first movie outing of Maja after the landmark Thelma for which she got rave reviews for her portrayal of a long-distance runner who beat the odds not only on the racing field but on the home front.

In the movie, Maja plays Sandy who comes from a dysfunctional family. She’s a heart-breaker who doesn’t believe that there’s such a thing as a happily-ever-after, until two men come along, played by Matteo and Xian, one of whom will change Sandy’s cynical attitude towards living and loving.

In real life, Maja and Matteo have been (or still are?) an item. They hit the headlines last year after their not-so-pleasant encounter with Coco Martin at a social event, but ruffled feathers have been ironed out since then.

with Enrico Santos, the movie’s director.

Aside from movies, Maja has amply proven her thespic worth in teleseryes such as Impostor and Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin. She will soon topbill another intriguing soap, Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin, airing soon also on ABS-CBN.

Both Xian and Matteo have also proven that they are more than just pretty faces in ABS-CBN soaps, and they approach their roles in My Cactus Heart with confidence.

Those who have seen the rushes swear that My Cactus Heart is Maja’s best performance so far.

Said Maja, “I may not be a heart-breaker but I know where my character Sandy is coming from. I can only sympathize with her.”

The second 2012 offering of Star Cinema, My Cactus Heart is opening in more than 100 theaters nationwide on Jan. 25.