Ai-Ai & Marian in Kung Fu Divas ‘The ultimate catfight’

MANILA, Philippines - What happens when two “queens” from rival TV kingdoms come together for a project? Expect sparks flying. The triumvirate of Star Cinema, Reality Entertainment and O. & Co. Picture Factory pulled off a casting coup by having Kapamilya comedy queen Ai-Ai delas Alas and Kapuso primetime drama queen Marian Rivera topbill Kung Fu Divas directed by Onat Diaz and which hits cinemas on Oct. 2.

According to direk Onat, the idea was to have the “ultimate catfight film” featuring “not only bigger- than-life characters but also larger-than-life actresses.” He added he never thought of anyone else for the film, and had the two not agreed to do it, he was ready to put it on the back burner.

Ai-Ai and Marian are pitted against each other as bitter rivals in a beauty pageant who eventually find themselves joining forces for a mission of epic kung fu proportions. The teaser trailers are promising a riot of a comedy, banking on Ai- Ai’s tried-and-tested comedy box-office draw and Marian’s apparently natural flair for comedy, rarely seen on her TV projects, but about to be exposed and all in this film. Apart from being its lead stars, the two are also on board Kung Fu Divas as co- producers.

Ai-Ai said the film was very physically-challenging to make, as it was her first time to do action, unlike Marian, who has had some training in wushu, muay thai and other martial arts for her roles in series like Darna and Amaya. Expert stuntmen from China were flown in to help in the fight and flying scenes.

But there’s more to the action, effects and comedy, according to Marian. The story of Ai-Ai’s character Charlotte, she said, delves into her family of titleholders, from her mother, to her sisters to even her father. Marian’s character Samantha is grappling with insecurities and identity issues after being solely raised by her grandmother.

Ai-Ai related that when direk Onat raised the possibility of her working with Marian, her first question was, would Marian be allowed by her home network? “Sabi ko, ‘Wow!’ Unang tanong ko, ‘Pinayagan ba siya?’ because we’re from rival networks. So, I said, let’s pray for it, I hope she is allowed. So, nung alam kong magsu-shoot na kami, sabi ko, ‘Wow, ang ganda naman. Ang galing naman, napapayag na magkasama kaming dalawa.’”

Marian said it wasn’t hard asking permission from GMA, where she is one of the network’s prime and highest- paid stars. With her manager, Tony Tuviera, they sent a formal letter and “hindi rin naman naging mahirap para sa kanila (GMA) umoo dahil alam nilang producer ako. They are supportive of me.”

“I also believe it’s destiny,” added Marian.

Kung Fu Divas is Ai-Ai’s third project as a producer, while this is Marian’s“baptism of fire” so to speak. “I don’t really find it difficult although everytime we have meetings, we are given a list of things to take care of, then we have events that we need to attend, promos, there’s a lot to consider. If you’re the actress, your concern is to arrive on the set, memorize your lines, deliver, exit frame. Here, no.”

As co- producers, their talent fees served as their contribution to the overall film budget, with Marian adding more because “mas malaki naman yung talent fee ni Ate Ai.”

Ai-Ai also divulged that Marian was given “special treatment” like catering during a meeting at the Star Cinema headquarters in the ABS-CBN Compound. “With Sisterakas (her last film with Star Cinema), we didn’t experience that,” Ai- Ai joked.

Marian also got to guest in various top ABS-CBN shows although she had to beg off from some out of respect for her station. (Interestingly, Marian almost made it as

an ABS talent because when she had her internship at the network’s HR department, being a Psychology major, she was invited to attend go-sees, but declined because she wanted to finish her schooling.) The actress never thought it would be possible to promote in the territory of the “competition.” “Natutuwa ako na ginagawa nating possible lahat.

Hindi porke’t nasa kabilang istasyon ka, hindi ka maaaring makadayo sa kabilang istasyon. Parang napuputol ang rivalry ng dalawa although alam naman natin na siyempre kailangan ng competition. Pero dahil sa nangyayaring ito, ang saya.”

Apart from her first-time experiences as producer and working with ABS-CBN’s filmmaking arm, Marian treasures the friendship she gained with her Ate Ai with the experience.

“I was able to form a friendship that I never expected,” Marian said, adding that “How Ate Ai is on TV, that’s how she in person. She’s very down-to- earth! Hindi ko naramdaman na box-office star siya, she never made me feel that way. She pulled me up. Talagang pinantay niya ako.”

Yes, there were sparks, but the good kind. “Our partnership in the movie, you can tell we are a match. We have onscreen chemistry,” said Ai-Ai.

She also recalled being captivated by Marian’s beauty on their first meeting, laughingly relating, “It was like I was seeing the Virgin Mary. So beautiful, so white! So, if you notice, I’m also trying to whiten my skin. I admit I’m not beautiful, but I’m trying to achieve her flawless skin. Gusto ko nang laklakin yung mga glutathione. I was really mesmerized by her beauty.” Ai-Ai said that working

with Marian, she got to debunk herself the things being said about Marian. The “taray” reputation for one. “She’s actually very sweet.”

About her lovelife, Ai-Ai noticed Marian’s willingness to be “submissive,” just to make her relationship work with Dingdong Dantes. “I also try to be submissive pero hindi lang talaga ako na-bless ng isang Dingdong Dantes,” she laughed.

On a serious note, Ai-Ai also revealed that Marian provided comfort and consolation when she was at her lowest point because of her much-publicized short-lived marriage.

Marian recalled that time, “I don’t have the right to give her any advice because I have not experienced what she experi- enced. In my relationship now, I’m happy. I’m just here to com- fort here, to give her pasalubong and to cheer her up. Yun lang ang magagawa ko sa kanya.”

Ai-Ai shared that every day, Marian would be bringing her small gifts, a gesture well- appreciated. “Araw-araw meron akong pasalubong, hindi naman kailangan mahal. That she was thinking of me even when she was shooting a soap at that time, ha? I’m really happy with her gesture. It’s hard to find true friends in showbiz. (But) if I were to describe her with one word, it’s ‘true.’”

Kung Fu Divas also stars Gloria Diaz, Nova Villa, Bianca Manalo, Precious Lara Quigaman, Edward Mendez and Roderick Paulate