Max begins a new chapter in her life

MANILA, Philippines -  Max Collins is happy to take on her new role as wife to Pancho Magno after the two exchanged vows in an intimate yet romantic Christian wedding last Dec. 11 at the Marriott Hotel, capping a romance that started in 2013.

These days, Max is visibly delighted at having someone by her side all the time. “Right now, I’m going through adjustments since after the wedding we spent Christmas and New Year together so ang saya, the feeling is different when you have a bigger family,” she said after the grand launch of GMA 7’s The One That Got Away (TOTGA) which she shares topbilling roles with Lovi Poe, Rhian Ramos and Dennis Trillo. The sexy romantic comedy series airs weeknights beginning Jan. 15.

With Lovi Poe (left) and Rhian Ramos, her co-stars in the GMA 7’s latest primetime series The One That Got Away that will air starting Jan. 15.

“No honeymoon yet,” she revealed. “We became so busy due to the holidays and we put priority on spending time with the family over the honeymoon.” Max is certain it will definitely take place right after they have finished tapings for their respective shows. Lest we forget, Pancho stars in the afternoon drama series Haplos.

“Once we take a break, we want it to be long like a month for our honeymoon,” Max giggled and continued, “We’re planning to go to Italy, Greece and Spain; parang Europe trip and we’re dreaming of going around just by train.”

Is there a plan to have a baby pronto?

“Kung may mabubuo ba (laughs)? Oh well, no one can tell. Only time will tell but not this year, maybe next year or the year after the next because we still want to save up that’s why our priority at this time is our work.”

Speaking of work, Max admitted that she had a hard time preparing for her character as Darcy Sibuyan in TOTGA, knowing that it requires her to stay slim and fit alongside Lovi’s Alex Makalintal and Rhian’s Zoe Velasquez. The series tells the story of three independent women who all had a romantic past with Liam (Dennis). They meet and eventually become friends only to find out later that each of them is wishing to end up at the altar with the same man — Liam. What comes next are exciting scenes where televiewers will be eager to know if the ladies can set their personal differences aside and fight for love fairly.

“It was really tough for me when I first accepted the role because I kept thinking about the abs of Lovi and Rhian. I told myself I need to be like them, kailangan kong humabol because both are so sexy. They are workout buffs which I am not so I really had to prepare earlier. But the whole sexy thing (in the show) is more, well it’s more of a comedy really so the sexy scenes are like pa-cute lang; very light and the three of us are just enjoying our chemistry that whenever there are sexy scenes, ginagawa lang namin fun, pakilig.”

Max said even Pancho didn’t see any problem with her sexy role. “We did talk about it and we compromised regarding our work but of course, I know what is acceptable and unacceptable. Same with his case so really it’s more of a compromise that we have to understand each other’s work.”

Asked if her being married limits her from playing other roles, Max believed that her new status has opened different doors of opportunities. She explained, “To be realistic, I guess it does limit but that’s because we put a label that limits us so really in any field naman it’s up to your choices or priorities and the way that you handle your career because of course, when the baby comes, projects become limited because you’ll get busy taking care of the baby. Being married is really about having different opportunities like you can be seen as a stronger woman and you can deal with more mature problems that a lot of other married women can relate to. So, I think you just open yourself to a wider audience. It’s kind of having a different dynamic when you get married.”

The change in status also drives her to becoming a better version of herself. Gone are the days when she only thinks of her welfare. “It’s really different because now I have to think not only of myself but also my husband like if he’s doing okay. I also wonder if he already had his dinner like now Pancho is sick. Nakakaawa lang kasi di ko siya maalagaan since I’m at work; ‘yun talaga ang mga differences and I guess, now I’m less selfish dahil may partner na ‘ko and I became more patient and loving.”

With Max and Pancho now living under one roof, the 25-year-old Kapuso star would like to make one thing clear so as to stop tongues from wagging about Pancho’s recent transfer to her place. She stressed that it was a practical thing to do since she already has her own house.

“We talked about it. I requested that we stay in my place. I’m still paying for my townhouse so he’s going to help me pay it out. Then, eventually we will transfer to a bigger one after saving up for our dream house. It would be a waste (of money) if he’s going to buy a new one. We’d rather save up for our dream house.”

As soon as they have transferred all of Pancho’s stuff, Max shared that they are planning to renovate the kitchen and do some changes in the interiors.

“We wanted the kitchen bigger and more comfortable to cooking. He is used to cooking more than I do so I need to learn. I guess, I’ll enjoy the process. We will be doing (household) chores together because we want to start out just the two of us,” she concluded.

(TOTGA is directed by Mark dela Cruz and Conrado Peru.)