Kier Legaspi makes a comeback in the movies

MANILA, Philippines — After seven years of not appearing in any film, Kier Legaspi makes his comeback in director GB Sampedro’s sexy, psycho-thriller, Kinsenas, Katapusan.

“I’m alive again when I did my first scene in Kinsenas, Katapusan,” Kier admits. “Naging masaya ulit ang puso ko. I’m very happy that I’m back on the filmmaking scene and with Viva again, because this is where I started.”

Kier was introduced in showbiz as a teenage newcomer in 1989 in Mike Relon Makiling’s Estudyante Blues and has made more than 40 films to date. Reviving his film career was a no-brainer. He didn’t feel any stress while working again.

When he arrived on the Kinsenas, Katapusan set, Kier was pleased to see co-actor Joko Diaz. “I was so happy when I saw Joko,” Kier offers. “Isa siya sa mga katrabaho ko noon and we did several movies together. Kahit na hindi naman ako nakagawa ng movie ng matagal, I made sure I did my assignment when I started shooting again.”

Kier and Joko previously worked together in nearly a dozen films. With director Deo Fajardo Jr., they co-starred in Angelito San Miguel: Ang Batang City Jail (1991), Utol Kong Hoodlum 2 (1992), Jesus de la Cruz at ang mga Batang Riles (1992) and Blue Jeans Gang (1992).

They also starred in Ben Feleo’s Teacher’s Enemy No. 1 (1990), Ike Jarlego Jr.’s Andres Manambit: Angkan ng Matatapang (1992); Toto Natividad’s Grepor Butch Belgica Story (1995); Anak ni Boy Negro (1997); and Jose “Kaka” Balagtas’ Boy Chico: Hulihin si Ben Tumbling (1997).

Kier is thankful to his non-showbiz better half, who understands the demands of his profession. “Before naman kami kinasal, alam na ng wife ko ang work ko,” he explains. “Alam niya na artista ako. Hindi naman siya nabibigla. I also know my limitations. My wife is very understanding and very supportive. I’m very thankful for that.”

He refuses to seriously think about the boundaries he will set with his acting career, now that he has made a comeback. “Pwede naman naming pag-usapan ‘yun ni Boss Vic (del Rosario),” Kier maintains.

“Kung ano ang hinihingi ng eksena, kung logical siya at kailangan, definitely, I’ll do it,” he adds. “Ang character ko naman dito, simple lang talaga. Business partner ako ni Joko. So nothing was daring.”

Born into a prominent showbiz family — veteran actor Lito Legaspi was his dad, while Zoren and Brando are his brothers — Kier proudly carries with him the esteemed legacy of his dad, who passed on in 2019.

Kier insists his life remains the same, even if he has been away from filmmaking for more than seven years. His last big screen appearance was a minor role in Chito Roño’s Boy Golden: Shoot To Kill (2013). Before that, he was seen in Natividad’s Paraiso (2005).

“I don’t complicate my life,” Kier allows. “Wala naman talagang pinagbago if I took a break or gumawa na ulit ako ng pelikula ngayon. It’s still the same.”

Kier was a bit surprised that young female newcomers were daring enough to bare onscreen now. Yet, he did not easily pass judgement on the young ladies.

“Nanibago ako sa mga new stars, but I’m happy, ma-respeto sila sa mga stars na nauna sa kanila,” Kier says. “At the end of the day, it’s still art. That’s how I look at it, regardless if it’s drama with sensitive scenes or another genre.”

Yet, the new female stars made work a breeze for him. “Lahat ng nakasama kong artista, mababait at marunong makisama,” Kier shares. “I had so much fun doing this movie.”

Kier commends the newcomers he worked with in Kinsenas, Katapusan, which streams on Vivamax starting Feb. 4. Kier plays Mike, the business partner of Joko, who essays the rich and powerful character, Conrado.

Miss Earth Philippines 2019 Janelle Tee plays the gorgeous Karen who’s a very aggressive and strong woman. Angela Morena, who was recently seen in Sanggano, Sanggago’t, Sanggwapo: Aussie, Aussie (O Sige), essays the role of Carla.

Rising sexy star of Viva Films, Ayanna Misola, who captured everyone in Darryl Yap’s Pornstar 2: Pangalawang Putok and also in Roman Perez’s Jr.’s Siklo, plays 15-year-old student named Beth in Kinsenas, Katapusan.

Former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Jamilla Obispo, who was earlier seen in Lawrence Fajardo’s X Deal (2011) and Mahjong Nights (2021), plays Melba in Kinsenas, Katapusan.

“Ang napansin ko sa mga newcomers na kasama namin, very professional sila,” Kier notes. “Pinag-aaralan din nila ang script nila. Off-camera, nakikipag-kwentuhan sila sa amin. Masaya kami. Pagdating on camera at kailangan ng magtrabaho, lahat sila seryoso. I’m proud of them.”