Lovi Poe: Tough Love

The past two weeks couldn’t have been more bittersweet for singer/actress Lovi Poe. After years of acting under the klieg lights, her name was finally called to receive her very first Best Actress award at the recent Cinemalaya Film Festival, a personal milestone for the daughter of the late King of Philippine Cinema, Fernando Poe Jr.

But just as the actress hit cloud nine, news broke out of the arrest of someone very dear to her — shocking to those close to Lovi, but a report that would be inappropriate to dissect in these pages. With every rumormonger wanting to get a piece of her, she has chosen to keep mum about the controversy and has decided to focus on work — she’s seen regularly in musical variety show Party Pilipinas, and a TV project and indie film are both in the works. In control of her music, television and movie career, she seems to be handling the headlines well, with many noticing that she’s been looking her best as of late.

After her critically acclaimed portrayal in indie film Mayohan and as these photos prove, it seems that on- and offscreen, Lovi Poe is a knockout.

YOUNG STAR: The past couple of weeks saw both a career high and a personal low for you. How are you coping?

LOVI POE: First of all I didn’t expect to win my Best Actress award, and I was pleasantly shocked. Sometimes, though, you realize that no matter what kind of achievement you get, the heartbreaking things overpower those achievements. There are things that you just can’t take back. I was feeling more down during those past couple of weeks.

How do you handle struggles and hardships in life?

Whatever happens, the show must go on. This industry doesn’t allow you to take pauses so I keep myself busy with work and at the end of the day that’s when I deal with the personal stuff.

Do you have any regrets?

None. Once you start regretting things, then you can never move forward with your life.

If you could live someone else’s life for a day, whose would it be?

Dan Brown. I want to know what goes on in his mind.

What is helping you get by right now?

I just keep telling myself that a man without prayer is like a tree without roots.

What have you learned throughout this ordeal?

I realized the people who are true to me, my friends and my family. But sadly there are also people who choose to disrespect and betray.

What song would sum up your current state of mind?

Recently, I’ve been listening to Regine (Velasquez)’s album “Low Key.” I like listening to a lot of songs there like Tell Me That You Love Me and And I Love You So.

What mantra do you live by?

Always have respect. I’m surprised myself sometimes that even if people disrespect me to my face, I still find it within me to maintain my respect for that person.

What cause are you passionate about?

I’ve always loved kids and I think we have to instill proper moral values while they’re young to make sure that they carry it on in the future.

What’s your idea of perfect happiness?

Having the right people around me. Material things won’t give me happiness; at the end of the night, you can hug all your bags but they won’t hug you back.

What’s the most painful thing love has taught you?

You have to choose who and what you’re fighting for.

What do you love about your job?

The people. There are times when the passion fades because of all the intrigues but when people give you words of encouragement, you are reminded why you’re here and how blessed you are.

Which person would you like to collaborate with?

Regine Velasquez.

If you could invite five personalities to a dinner, who would they be?

The cast of Friends.

Not a lot of people know you’re a bookworm, which book made an impact on your life?

The Little Prince. I read it in high school and totally changed my perspective on life.

What book would you suggest to someone who’s going through something?

Why Men Marry Bitches. It’s a fun read and gives great advice.

After your best actress win for Mayohan, can we expect more of you on the indie scene?

I love doing independent films because you get to explore different characters and you’re given more freedom as an actor. I didn’t expect the acting award because while I was doing the movie I thought I disappointed the producers. I had a hard time with the Quezon province accent.

What’s one skill people might be surprised to know you possess?

I write a lot of poems and I write songs as well.

If you could sit front row at any concert, who would it be?

Britney Spears. I know she gets a lot of flak but I want to see her haters attempt to do what she does onstage.