It’s that time of the year again when couples all over the world flex their romantic muscles! Call it a Hallmark holiday created for marketing purposes but, guess what? It matters and it’s relevant. Valentine’s Day is the one time of the year when you’re allowed to go all cheesy on your special someone without looking like a douche. So go on and get ready for a whole lot of lovin’.
Reel-life partners and stars of My Valentine Girls Richard Gutierrez and Solenn Heussaff are all set for the big day and dishes some tips on how to make the season of hearts extra special.
YOUNG STAR: Is Valentine’s Day something you prepare for?
SOLENN HEUSSAFF: Not really because every Valentine’s Day, I find myself single. So I tend to go with the flow. Let’s see what happens this year.
RICHARD GUTIERREZ: I always try and make Valentine’s Day a bit more special than a regular date. It’s the time of the year when you can test your romantic skills.
What turns you on?
SOLENN: A guy with confidence is always attractive — confident but not cocky. Someone funny, easy to talk to and who is passionate about something.
RICHARD: A woman who’s intelligent, who knows what she wants, speaks her mind and is drama-free. I also look at her taste in clothing, music and movies; someone who’s classy but can be a cowgirl when she needs to be.
You two seem to have great onscreen chemistry. Is that a natural thing or can it be manufactured?
SOLENN: It’s a natural thing because how we are in the movie is similar to how we are in real life.
RICHARD: It helped that we are friends, meaning we have no more inhibitions. We are very comfortable with each other and that transmits through the camera.
What did you discover about each other while making the film?
SOLENN: He’s very patient and he teaches me a lot. He helped me with my lines and made it as natural as possible for me. He’s quite the gentleman in that way.
RICHARD: I learned that Solenn is a natural actress. She seemed like a veteran! She picks up things quick and, as our director puts it, she’s raw. She’s like a blank
When doing a make-out scene in front of strangers, is it choreographed or you just go for it?
SOLENN: We just went with the flow and what felt right. We had to take it seven times because of different camera angles.
RICHARD: There are some technicalities to it in terms of camera angles and proper framing. Sometimes you need to adjust your positioning. But when you kiss, you kiss. You go for it and you just make it as sweet as possible.
You’re both accomplished individually. What other goals have you set for yourself?
SOLENN: To be fluent in Tagalog by December and to learn how to cry in real life and in movies.
RICHARD: I always work on improving myself. Becoming stronger mentally, physically and spiritually — gain wisdom and find the perfect balance in life. I try to remain as positive as I can in all aspects.
What’s your all-time favorite love story?
SOLENN: The Notebook, to find that everlasting love which is rare nowadays.
RICHARD: Nothing beats the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet.
What would it get you to head toward the exit during a date?
SOLENN: Awkward silences and no flowing conversation.
RICHARD: If the girl keeps talking about materialistic things.
What’s the most romantic gift you’ve ever given?
SOLENN: A scrapbook full of memories: from plane tickets to our favorite places, quotes that we both love and memorable photos.
RICHARD: Looking back now, I’ve done the simple yet romantic gestures and I’ve done grand unforgettable gestures and I think what’s important is the experience that you will remember from it. So I’ll say when I surprised her with two plane tickets to a random place to just get lost together.
They say the way to a person’s heart is through his or her stomach. What dish would you prepare for each other?
SOLENN: My lechon sinigang. It doesn’t sound so romantic but I assure you it tastes very good and satisfying.
RICHARD: If I knew how to cook a well-prepared sinigang, I would. I know that’s her favorite Filipino dish.
What’s a place that you’ll definitely fall in love in?
SOLENN: I’d choose Paris but I lived there so I would go for Italy — the music, the food, and their culture. Just the overall vibe excites me.
RICHARD: Anywhere there’s a perfect view of the sunset, the ocean and clear skies. But Paris isn’t bad either.
What’s the worst pick-up line you’ve heard?
SOLENN: “My love for you is like diarrhea, I can’t hold it in.” It’s the worst ever!
RICHARD: I recently got this one: “I don’t usually remember names, but I remembered yours.”
If you only had P1,000 to make Valentine’s Day special, what would you do?
SOLENN: A DVD, some popcorn and a glass of white wine would complete the evening.
RICHARD: A road trip to the beach, pray for perfect weather and that’s all you need.
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My Valentine Girls is out in theaters Feb. 9.