Lovi Poe admitted she was initially reluctant to accept the “Unwanted” episode of Shake, Rattle & Roll (SRR) XIV, not because she wasn’t interested, but because of all her movie and TV commitments.

“It was just nagkasunud-sunod na din ‘yung horror films na nagawa ko from Aswang, Guniguni and Tiktik, tapos busy pa ako with another movie, The Bride & The Lover, and my drama series, Yesterday’s Bride. Kaya ayoko sanang tanggapin,” Lovi told reporters during an intimate press gathering held at the Imperial Palace Suites in Quezon City, Monday night.

“Pero sino ba naman po ang makakatanggi kay Mother Lily [Regal Films producer]. Malaki po ang utang na loob ako kay Mother because she’s the one who gave me my very first movie, Shake, Rattle & Roll IX [Lovi was part of the Christmas Tree episode].

“It was also an opportunity to work with Direk Chito Roño and with Vhong Navarro, kaya my friends urged me, ‘Tanggapin mo na, Vhong Navarro ‘yon.”

But while Lovi had second thoughts, co-star Vhong said he was very excited when he learned that he was going to be part of SRR XIV.

“Lahat ata tayo we grew up watching the series, kase part na din ng tradisyon ng Metro Manila Film Festival ang SRR,” Vhong said. “Parang di yata maku-kumpleto ang career ko kung di ako naka-sama sa SRR—tapos si Lovi pa ang makakasama ko!”

“‘Di pa man kami nagkakatrabaho ni Lovi, nababaitan na ako sa kanya,” Vhong, who then recalled how they first met at an airport, and how Lovi greeted him.
 
Mother lily’s magic
Vhong pointed out that it is only Mother Lily who could put together actors from all across networks in one movie. “I enjoyed doing SRR because I got to work with actors from other networks, and si Mother lang yata ang pwede gumawa nun.”

In the episode Unwanted, written by Roy Iglesias, Lovi and Vhong play an expectant couple who finds themselves trapped inside a mall after a disaster strikes. This sends every survivor in a queer place beneath the structure where mysterious events took place even before the mall was constructed. As they try to find their way out and back to the surface, they encounter dangerous alien creatures. But the two are determined to survive and stay alive, if only for the sake of their unborn child.

The episode also stars Eula Caballero, Albie Casiño, Carlo Aquino and Chokoleit.

 “The setting is medyo apocalyptic and futuristic, kaya it is something new,” added Lovi.

How was working with Vhong and Direk Chito? “It was a really a good experience. Si Vhong kasi is smart and very funny and he makes everyone laugh on the set. As for Direk Chito, simple lang ang hinihingi niya but when you watch on screen, iba ang dating. Ang galing ni Direk.”

On his part, Vhong also praised Lovi for her acting. He said, “Mata pa lang niya umaarte na. She is really a good actress, and ang saya ko dahil tinanggap niya ko bilang leading man. Sana next time maka-work ko siya in a full length movie na.”

The two other episodes in this horror-suspense trilogy are “Pamana” (written by Ricky Lee), starring Janice de Belen, Arlene Muhlach and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, and “Lost Command” by Rody Vera, with Dennis Trillo, Paolo Avelino and Martin Escudero.

Loveless Lovi
Since they both enjoyed working together, reporters tried to tease the two and ask if it was possible for them to fall for each other.

Lovi who admitted she is currently single says she finds Vhong very likable. “Of course. His sense of humor is very appealing.”

Vhong, however, said, “Sorry, but I’m in a relationship right now. It’s complicated. Pero sino ba naman ang hindi magkaka-crush, or hahanga sa isang Lovi Poe?”

After the press conference, Lovi was again asked about the status of her lovelife. “I’m single po,” was her answer and stressed that she remains good friends with Ronald Singson and Jake Cuenca who were previously linked to her.