MANILA, Philippines—For the next "Enteng Kabisote" sequel, Vic Sotto had to find a replacement for Kristine Hermosa, his female lead in the four earlier versions.
"I couldn't cast her for this one because of her connection with Oyo," Vic told Inquirer on Thursday. "I don't think she will still be effective as 'Faye.'" Kristine is engaged to Oyo, Vic's son, who is also in the cast. They are said to be altar-bound in January.
Kristine played "Faye Kabisote," the fairy wife of Vic's character, "Enteng," from 2004 to 2007.
In July, Oyo's mom, actress Dina Bonnevie, confirmed the couple's wedding plans. She said Oyo had gone to Canada, where Kristine's family is, to formally ask for her hand in marriage.
Enter Australian-born Gwen Zamora: "We needed a new face, fresh and beautiful. At that time, GMA 7 had just signed up new talents. When we saw her, we knew she was it," said Vic.
Unanimous decision
Gwen and her family moved to the Philippines five years ago, when she was 14. She is a filmmaking student at the College of St. Benilde, and is in the cast of the gag show "Bubble Gang." She studied acting in Australia and clowning at Singapore's Commedia Dell' Arte.
"We were unanimous in our decision to get her as Faye. Just look at her," Vic said. He meant himself, co-star Sen. Bong Revilla and "Enteng" director Tony Reyes.
"Agimat sa Mundo ni Enteng" is a collaboration of Vic's M-Zet Productions and Bong's Imus Productions. Also co-producing are OctoArts Films, GMA Films and APT Entertainment.
"We've been planning to do a movie [together] since we did 'Captain Barbell and Lastikman' [in 2003]," Vic said.
Action-comedy
Only late last year did the two sit down to discuss a project in earnest. They both fielded entries in the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival. Vic starred with Cristine Reyes in "My Darling Kong Aswang." Bong's "Ang Panday" topped the box-office race and won Best Actor.
"Senator Bong said, 'Si Agimat at si Enteng pagsalubungin natin ng landas.' I agreed. It was that simple," Vic recalled. "He takes care of the action aspect and I take care of the comedy."
How is work divided between the two superstars? "It's 50-50 all the way," Vic said. "I have my team, he has his own. Soon, our two teams were working as one."
Vic described his co-star as "very creative, and serious about his job. We have the same work habits. We both work very hard."
"Agimat sa Mundo ni Enteng" is an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival in December.
(E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph.)
