A millennial fairy tale
If they were to switch personalities, how would things be? Paolo Ballesteros: ‘I would join the Bb. Pilipinas pageant.’ And what is it about Solenn Heussaff that he wished he had? ‘Her husband, hahaha!!!’
To honor all mothers…biological, adoptive and whatever… Regal Entertainment, Inc.’s Mother’s Day (May 13) offering, My 2 Mommies, is a delight. Directed by Eric Quizon, the comedy stars Paolo Ballesteros and Solenn Heussaff as an odd couple. Paolo plays Manu, a discreet gay guy with a successful career but is not “out” with his family (or so he thinks). One day, Solenn as Monique, a woman from Manu’s past, shows up and springs a surprise on Manu — they have a son (played by Marcus Cabais). That explains thetitle. “It’s timely,” said Paolo who has a love daughter in real life. “The movie tackles an issue that is very relevant today. Hindi lang iisang klase ang Nanay. May iba’t-ibang Nanay.”
“People can relate to the story,”agreed Solenn. “People’s views aboutthings have changed considerably. They have become acceptable…you know, even about people’s sexual orientation.”
Paolo: “Motherhood is not bound by biological attachment. Some women gladly assume ‘a mother role’ to children even if they are not the real moms.”
Solenn: “The LGBT community is now a strong force in our society, and anywhere in the world. Several countries have approved same-sex marriage laws.”
Opening nationwide on May 9, My 2 Mommies also stars, among others, Maricel Soriano (as the energized youngest sister of Manu’s mother), Joem Bascon (as Manu’s partner), Diane Medina (as Manu’s younger sister) and Billy Ray Gallion (as Monique’s techno-wizard husband).
How was it working together in a movie for the first time?
Paolo: Solenn was with Eat, Bulaga! for some time.
Since then, she has been very professional and punctual, always on time. She has never changed. Walang kaarte-arte. She can even do her makeup nang nakaupo sa sahig. And she’s very natural when it comes to acting. Galing! Solenn: Pao is amazing to work with. Very professional and always on time. He gets along fine with everyone on the set. He’s basically quiet until he starts joking around with everybody.
Did you engage in “girl talk” between takes on the set (about boys, makeup, etc.)?
Paolo: Before we started shooting, we did a workshop/exercise with direk Eric and we shared some “secrets” hahaha!!!
Solenn: Not much “girl talk.” I’ve always been a fan of Pao’s makeup skills and I have asked him many times why he hasn’t tried to do my face yet, hahahaha!!! He said that I was difficult to do. But I’m still positive that I can convince him to, lol. What do you think you have in common (aside from beauty)?
Paolo: Aside from beauty? Hahahaha!!! Both of us are artists. I am really proud of her because she has had exhibits of her works and that’s something I would love to do as well.
Solenn: Like me, Pao is very much into art. He is not only amazing at recreating people but he paints, too. (Paolo is the great grandson of Fernando Amorsolo whose daughter is Paolo’s grandmother. — RFL) He was talking to me about resin painting which I haven’t tried yet. Also, I don’t think we are too different from each other. I’m also quiet on the set but easy to talk to. I can also be lukaret and kalog. I think we have more similarities than differences.
If you were to switch personalities, how would things be? Paolo: I would be joining the Bb. Pilipinas, hahahaha!!! Solenn: (No answer) What is it about Solenn that you wish you had?