Power couple Isay and Robert
Coolness is in everything that Isay Alvarez and Robert Seña do. I love hanging out with the power couple. They are such a ‘good vibes’ provider.
The theater icons are all revved up to regale us in the repeat of the hit musical, “Rak of Aegis” (Aug. 12 at 3 p.m. and Aug. 15 at 8 p.m.), at the Peta Theater Center.
Isay and Robert are also set to star in “Mr. and Mrs. Seña” at the CCP Little Theatre on Sept. 6 (call 8919999).
Their teamwork on and off stage/cam clicks in every angle.
I can tell you that, as the couple’s friend who has seen them in their unguarded moments, they make marriage look easy.
Here’s my chat with Isay (I) and Robert (R):
What makes “Rak” such a hit?
I: It celebrates the resilience of Pinoys.
R: The spontaneity of each actor is larger than life.
In what ways can you relate to your characters?
I: I am a strong woman just like my character, MJ (a barangay captain).
R: Mang Kiel and I have the same temper.
How do you avoid professional rivalry?
I: We support each other, and I know my place.
R: It’s always about collaboration.
What makes your marriage work?
I: We will be married for 27 years this September and what makes us stick together is our commitment to the Lord and each other, plus our endless travels.
R: Collaboration!
How do you handle artistic differences?
I: Timing is the best policy… We’re artists, and our ideas are sometimes very different, but… we can always come to the table with a bottle of wine to talk things through.
R: I believe everyone is different from each other.
What changes would you like to see in the local theater scene?
R: The only difference in the local and foreign theater scenes is the technology. If we could only have moving sets… well, that would be awesome.
What’s more fulfilling: acting on TV or onstage?
I: It’s equal. I love the dynamics and output of a teleserye, but not the long taping hours. I love the team that makes the show work very much like how it is in theater, where everything is a group effort.
I love theater because of the passion and hard work that people give, even if compensation is still minimal, but the fulfillment is a natural high after every curtain call.
R: Acting onstage. Onstage, you read your script, you rehearse, you own the character and the joy of appreciation during curtain call.
Of all the lines you have delivered, which one is your favorite ?
I: In “Rak”: “’ Di dapat iasa ang ating kabuhayan sa baha. Dapat kung saan tayo magaling… ‘ yun ang paghusayin natin.”
Is it harder to please a Pinoy or foreign audience?
I: Pinoys. Maybe because most of us sing better than others! We’re naturally born performers!
What’s the craziest thing you have done as a couple ?
I: We are crazy about going to places that are unknown to many.
R: [Trying] the longest and highest zip line in Sarangani.