Bela Padilla: I love words and how they can express anything you want

Very few stars write; rather, know how to write, among them Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, Bibeth Orteza, Sharon Cuneta, Lea Salonga, Maine Mendoza (mostly poems), Rita Avila, Tintin Bersola, Bianca Gonzalez and Lucy Torres-Gomez (who write columns for this paper’s Lifestyle section), Korina Sanchez, Giselle Sanchez (who writes for Bulletin), Karylle and Mikael Daez (who write columns for this paper’s Entertainment section) and, but of course, Bela Padilla who first co-wrote the story for the Viva movie Camp Sawi (in which she also acts) and, by herself, the story of Star Cinema’s Last

Night, starring Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga. What was your inspiration in writing the Last Night story? “My love for suspense thrillers and books with dark themes.” Did you have Piolo and Toni in mind when you wrote it?

“No, I gave the script to the producers and let them decide. When they asked for suggestions, though, I did mention both Piolo and Toni.” Did you educate them about the characters?

“Yes, and if I remember correctly, Piolo asked for additional descriptions of his character, Mark, before the shoot

started.” When did the writing bug bite you?

“I’ve always loved reading different types of books. When I was younger, I joined writing contests in school. Though I love numbers, too, and am fascinated by how something complex is so simple at the same time, I’ve always loved words more and how they can express anything you want.” Who are the authors that you admire and what kind of books do you read?

“Chuck Palahniuk, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Haruki Murakami, Gillan Flynn and Vladimir Nabokov are