Bela Padilla opens up about filming first love scene in ‘A Special Memory’

Bela Padilla shared her experience filming her first love scenes for her upcoming movie “A Special Memory” with Carlo Aquino.

During her guesting in “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda” on Wednesday, the actress admitted that she got scared because it was her first time filming a love scene.

“In this movie, Carlo and I have two love scenes in the film but they are very tastefully done and very important to the story,” Bela said.

“But it was my first time to shoot a love scene in the film so I was really scared but Direk Jerry Sineneng is so helpful, gracious and brilliant that he prepped my mind so much,” she added.

Bela also praised Carlo as a supportive co-star who ensured she never felt uneasy on set.

“Carlo naman is a veteran. He took care of me on the set and he didn’t do anything that would make me feel bad.”

Since Philippine productions typically lack intimacy coordinators, she sought guidance from one of her mentors and friends, director Irene Villamor. 

“Sabi ko Direk, ‘may love scene ako today’ and natawa siya kasi hindi nga ako tumatanggap ng pelikula na may love scene so sabi ko ‘direk paano ko gagawin ito? I’m so scared. Do I drink? Do I take shots because I’m so scared,’” Bela recalled. 

Villamor then asked her to get a piece of paper and make a checklist for herself. 

“And she said get a piece of paper and pen and write this down. Tanong mo si Carlo ok lang ba sayo hawakan ko kamay mo? Ok lang ba sayo ‘yung kamay ko pumunta sa pisngi mo?” 

While she was willing to film a necessary kiss for the story, Bela clarified that she would not perform torrid or overly intimate scenes.

“Parang hindi rin kasi bagay sa akin eh. Parang ang branding ko talaga ay mapanakit e.” 

“A Special Memory” is adapted by National Artist Ricky Lee based on the hit Japanese series  “Pure Soul." It follows Sandra, a designer diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. 

The film is set to premiere in Philippine Cinemas on March 11.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News