Turned on by intelligence, turned off by arrogance

In Ang Pagsanib Kay Leah Dela Cruz, the horror-thriller initial offering of Kamikaze Pictures headed by Erik Matti (2016 Metro Filmfest Best Director for Seklusyon) directed by Katski Flores from a screenplay by Charlene Sawit-Esguerra, Sarah Lahbati and Shy Carlos (as Leah) were so into their characters (the former as a reclusive cop and the latter a teenager possessed by an evil spirit) that they had a hard time shaking them off their system.

“I play a detective who has a dark past,” said Sarah. “She tries to solve a crime in this new town she finds herself in but things don’t get better for her as challenges arise while she faces demons. My character holds so much painful memories that on the set it required me to stay in my zone and be quiet so I can focus on that.”

“My character is an innately good person and an innately bad person in one entity,” explained Shy who did her own stunts. “Sarah and I didn’t have many shooting days together, but on the days that we were together on the set, it was fun. She was very easy to talk to, very approachable. Our girl talk was mostly casual and get-to-know stuff.”

Sarah: “On the set, I tried to stay as quiet as possible because I was constantly thinking and working with my director on the little details of my character and her connections with other characters. One of the things that Shy and I would talk about was her safety doing stunts during our shoot because they weren’t easy and they required courage and lots of precautions.”

Starring with them is Julian Trono, Viva’s bet for stardom this year, as Leah’s childhood friend whose heart will break when he unveils the mystery around Leah.

A Libra (Oct. 9, 1993), Sarah stands 5’9” and weighs 147.4 lbs.

A Pisces (March 3, 1995), Shy is 5’3” tall and weighs 116.6 lbs.

Sarah and Shy stars with Julian Trono (left), Viva bet for stardom this year. Right: Pagsanib director Katski Flores and Kamikaze Pictures head Erik Matti.

Sarah

What’s your regular diet?

“High protein and low-carbohydrate meals.”

What’s usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Snacks between meals?

“I love pancakes so instead of white flour I use coconut flour and add banana for breakfast. For lunch and dinner, I have fish or chicken with vegetables. I like having smoothies between meals.”

How much water do you take per day?

“A lot…to balance my love for coffee.”

What workout do you do?

“I work out three times a week, sometimes four, just to keep me strong and energetic. I need to work out to be able to do everything my life requires me to do. From carrying and running after Zion to dancing on ASAP or doing stunts in film.”

Any part of your body that needs improvement?

“I love working on my gluteus despite the pain and the struggle.”

What part of your body is your favorite?

“My brain. And my bum or, as some would call it, Sarah Lahbooty.”

What’s the first thing that you notice in a guy’s body?

“His face.”

What’s in a guy that turns you on?

“Intelligence and humor.”

And what’s in a guy that turns you off?

“Arrogance and rudeness.”

How much sleep do you get per night?

“I need eight hours to feel energetic. But when I’m really tired and my body is in pain, I can sleep up to 11 hours.”

Favorite sleepwear?

“Big T-shirt and short shorts.”

How many pillows do you sleep with?

“Two. One for my head and one to hug.”

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“Netflix.”

First thing that you do as soon as you wake up?

“I stay in bed for a few minutes and just relax. I like taking my time in the morning. Then I take a cup of coffee or tea.”

How do you cope with stress?

“I let go of unnecessary things and focus on the positive.”

Favorite city/hideaway?

“The beach or Europe.”

What’s your outlook in life?

“Make your dreams come true by working hard and doing your best. Make great memories with your loved ones. Travel as much as you can. Help as much as you can.”

Three men that you think have nice bodies.

“Richard Gutz, Zion and Tom Hardy.”

And three women you think have nice bodies.

“Gal Gadot, Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry.”

Shy

What’s your regular diet?

“I’m not really strict with my diet. I make sure I don’t deprive myself good food but I try to eat as healthy as possible and go to the gym regularly.”

What’s usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

“I usually don’t eat breakfast because I like working out with an empty stomach. I just have a salad or fish and quinoa for lunch. And for dinner, I just eat according to what I crave for.”

How much water do you take per day?

“Two to three liters.”

Any other health regimen?

“I drink Apple Cider Vinegar before bedtime.”

How much workout do you do?

“I try to work out four to five times a week. But when I’m feeling lazy, I try to go at least once or twice a week even if it’s just walking on the treadmill.”

Any part of your body that needs improvement?

“I want to tone my legs, arms and tummy.”

What part of your body is most vulnerable?

“My heart. I think that’s everyone’s weak spot, hehehe!!!”

And what part of your body is your favorite?

“My collarbone? Hahahaha!!!”

What’s the first thing that you notice in a guy’s body?

“His biceps.”

What else in a guy turns you on?

“His personality.”

And what turns you off?

“Arrogance.”

How much sleep do you get per night?

“Five to seven hours when I don’t have work.”

Favorite sleepwear?

“Just a big shirt and pajama bottoms.”

How many pillows do you sleep with?

“Four. Two for my head and one on each side of my body.”

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“Check my phone.”

First thing that you do as soon as you wake up?

“Check my phone.”

How do you cope with stress?

“I bake cookies while watching Netflix.”

Favorite city/hideaway?

“My room because it’s where I can truly relax.”

What’s your outlook in life?

“Just do what you have to do and life has its way of stitching things together.”

Three men that you think have nice bodies.

“Zac Efron, Benedict Cumberbatch and Chris Hemsworth.”

And three women you think have bodies as nice as yours.

“My body is not as nice as theirs yet but my goal is to have a body like Gal Gadot, Miranda Kerr or Candice Swanepoel.”

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