Body Talk with Lauren Novero

Curtain-raisers:

• Overlooked in Vilma Santos’ filmography in the other day’s issue were films she did with direk Romy Suzara, including Ang Konduktora (with Jay Ilagan), Tatlong Mukha ni Rosa Vilma, Anak ng Aswang (with Edgar Mortiz and Gloria Romero) and Hiwalay (with Eddie Rodriguez and Dindo Fernando).

• Kitchie Nadal and Barbie Almalbis (of the defunct Barbie’s Cradle) should do a back-to-back album. They make sweet music together, don’t they?

• Correction, please: Angelika dela Cruz hasn’t had any nose/facelift or her chin "pushed forward." She said she just had her "bite" checked. Okay. Salamat po, duktor!

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When Ellen Ongkeko, producer and director of the critically-acclaimed indie film Mga Pusang Gala (now showing in Metro Manila theaters, released through Seiko Films), first saw the macho-looking Lauren Novero during the auditions for the actor who would play the lover of Ricky Davao, she told herself, "Eureka!" Ellen later said that Lauren reminded her of – would you believe? – Marlon Brando!

Was Lauren flattered?

"At first," Lauren admitted, "I was not. I didn’t know kasi kung sino si Marlon Brando. And then I did a little research and that’s when I couldn’t believe it!"

At 26, Lauren is all muscles, a beautiful body. No wonder he handily ran away with the Bodyshot title in 2001. He’s the guy in the Red Horse commercial (one of the five he has done so far). He stands 5’11", weighs 185 lbs., wears large-sized shirt and size 13 (rubber) shoes. He’s an Electronics & Communications undergraduate from Adamson University.

Managed by Iman Esturco, Lauren was asked to seduce a gay during the audition. Several days later, he was in bed with Ricky Davao, doing a nude love scene.

"At first, I felt uneasy," said Lauren. "Hindi sanay makipaghalikan sa kapwa lalaki, eh. But Ricky made me feel at ease, and so did my other co-stars (including Irma Adlawan who’s now called the Queen of Indie Films)."

Lauren (who did bit parts in Room Service and Bikini Open) will be seen next in Kaleldo, second directorial job of Brillante "Dante" Mendoza after Masahista, which won a Golden Leopard (Best Film, Video Category) at the recent Locarno (Switzerland) International Film Festival.

What would a big man like you do if confronted by a bunch of drunks?

"I will avoid them – if possible. Otherwise, I would face them just to teach them a lesson."

How do you maintain your body? How do you work out?

"I work out at home. I lift weights."

Do you take any muscle-enhancing drug?

"No, I don’t. Every part of me is natural."

What kind of diet do you follow?

"None. I eat anything. South Beach Diet? No, I can’t afford it."

Do you eat anything?

"Yes, I do. Huwag lang sobra. It’s a good thing my metabolism is fast and I sweat a lot, so I don’t gain weight."

How much liquid do you take?

"Not so much water but I take lots of juices."

Do you take hard drinks?

"A lot! Especially beer – Red Horse Beer."

Do you smoke?

"Yes, I do."

Do you take drugs?

"I tried it a long time ago. I didn’t like it."

What vitamins and minerals do you take?

"Ascorbic acid, sometimes with multi-vitamins."

How much sleep do you get per night?

"At least eight hours. Sometimes, 10 hours."

How’s your nightlife?

"I used to go out a lot, but not anymore. When I want to drink I do it at home."

And your lovelife?

"It’s okay. I have a girlfriend (non-showbiz)."

What part of your body is your favorite?

"I can’t think of any. When people ask what part of my body I find sexiest, I can’t give them any answer."

And what part of a woman’s body do you look at first?

"The boobs."

What part of your body is the most vulnerable?

"None that I can think of. Luckily, I’m not sickly. But I have to maintain my face. It looks sunken when I’m tired."

And what part do you think needs some improvement?

"My legs, mahirap palakihin."

How do you cope with stress?

"I drink beer."

Are you vain?

"No, I’m not. Hindi ako conscious sa sarili."

What’s your outlook in life? Are you a worrier or an optimist?

"In-between."

Do you read books?

"Every now and then."

What was the last book you read?

"I forgot the title. That was a long time ago!"

What movies do you like?

"Action films. My favorite action star is Nicolas Cage."

How do you unwind?

"I go to the bar."

Favorite sports?

"Basketball and billiards."

Favorite fantasy?

"Doing it on the beach with a special someone."

Name three guys you think have bodies-to-die-for.

Christian Vasquez, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise.

And women...

"Joyce Jimenez, Angelina Jolie, Irma Adlawan."

Using body language, how would you make a woman know that you like her?

"I simply look at her. If she responds, I smile at her."

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