A millennial fairy tale

To honor all mothers…biological, adoptive and whatever…Regal Entertainment, Inc.’s Mother’s Day (May 13) offering, My 2 Mommies, is a delight. Directed by Eric Quizon, the comedy stars Paolo Ballesteros and Solenn Heussaff as an odd couple. Paolo plays Manu, a discreet gay guy with a successful career but is not “out” with his family (or so he thinks). One day, Solenn as Monique, a woman from Manu’s past, shows up and springs a surprise on Manu — they have a son (played by Marcus Cabais). That explains the title.

“It’s timely,” said Paolo who has a love daughter in real life. “The movie tackles an issue that is very relevant today. Hindi lang iisang klase ang Nanay. May iba’t-ibang Nanay.”

“People can relate to the story,” agreed Solenn. “People’s views about things have changed considerably. They have become acceptable…you know, even about people’s sexual orientation.”

Paolo: “Motherhood is not bound by biological attachment. Some women gladly assume ‘a mother role’ to children even if they are not the real moms.”

Solenn: “The LGBT community is now a strong force in our society, and anywhere in the world. Several countries have approved same-sex marriage laws.”

Opening nationwide on May 9, My 2 Mommies also stars, among others, Maricel Soriano (as the energized youngest sister of Manu’s mother), Joem Bascon (as Manu’s partner), Diane Medina (as Manu’s younger sister) and Billy Ray Gallion (as Monique’s techno-wizard husband).

How was it working together in a movie for the first time?

Paolo: Solenn was with Eat, Bulaga! for some time. Since then, she has been very professional and punctual, always on time. She has never changed. Walang kaarte-arte. She can even do her makeup nang nakaupo sa sahig. And she’s very natural when it comes to acting. Galing!

Solenn: Pao is amazing to work with. Very professional and always on time. He gets along fine with everyone on the set. He’s basically quiet until he starts joking around with everybody.

Did you engage in “girl talk” between takes on the set (about boys, makeup, etc.)?

Paolo: Before we started shooting, we did a workshop/exercise with direk Eric and we shared some “secrets” hahaha!!!

Solenn: Not much “girl talk.” I’ve always been a fan of Pao’s makeup skills and I have asked him many times why he hasn’t tried to do my face yet, hahahaha!!! He said that I was difficult to do. But I’m still positive that I can convince him to, lol.

What do you think you have in common (aside from beauty)?

Paolo: Aside from beauty? Hahahaha!!! Both of us are artists. I am really proud of her because she has had exhibits of her works and that’s something I would love to do as well.

Solenn: Like me, Pao is very much into art. He is not only amazing at recreating people but he paints, too. (Paolo is the great grandson of Fernando Amorsolo whose daughter is Paolo’s grandmother. — RFL) He was talking to me about resin painting which I haven’t tried yet. Also, I don’t think we are too different from each other. I’m also quiet on the set but easy to talk to. I can also be lukaret and kalog. I think we have more similarities than differences.

Playing Paolo and Solenn’s son is played by Marcus Cabais. ‘My role is inspired by real life,’ admits Paolo. ‘I actually have a daughter (with my ex-girlfriend).’

If you were to switch personalities, how would things be?

Paolo: I would be joining the Bb. Pilipinas, hahahaha!!!

Solenn: (No answer)

What is it about Solenn that you wish you had?

Paolo: Her husband (Nico Bolzico).

Solenn: His inborn comedic side. He adlibs many punch lines and they are always a hit, hahahaha!!!

Your movie is a Mother’s Day offering. Describe your roles, how you are similar to or different from them?

Paolo: Manu is gay who had a relationship with Monique, not knowing that he got her pregnant. The story and character are almost my real life story, hahahaha!!!

Solenn: Monique has a fun-loving side which I can relate to. She’s married to a foreigner like me, lol! She is also health-conscious. The only big difference is that she is a little too strict at time.

Anong pagkakapareho n’yo sa Nanay n’yo?

Paolo: My mama is a perfectionist. That’s what i got from her.

Solenn: Like my mother, I stick to my own opinions and I am very firm about what I believe in. Like her, I am easy to deal with and I am very welcoming. And like her, I may not always share the way I feel but I am a very loving person and I will do anything for the people that I trust.

Solenn: I have always been a fan of Paolo’s makeup skills, and have asked him why he hasn’t tried to do my face, Hahaha!!! He said that it was too difficult. But I’m still positive I will convince him to. Lol.

What is the best lesson that you learned from your mom?

Paolo: Never forget to look back.

Solenn: Be in touch with family no matter how far apart you are and you feel. Respect everyone around you. Accept criticism because it will help you develop your personality.

(To Paolo) How are you as father to your daughter?

Paolo: I will do anything and everything for my daughter.

(To Solenn) What is keeping you and Nico from having a child?

Solenn: To each his own timing. Family planning? Hmmmm…celebrities also get to keep personal matters private and to sustain a certain mystery.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)