Why does Nadine keep on dancing?

Because she, her boyfriend James Reid and Sam are good friends (like brothers and sister), Nadine said doing a love scene with Sam felt like ‘incest’

Nadine Lustre has a good reason to be dancing. Her career (including movies without her perennial leading man, boyfriend James Reid) is going great, that’s why, Indak, the title of her new movie perfectly describes her present state of being — you know, mapapa-indak ka sa tuwa.

It’s Nadine’s second “solo” movie (read: minus James), with Sam Concepcion as leading man. The first was Ulan with Carlo Aquino.

“Like incest,” laughed Nadine.

That’s how she said she felt doing a love scene with Sam in Indak, showing nationwide starting in Wednesday, Aug. 7. It’s because, explained Nadine, she, James and Sam are such good friends that they are like brothers and sister. Being professionals, Nadine and Sam beautifully acquitted themselves in the love scenes despite the initial awkwardness. For sure, James doesn’t mind.

Touted as a musical-romance-drama written and directed by Paul Alexie Basinillo, Indak bears close watching because it’s Nadine’s first movie after winning not just one but two Best Actress awards (for Never Not Love You) from the FAMAS and the Gawad Urian, validating her as a serious actress to watch.

Having done two movies this year, Nadine has to beg off from Miracle in Cell No. 7, Viva’s entry in the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) with Aga Muhlach as lead actor, saying that she’s a bit “burned out.” She’s replaced by Bela Padilla.

Shot in Bantayan Island, Cebu and Seoul, Indak is the story about Vin (Sam) who invites Jen, a simple island girl (Nadine), to join Indak Pinas, a dance group, after her dance video goes viral. The crew is going to compete in the World Championships in Seoul, so Jen’s presence will be of big help.

In Manila, Vin helps out Jen in improving her dancing beat, as well as in adjusting to the metro lifestyle. The two are not only in their groove but also slowly fell for each other. With the rest of the crew, they must work together to churn out the best performance of their lives even if sudden financial dilemmas and past issues get in their way.

Touted as “The hottest dance movie of the year,” with G Force and Teacher Georcelle as choreographer, Indak features great soundtracks like Sumayaw sa Indak (by Nadine featuring Po Balbuena and Shehyee), Ikot-Ikot (Sam’s soulful version) and Hindi Tayo Puwede (Janine Teñoso’s heart-wrenching version).  

The roles require body rhythm, fluid body language, so how did Nadine and Sam prepare for the movie?  

Did you take dance lessons?

Nadine: Yes. We did a series of workshops.

Sam: We had rehearsals a week before every shooting day to prepare for the dance numbers.

What other preparations did you do?

Sam: The movie is dance heavy so there was a lot of dance rehearsals. We needed to gel as a team and the extensive rehearsals helped us achieve that. 

It’s your first time to star together in a movie. How was the experience; was there any “ice” to break before you got comfortable with each other?

Nadine: Sam and I are really good friends ever since. So we are comfortable working with each other.

Sam: We were pretty comfortable. We’re good friends and we support each other.

What kind of diet do you follow?

Nadine: I just eat whatever I want. But when I know that I’m already full, I stop. 

Sam: I’m not very strict with my diet as long as I get enough exercise.

What’s usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

Nadine: For breakfast, a sandwich. For lunch and dinner, a typical home-cooked meal. 

Sam: Not big on breakfast. Lunch is probably my biggest meal.

Any snacks between meals?

Nadine: I don’t really do snacks.

Sam: (No answer) 

What workout do you do?

Nadine: Just some toning and a little strength-building exercises.

Sam: Lifting weights. Sports like basketball. Just tried wall climbing and thinking of getting back into Muay Thai.

What part of your body is most vulnerable?

Nadine: (No answer)

Sam: Back.

What part of your body is your favorite?

Nadine: My eyes

Any health regimen that you follow?

Nadine: Stay hydrated and take vitamins.

Sam: (No answer)

Favorite food?

Nadine: Greek.

Sam: Filipino.

How much sleep do you get per night?

Nadine: Six to eight hours.

Sam: Eight hours is ideal.

Favorite sleepwear?

Nadine: Plain shirt, pajamas.

Sam: Boxers. 

Do you snore?

Nadine: Nope

Sam: When I’m extremely tired. 

Do you talk in your sleep?

Nadine: I don’t know. But some people tell me that I speak some words they don’t understand. LOL

Sam: No.

How many pillows do you sleep with?

Nadine: Four

Sam: Three.

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

Nadine: Pray and check my phone.

Sam: Clean up.

And the first thing that you do as soon as you wake up?

Nadine: Pray and check my phone.

Sam: Drink a glass of water. 

How do you cope with stress?

Nadine: I really don’t invite stress. I’m surrounded by people with good vibes — my friends and my family. 

Sam: I listen to music. 

Favorite hideaway?

Nadine: Mountain and home.

Sam: A secret place. 

Favorite city?

Nadine: Tokyo and Seoul.

Sam: New York. 

Three men/women that you find sexy?

Nadine: (No answer)

Sam: Gal Gadot, Saoirse Ronan and Natalie Portman. 

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