Is the father the last to know?
The surname rings a bell. When Viva Films launched AJ Raval (real name: Elizabeth Buensuceso) in the sex comedy Paglaki ko, Gusto Kong Maging Pornstar (written and directed by Darryl Yap) as one of the three aspiring sexy stars trained by four veterans (played by Alma Moreno, Rosanna Roces, Ara Mina and Maui Taylor) on the “art of seduction,” the question popped up: Is she related to action star Jeric Raval (real name: Eric Buensuceso)? Yes, she is Jeric’s daughter. And the next question followed: Is Jeric okay with AJ toeing the sexy line?
“At first,” Jeric admitted to Funfare, “yes, I supported her. But when I learned that she was going sexy, nag-alangan ako, I had second thoughts. I am an action star at magpapa-sexy ang anak ko? Teka muna.”
AJ/Elizabeth is one of Jeric’s 18 children (count ‘em! Plus 10 grandchildren) with many different women, most of them non-showbiz, some remarried and living in the States, some in Japan, and one of them retired actress Monica Herrera with whom Jeric has three children.
Now 45, Jeric said that he was already married when he joined showbiz.
“I am a supporter of Ben Tulfo’s advocacy against abuse/harassment of women,” continued Jeric. “People might bash me. Baka may mambastos sa anak ko at sabihin, ‘Kumotan mo ang anak mo!’ (Cover your daughter with a blanket.) but then,” he mused, “the movie is a comedy kaya hindi naman siguro masyadong sexy.”
AJ is 21. Said Jeric, “She’s old enough to make her own decisions.”
Funfare gave the floor to AJ in a “body talk.”
Any reminders from your dad?
“He told me, ‘Just be yourself and be professional. Also, respect your co-workers.’ He reminded me to stop being on my cell phone and instead study the script.”
When did you realize that your dad was a popular actor?”
“From when I was a kid. In school, my schoolmates’ parents knew my dad who would bring me to school and fetch me for home. Some would have their picture taken with Dad.”
In what genre do you want to concentrate?
“I want to try all genres. It depends on the fans kung saan nila ako gustong tangkilikin.”
What kind of diet do you follow?
“Actually, wala akong food diet kasi hindi ako tabain. I can eat anything I want.”
What workout do you do and how often do you do it?
“As much as possible I do home workout every other day.”
What part of your body needs improvement?
“My tummy. Ever since, that has always been my problem.”
What part is your favorite?
“My face.”
What part of a guy’s body do you notice first?
“The upper part, the chest.”
How much sleep do you get per night?
“I’m a late sleeper. If there’s no shoot, I sleep until noontime.”
Favorite sleepwear?
“Loose shirt and shorts.”
Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?
“Brush my teeth and clean my face. I take a shower. I pray.”
And first thing that you do as soon as you wake up?
“Same as all of the above.”
Three men that you find sexy?
“Chris Hemsworth, Cole Sprouse and Zac Efron.”
Using only body language, how would you make a guy know that you admire him?
“Gaze.”
(Note: Paglaki Ko, Gusto Kong Maging Pornstar is streaming exclusively on Vivamax starting tomorrow, Jan. 29. Download, register and subscribe to Vivamax for only P149. Watch it along with hundreds of entertainment content from Viva. Check www.vivamax.net.)
(E-mail reactions at rickylophilstar@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)