For now, it’s career over love for Lovi Poe

CEBU, Philippines — This year, actress Lovi Poe would like to make the most of her time and avoid procrastinating. With how smoothly things have gone for her this first quarter of 2018, it seems that the morena beauty’s resolution is coming along nicely.

Starring in GMA-7’s primetime romantic comedy series, “The One That Got Away,” (TOTGA) Lovi shared how nice it feels to work on something light and cheery for a change.

“I’ve done dramas mostly, in teleseryes and in films. I feel like this [TOTGA] is a breath of fresh air for us. I’m used to playing heavy drama roles and crying every day. Dito, hindi siya yung palagi akong umiiyak,” Lovi shares.

The Kapuso star adds how it feels good to not deal with a lot of negative feelings on and off set these days, because it doesn’t wear her down as much.

“It’s just right. The good thing about the show is that you learn a lot about relationships, and yourself, and how you act when you’re in love. It’s funny, and working on it—I go home feeling light, I feel great. Unlike before, I used to come home feeling really heavy, I wouldn’t want to talk to anyone.”

Airing since January, “TOTGA” is a lighter take on the otherwise angsty theme of lost love. It stars Dennis Trillo in the title role as William Dominic “Liam” Ilustre. Handsome, smart, loving and a true gentleman, Liam is the picture of the ideal, almost-perfect boyfriend. Managing his own organic farm, Liam has big dreams and wishes for a big and happy family. In his search for romance, Liam has three beautiful ladies in his history of relationships.

Lovi portrays the first ex-girlfriend, Alexandra Rey “Alex” Makalintal. She is beautiful, independent, family-oriented and incredibly career-driven. Alex and Liam fall madly in love, but being a career woman, she puts her work first and their relationship takes a turn for the worst.

After breaking up with Alex, Liam meets Darlene “Darcy” Sibuyan, portrayed by Max Collins. Darcy and Alex bring the “friends to lovers” type of relationship to the table. However, an opportunity abroad presents itself to Darcy. The distance took a toll on their relationship, and the two eventually call it quits.

The third ex-girlfriend is brought to life by Rhian Ramos in the form of Sophia Elizabeth “Zoe” Velasquez, a swimwear designer and blogger who always out for fun. With separated parents, Zoe finds a family in Liam. Unfortunately, her possessive tendencies and Liam’s busy schedule contribute to the failure of their relationship. But Zoe regrets the breakup and wants Liam still.

Lovi with “The One That Got Away” co-star Dennis Trillo

A twist in fate brings Liam into a fatal accident, eventually waking up from a coma to find all three ex-girlfriends by his bed side. With three lovely women still in love with him, Liam is at a crossroads. On another note, the friendship between the three ladies might also be at stake.

“Alex and Liam’s relationship went downhill kasi nga masyadong focused si Alex sa trabaho which is not a bad thing. Nagkataon lang na hindi niya mabalanse. So she took Liam for granted,” Lovi says, adding that in some ways, she and Alex Makalintal are similar.

“I’m a bit close to my character because I don’t see myself giving up my career for love…yet,” she quips.

In the show, Alex is the more subtle among the three exes. With a gentle, bohemian vibe, Alex is one of the unique personas created for the show. The girls are distinctly different in their own ways, with Max Collins having a more sporty, active personality, while Rhian’s is more of a sexy, sultry woman.

Despite the similarity in being career-driven, Lovi adds that she won’t be the one running after a guy and compete with other girls for a man’s attention.

“No, I don’t see myself doing that. Yun nga lang, dito sa show, pinapakita na lumalabas yung pagka-crazy ng girls when they fall in love. It happens, and when it does parang girls try to hide it, and keep it a secret. But here, we see women being completely transparent. Also, ang maganda is that the writers made the characters completely different from each other. Hindi mo muna malalaman kung sino. Hindi porke’t ikaw yung nauna, ikaw na yung pinakamatimbang,” Lovi explains.

Despite their competing characters, Lovi, Max and Rhian are actually good friends in real life. Lovi shares how challenging it can be to always be prepared and look good knowing that shows like these often have swimsuit face-offs, glam outfits, and who-wore-it-betters with a cast as stunning as the ladies who are constantly trying to one-up each other.

“Our friendship is really, really good. Matagal na kami magkakilala individually. Our bonding got even tighter, and we’ve gotten even closer kasi magkasama kami every day. They’re so chill, and they’re the nicest girls in the industry. I’m glad,” Lovi shares about their friendship.

“Nakaka-stress na dapat prepared ka palagi, kasi ang gaganda ng mga kasama ko. It’s fun rin cause the production gave the characters their own stylists so it’s like the glam teams are competing as well.”

Asked if she has someone she considers a TOTGA, Lovi muses that someone might turn out to feel that way but expounds that things have their own way of unfolding. There may be relationships that might have been better. However, they’re all in good places right now, so there shouldn’t be any regrets.

“The Significant Other” actress also talked about competition in a larger sense. With a star-studded cast and insanely gorgeous leading ladies, Lovi could not stress enough the importance of teamwork.

“As actors, I don’t believe in competing against each other. Especially if you’re in the same show. It’s supposed to be teamwork, and that’s already understood. We have different fortes, but our one goal is to make the show look good. I believe Dennis or I wouldn’t make ourselves look good alone. What I love about the show is that everyone’s pride is put aside to reach that goal, and make a good show,” Lovi offers.

Christened as GMA’s “Premiere Drama Actress,” the 29-year-old daughter of the revered FPJ is well aware of the pressure that comes with it, but along with her plan of making the most of her time this year, Lovi quips that she won’t let the grind get the better of her.

“I try not to pressure myself with that [title]. I’m very grateful for it. And as much as possible, my goal every day is to make my bosses, and my directors happy. To make myself happy. I think, as an artist the best fulfillment is when masaya ka sa ginagawa mo.”