Angeli Khang and Robb Guinto admitted to feeling huge pressure starring in “Unang Tikim,” Viva Films’ aptly titled first stab at bringing back erotica to cinemas.
No, it is not because they are to be seen more or less wearing next to nothing in the film — they have done more than that and for years now under the Vivamax banner.
The pressure comes from the gargantuan task relating to them making a huge splash at the box-office if also actually ushering a new trend.
Angeli explained, “I feel like, as a newbie, it would be quite the responsibility, being able to entice people to try something new, something different.”
“It’s been awhile since the erotica genre made it to local screens and I’m kind of worried as to how people would react to our film.”
Don’t get Angeli wrong. Like her co-lead Robb Guinto, she is more than honored to have been handpicked for the project.
“We could only be thankful with the trust given us by Viva but like Angeli said, it’s a huge responsibility,” said Robb.
The film’s director, Roman Perez Jr., could only smile hearing the two. He is adamant they have cooked up something interesting in “Unang Tikim.”
He said, “First off, this is not your usual sexy film. It has depth. It has a really good storyline — something that I believe today’s moviegoers would appreciate.”
He added, “If I were to classify it, ‘Unang Tikim,’ is more like a romance-drama with the right amount of eroticism thrown in.”
Roman went on to laud his stars: “Angeli and Robb did everything needed to make the film work. I couldn’t be more thankful that they have agreed to do this film with me.”
“Unang Tikim” tells the story of same-sex lovers Yuna (Angeli) and Becca (Robb).
They have shared many firsts and had vowed to be together forever.
Their partnership will be tested with Becca being forced to migrate to the US by her family.
Alone, Yuna will find solace in the arms of Nicco (Matt Francisco).
Years later, Yuna and Becca’s paths cross again.
Will love be sweeter the second time around for the two or will they simply let things be and firmly close the door to their once unbreakable love?
“I fell in love with the script when I first read it,” said Angeli. “It’s really quite romantic and I think many would be able to relate to Yuna and Becca’s story.”
“I really hope people would appreciate the hard work we put into this film,” remarked Robb. “We hope people would notice more than our bodies but also our acting abilities. That we’re more than just sexy stars, we are capable actors.”
Rated R-16, “Unang Tikim” opens in cinemas, Aug. 7.
