If there's one selling factor that a loveteam ought to have, it's chemistry. When two stars don't have it, it's more likely that they won't make it. Chemistry on screen is essential to stir the curiosity or tickle the fancy of viewers. It's something that they can forced or developed on the concerned artists. Chemistry flows naturally, weaving magic on the silver screen, connecting the reel to the real. Because the stars complement each other very well, fans create an illusion that's what actually happening is an extension of their characters on screen.
Bankable Loveteam
In the history of the local cinema, many well-loved screen tandems did extend their cinematic romance in real life. Worth mentioning are Pancho Magalona-Tita Duran, Romeo Vasquez-Amalia Fuentes, Fernando Poe Jr.-Susan Roces, Tirso Cruz III-Nora Aunor, Edgar Mortiz-Vilma Santos, Albert Martinez-Snooky Serna, William Martinez-Maricel Soriano, Gabby Concepcion-Sharon Cuneta, Martin Nievera-Pops Fernandez, and the late Rico Yan-Claudine Barreto.
At present there's one loveteam whose popularity dominates the scene. Whether it's the boobtube or the movies, John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo are a hit among the viewers. Perfectly complementing each other, their team-up is one of the mother studio ABS-CBN's most bankable. Their launching vehicle titled Because of You is about to be shown.
But it's a fact that success wasn't given to them in a silver platter. John Lloyd already made a name for himself way before Bea. Originally part of the Koolits (with Marc Solis and Baron Geisler), the handsome heartthrob got identified first with Kaye Abad. Their teen drama Tabing Ilog (where John Lloyd clinched his maiden acting trophy) was a consistent top-rater for five years.
Meanwhile, Bea was a member of Star Circle Batch 10 and wasn't quite successful when her first major TV program, K2BU, was short-lived. However when ABS-CBN gambled on the freshness of their screen partnership through the grand soap Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, gradually they developed huge following which didn't escape the eyes of ABS honchos.
After the show ended, the two were given their own soap to headline: It Might Be You which is a certified top-rater. As Lawrence and Cielo, they light up the screen daily like florid storm. Their twinbiller, My First Romance (together with John Prats and Hear Evangelista) shown during the last quarter of 2003, was a modest hit and became Bea's showcase to win the Most Promising New Actress trophy in the recent Star Awards for Movies. Obviously, they're lucky for each other. What can they say about their present loveteam?
Answers Bea, "Siyempre, happy. Hindi naman lahat ng young stars nabibigyan ng breaks na katulad namin ni John Lloyd nagayon. It's just flattering. Considering that at first, hindi ganun kaganda yung reception ng fans. Kaya naman iniingatan namin ito."
"That's true," adds John Lloyd. "Were just very much aware that this is not forever. Hindi namin alam kung hanggang kailan kami susuportahan ng fans. This is the reason why as much as possible, we want to give them A-1 entertainment. Utang namin sa kanila and success namin."
"Hangga't may mga taong naniniwala sa tandem namin, gagawin namin ang best namin para mas magustuhan nila kami. Ipapakita namin na hindi lang kami concerned sa popularity kundi sa pagpapabuti rin ng craft namin. Personally, gusto kong makagawa ng mas challenging roles especially after kong manalo ng award," stresses Bea.
What do they think is the secret formula of their current fame?
"Siguro it's the rawness of our team-up. Wala kasing concious effort sa amin para lumabas na sweet kami sa public. Hindi kami gumagawa ng gimik para bumenta ang loveteam namin. Sa amin, what you see is what you get. Ginagawa lang namin ang trabaho namin. Blessed lang kami with good chemistry from the looks, acting, timing, etc. Siguro yun ang dahilan bakit kami nagki-click," observes John Lloyd.
True Romance
Many opine that they'll make a gorgeous pair off screen. Are there really chances of true romance between them especially since the 20-year-old matinee idol has just recovered from a failed relationship with Ciara Sotto?
"Actually, inaaamin ko naman na mas kumportale kami ngayon kesa nung una. We don't feel awkward na. Wala nang ilangan masyado," says the beautiful lass.
For John Lloyd: "Bea's a pretty and nice gal. Huwag muna nating pangunahan. Naniniwala kasi ako na para maging successful talaga ang isang loveteam, there shouldn't be strings attached. Mas healthier kung yung relationship nyo nagbu-border lang sa professional level. Ayokong paghaluin yung lovelife sa career. As of now kasi, ang focus ko talaga ay yung career ko. Isa pa, you'll be able to keep the mystery and keep people guessing if you're on or not. Kung ganon, intact pa rin ang interest ng fans. Pero hindi ko naman sinasara ang pinto, who knows?"
"Tama siya. Bata pa naman kami, eh. We still have a long way to go," seconds Bea.
What are John Lloyd's traits that appeal to Bea the most?
"Actually, talagang boyfriend material si John Lloyd. He's sweet and responsible. I like the way he treats his family and values his privacy. Kung gusto mo siyang patawanin, drop your showbiz side. He's truly a nice person, down-to-earth. Mapapakain mo nga yan ng tawilis, tuyo at fried rice. Walang reklamo," she says.
He's 20 and Bea's 16. Is he the one adjusting to her or vice versa specially that he's known for being serious?
"Pareho," quips John Lloyd. "Kahit na matured ako in my way of thinking. I still have my funny side naman. Pag kulitan, kulitan talaga. Sinasaksayan niya madalas ang mga joke ko. Ganun din ako."
Trekking the road to junior superstardom, John Lloyd and Bea wish to entertain the fans for a long period of time.
"Thankful kami na kahit hindi kami talagang mag-on, sinusuportahan pa rin kami sa publiko. Our screen chemistry is great and we'd like to use it to full advantage. Only time will tell kung magiging kami eventually. But as of now, kumportable kami sa present state namin. Sana lang, susuportahan nila kami hanggang sa dulo," the two optimistically sums up.
Article by: Josh Cortez
Photographs by: Dominique James
Source: S Magazine, June 2004
Submitted by Emilie
Copyright © 2003-2004 -- Beautiful. All rights reserved. Hosted by Diaryland.com.
