Ara Mina: Manny has 'dramatic moments' in our film

By BOY VILLASANTA
abs-cbnNEWS.com

Will rumors about an Ara Mina-Manny Pacquiao romance never die? Despite repeated denials by both the actress and the world boxing champion, rumors about their alleged affair hound them all the way to the location shoot for the film "Anak ng Kumander", at the Nipa Hut Resort in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija.
It was a Wednesday morning, during a lull in the filming when members of the press caught up with the actress and the boxer inside a multi-purpose warehouse that alternately serves as gym, soundstage, dance floor or even session hall.
“Anak Ng Kumander” is MP Productions’ official entry to the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival in December. Manny plays a rebel while Ara plays a TV reporter.
During the break Pacquiao could be observed whispering something to Ara, his right arm resting on her shoulder, as they talked in the presence of director Jose “Kaka” Balagtas, co-star comic Long Mejia, the film’s stuntmen, character actors, make-up artists and other production staff.
Pacquiao's right arm was resting on the actress' shoulder. The sight alone sparked speculations among the excited entertainment writers about the lead stars’ alleged romantic involvement.
“Naku, magtigil na nga sila. (Oh! Stop that already.),” Mina told abs-cbnNEWS.com. She was visibly irked that despite her denials, the rumor about her and the boxing champ seems to have taken on a life of its own.
What is it like working withPacquiao? “Ay, naku, ibang klase. Komikero siya. Puro biro. (Oh! He’s one of a kind. He’s such a comic. He’s always cracking jokes),” answered the pretty actress.
Mina said that her role in the movie isn't much, acting-wise. She said that it's Pacquiao who will be getting the meatier, more dramatic moments.
Real to reel
Mina seemed more excited about a film project she's currently discussing with directors Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes. Titled “Ate,” the drama vehicle would pit her characte against that of her real-life sister, Cristine Reyes.
“Magkapatid kami rito. Next year namin isu-shoot. (We’re sisters here. We’ll shoot next year),” volunteered Mina.
The movie, to be produced by Ara herself, will demonstrate once more the older sister’s concern over her younger sibling. This is a truly a translation from real to reel life. No matter how vividly Ara is painted as an overprotective sis, she doesn’t mind.
“May pagkamakulit kasi si Cristine kaya kailangan na may gabay lagi. But I love her. I just want to protect her. (Cristine seems to be irrepressible so she needs constant guidance),” she quipped.
Reyes already filed a slander case agaisnt former beauty queen Carlene Aguilar, with Mina's full support. According to Reyes, Aquilar grabbed her hand inside a dressing room in Broadway Centrum and whispered something derogatory in her ear.
Aguilar is supposedly jealous about a supposed relationship between Reyes and actor Dennis Trillo, who is the father of Aguilar’s baby.
According to Reyes, Aguilar has been harrassing her in order to driver her away from Trillo. Reyes claimed that Aguilar sent her threatening text messages, telling her that Trillo "is only interested in your body."
Before ending her interview with reporters, Mina reacted to reports about her supposed move from GMA-7 to ABS-CBN.
“Kung sakali man mangyari ‘yon, magpapaalam ako sa GMA Network. So far, okay naman ako sa kanila. Alam nila na non-exclusive naman ang contract ko sa kanila pero sila ang priority ko. (If ever that happens, I’d ask permission from GMA Network. So far, I’m okay with them. They know I have a non-exclusive contract with them but then again, they’re my priority).”
Then Mina said goodbye. It was already three o’clock in the morning and she had to get to the US Embassy in Manila to follow up her travel documents to Guam.
When the actress left, Pacquiao was nowhere in sight.