What "Panday" is not is an avenue for a publicity stunt wherein the main stars Jericho Rosales (Tristan) and Heart Evangelista (Eden) have to fall in-love on or off-camera. This according to the actors doesn’t have the usual formula that links them romantically. Even the former girlfriend of Jericho (Cindy Kurleto, who elses?) is positive that it’s impossible for them to be in relationship that fast!
"I really don’t care if she doesn’t believe in it. But I don’t also believe in promotions and lie about things. Alam ninyo ako kung magmahal, I will say it. I just don’t like false promotions," remarked Heart.
The actress couldn’t hide though her admiration for her leading man. For her, they have a lot in common. They think on the same wavelength and so often, she would even find Echo finishing her sentences or saying what’s on her mind.
"Hindi lahat ng artista eh artista, totoo siyang tao. Hindi siya yung tipong kailangang safe ang image kapag may naririnig siya. Hindi siya madakdak. He is a private person like me. He is like me ayaw ng laban ng laban. What I like about him is that he is a gentleman," described Heart.
It’s not surprising that Heart and Echo were romantically linked because they’ve spent a lot of times on and off the set of "Panday." Echo even brought the lass to La Union and taught her how to surf which Heart enjoyed so much. A getaway in a romantic place like the secluded beaches of La Union could spell romance but Heart begged to differ.
"There’s really no relationship but we’ve been going out and we enjoy each other’s company. Yes we’re dating but relationship and commitment, there’s nothing really official," she explained.
"I know he is a man, but let’s see if he is the man!"
"Panday" is truly a big break for Heart Evangelista since it has brought her acting to another level. Gone were "love teams" and light romances in "Panday" as she plays a wife.
"Ganda-ganda ng takbo ng buhay ko ngayon. I’m very much at peace. Kuntento ako bilang artista, light lang, no stress...I’m just a happy person, pahiyang pahiya lang talaga ang mga taong gustong manggulo ng buhay, wala na silang masabi."
As for Echo, he has this to say as to why he and Heart are not yet officially together and committed.
"I must admit that I can’t handle such things at the moment. I’m super serious about a lot of things. So I invite her to go out and we talk about stuff, work, pagdating sa work she knows what I talk about, kung ano ang gusto kong sabihin, knows a lot about my issues in life. Kasi lagi ko syang kasama, so may bonding kami, ang dami naming alam sa isa’t-isa, she supports me in my work and we have a lot of fun."
More than Heart, Jericho’s been inspired by the story of Panday from the very beginning. The whole process of bringing to life "Panday" for him has been breathtaking. Even if his preparations were physically taxing — Wu Shu, weight training, etcetera, he welcomed it with all his heart.
"Minsan nga ang tingin ko sa amin hindi na actors but fighters," exclaimed Jericho. "Kapag nasimulan mo ng gawin, lahat talaga gagana sa utak mo!"
