Rocco: Sheena is my inspiration

Actions speak louder than words. So Rocco Nacino doesn’t have to announce it to the whole world that he’s in love, and that he’s loved in return.

The star of Saridandan Films Inc.’s  “Lam-Ang” doesn’t run out of words in describing how much Sheena Halili means to him.

“She’s one of my biggest (sources of) inspiration,” a happy Rocco tells the press. “Kaya motivated ako sa trabaho.We are at ease with each other.”

Not just that. Rocco himself admits he’s not dating anyone but Sheena and vice-versa. 

“Masaya na kaming dalawa that we are in this relationship. Very mutual ang pagtingin namin sa isa’t isa.”

The key to this happy set-up, Rocco adds, is compatibility.  The star of the acclaimed “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” observes that he and Sheena were raised believing in the same good things:  love of God, family and self.

So Rocco is confident they won’t get involved in a sex scandal or anything embarrassing.

Positive outlook

“Sabay kami pumupunta sa church. Dahil doon, maganda ang outlook naming sa buhay.May purpose kami sa buhay.”

But he stops there. Rocco won’t be pressured in saying  just what purpose that is, insisting that it’s something between him and Sheena.

“You don’t have to be all-out when you’re in a relationship. You have to keep things private. Ganon ka-special ang relasyon namin ni Sheena,” a smitten Rocco explains.

Strangely, he refuses to say Sheena is  already his girlfriend, even if all the signs are there.  He’s been courting her for less than a year,  but Rocco insists he and Sheena have not taken their relationship to the next level.

“Hindi pa kami,” he points out.  “Wala pa ako sa position na mag-confirm nito lalo na ngayon kasi busy kami.  She’s with `Alice Bungisngis.' Ako naman nasa ‘The Good Daughter.” Nagka-clash ang schedule namin. It’s hard to go to another level kung ganon.”

But just like Phil Younghusband who sees a future with Angel Locsin without admitting anything, Rocco looks forward to a long-term relationship with Sheena.

Long-term

“Makikita mo na pwedeng pangmatagalan talaga (si Sheena). She’s very hardworking; very determined. Tutularan ko yung professionalism niya.”

It goes without saying that Rocco is all out in having Sheena as his leading lady in “Lam-Ang,” where he was chosen to play the title role after passing the auditions.  

They can combine work and pleasure in Ilocos, where the story about the Ilocano folk hero will be shot for 20 days.

The film’s executive producer, Ilocos Vice-Governor DV Savellano and its director Ana Agabin want `Lam-Ang’ to show Ilocano culture and history in the 1600s.

Thus, Rocco doesn’t mind wearing only the traditional g-string in the movie.

“Gusto ko i-respect ang culture ng mga Ilocano.  This is a decent historical account, probably a General Patronage movie. The skimpy costumes will hardly be a selling point.”

This being so, Savellano plans to tour “Lam-Ang” in Ilocos campuses.  The more young people know about  the Ilcoano hero, the better.

And just how do the filmmakers plan to make “Lam-Ang” attractive to a generation that hardly knows the Ilocano folk hero?

“Through fight scenes and special effects,”  direk Ana replies.

Cameras start rolling for the indie film after Holy Week.