Max Collins happy with Maryo J as mentor

MANILA, Philippines – Max Collins is happy to be in the cast of Maryo J. Delos Reyes’ Sineng Pambasa entry, “Bamboo Flowers.”

The 20-year-old GMA-7 actress (who is also in the morning series, “With A Smile”) plays Dolores, a tourism student on her OJT in a resort in Panglao who meets a tourist who offers her marriage – and an opportunity to a new life in a different country.

“My character’s conflict has to do with her boyfriend, who is contented with the simple life in Bohol,” Max explained her role.

“But I have other dreams. So it’s a choice that will either make me happy or make me regret.”

The other characters in “Bamboo Flowers” also have their difficult choices to make, amid the changes in modern living confronting their milieu, which is Direk Maryo’s home province.

“That’s life. Marami tayong kailangan pagpiliin at kailangan hindi tayo magsisi sa anuman ang choices natin,” the actress said. (We have choices to make and we shouldn’t regret them.)

“It’s a film that will inspire everybody. People can see themselves in any of the characters in the film.”

Leading filmmaker

This is Max’s 3rd time to work with Direk Maryo. They first worked together in the GMA series, “Pahiram Ng Sandali.” The second time was in an episode of “Magpakailanman.”

Direk Maryo is one of the leading filmmakers in our cinema. Among his credits are “Diosa,” Magnifico,” and “Bagets,” now a landmark in Philippine pop culture.

“Direk Maryo has motivated me very well and we just clicked,” said Max. “Kung may scene na parang hindi ko kayang gawin [If there’s a scene that I feel I can’t handle], he will just set an example in order for me to understand what the scene meant.

“He also acts out the scene para makita namin ‘yung vision niya [so we can see his vision].

“Once he says ‘action,’ we have to do our own interpretation of what he did.

“Kailangan yung galing sa puso at isipan namin [It should come from our heart] and not a mere mimicking of what he did.”

“Bamboo Flowers” also stars Mylene Dizon, Ruru Madrid, Irma Adlawan, Barbara Miguel, Diva Montelaba, Orlando Sol, and Spanky Manikan. – Rappler.com

Here’s the trailer of ‘Bamboo Flowers’: