Actress Lovi Poe returns to the Philippines as her film production company, C'est Lovi Productions, co-produces the upcoming movie "Guilty Pleasure" with Regal Entertainment.

During an interview in Quezon City recently, Lovi said that "Guilty Pleasure" is the first project of her film outfit based in the US. She is enthusiastic about teaming up with Roselle Monteverde, who serves as the President and CEO of Regal Entertainment, for the maiden project of her company.

"I can call her and ask for advice. And I'm glad I have someone like her who knows precisely what she's doing. She's been doing it for so many years. Ang sarap ng feeling na I can quickly contact her. Ang dami namin plans together. So I'm also excited for that," said Lovi when asked about her collaboration with Roselle.

Lovi stars as a lawyer in "Guilty Pleasure" which explores the complex relationships and personal struggles of three ambitious lawyers as they navigate love, betrayal, and professional ambition.
It also stars JM De Guzman, Jameson Blake, Sarah Edwards, Dustin Yu, and Angelica Lao.

Recalling Mother Lily Monteverde, the mother of Roselle, Lovi said the late famous producer brought much joy to many people, especially in the movie industry.

"I think that's one thing I want to be like her in such a way that, yes, she's a businesswoman, but she also enjoys music. She played the piano, and she danced. She had the best relationships with people. They would say she's an amazing manager because madali siyang kausap. She's also a good person. 'Yun ang natutunan ko sa kanya," Lovi said. "Hopefully, I get to carry that with me wherever I go."

Now married to Englishman Monty Blencowe, Lovi said she's so happy she has a very understanding husband. The couple tied the knot in England in August 2023.

"He doesn't give me any restrictions. I'm glad because that's the kind of husband I need. He's so secure. He doesn't complain or restrict me in doing other things like wala nga siyang reaction sa teaser eh. 

"Sabi niya, 'It's very good and exciting." Tapos repost siya ng repost. Sabi ko, 'Oh my God! I'm so lucky. I cannot be with someone who tells me what to do. Hindi siya season," said the actress, who claims she's also not the jealous type of person.

Lovi added: "It's cool that we are on the same page. I would hear people na sometimes pinipigilan sila ng partner nila. Pero siya, 'Okay! Go! Do that! Enjoy yourself. You should go out more. 

"Sometimes he would tell me, 'You're always at home. You need to socialize and go out more. 

"Pareho kaming ganun. We respect each other so much, and we trust each other. We would always say, 'I will not control you. If you make a mistake, that is your fault,' " she added. "Hindi kami mananakal ng partner. Can't do this, can't do that. Before, I was controlled, but it never worked."  

Lovi said Monty flew to Manila when her talent manager, Leo Dominguez of LVD Management Corporation, passed away in May. "And then he took the first flight out. Alam niya kasi na [aramhg second parent ko na si Leo so he was here recently."

The actress admitted that Monty had no concerns with the weather in Manila, but he has problems with local food. "Hindi pa siya sanay sa food and tubig natin."

Lovi expressed that she had no desire to marry a foreigner and that marriage was not a priority for her.

"Hindi ko inisip na mag-aasawa pa ako. Sabi ko whatever. It's not part of the plan," she also said.

Lovi was deeply convinced that Monty was the ideal partner for her.

"Life is not just about work. It's about trying to balance things. If I'm being honest, I'm not used to slowing down. I'm a workaholic, and I'm used to that.

"I've been working since I was 15 years old. Slowing down is not in my dictionary. Then Monty said you have to relax. So now I'm learning the process of slowing down, and I'm appreciating it," she said.

Lovi also expressed that she finds work to be incredibly addictive, akin to the effects of a drug on her.

"Work is work, and I enjoy it. But I need to learn the ordinary things as well. Para siya drug sa akin," she said. 

Lovi added: "Monty knows that as well. Monty is also a workaholic pero different lang. He's a scientist. He's a producer. He also does real estate so ang dami niyang ginagawa. He's so intelligent. He makes me read his papers. Yung mga science paper niya. Hanggang script lang ako huwag na yung mga journal."

Now based in Los Angeles, although they sometimes travel to England, Lovi said she and Montty have adjusted to life abroad.

"I'm still adjusting, but we're still trying to work on things. For me, ang adjustment ko doon is I do things on my own. Like I cook, and I do the laundry," said Lovi. "Yung mga easy meal lang. I cook salad and eggs. Perfect na ako sa hard-bpoiled eggs. Mahirap yun ah! I'm learning there. Nagluluto ako roon."

Lovi remembered the time she attempted to cook meals, but unfortunately, it didn't turn out as she had hoped, and she considered it a failure.

"One time I was so sad. Naiyak talaga ako. Nakakahiya pero nagsaing ako at nasunog yung sinaing ko. After that bumili na ako ng rice cooker. Marunong naman ako when I follow instructions correctly. So I attempted to cook adobo in the US. Sinusundan ko naman yung instructions. It was going on smoothly. Then I decided na gawin ko itong healthy adobo. 

"What if Stevia kaya ang ilagay ko imbes na asukal? I swear to God! It was so wrong! Talagang pagkatikim ko niluwa ko na agad. I felt so bad at hindi ko siya pinakain. But I'm not giving up. Yung ibang food naman naghi-hit ako eh. Mga easy lang," Lovi said.

For now, her fear in life would be not to balance everything correctly. "Parang, I don't want to neglect work, I don't want to neglect my husband and my family. I'm praying I'm doing my best. Sana wala akong ma-take for granted."

On having babies, Lovi said: "If it happens, it will happen. We won't pressure ourselves but it's on the table."