The steamy scene between Coco Martin and Mercedes Cabral in the controversial film “Serbis” shown at the 2008 Cannes International Film Festival in Cannes, France merited plaudits as well as acerbic criticisms from moviegoers and critics alike. Mixed were its reviews, locally and internationally, about the sexual scenes between Coco and Mercedes when after the bedroom mazurka, the actor’s merchandise was shot in its full glory.
The story called for Mercedes to pay her boyfriend Coco who was a member of the family which operated a big movie house which was showing porn movies.
Because of love, Cabral willingly gave her body to Martin in a very intimate scene in the guy’s room adjacent to the projection room of the theater.
It was a hot topic at home, naturally, where sex cinema was and still is taken with frenzy. Mixed also were its reactions. Some said it was a realistic shot. Others commented it was soft porn masquerading as artsy-craftsy.
Notwithstanding the intrepid sex scenes, the film brought credibility and visibility to Coco who was seen as an actor to reckon with. True enough, with a series of independent films attached to his name, Martin became one of the most in-demand and qualified actor until today.
That controversial scene is reprised by another protégée of internationally renowned film director Brillante Ma. Mendoza, namely Vince Rillon, a veteran of eight films such as “Captive,” Rainbow’s Sunset,” “Amo,” “3Pol Trobol Huli Ka Balbon,” “Mindanao,” “Kintsugi,” “Lakbayan” and “Fallback.”
Brillante is still the director of Vince in the new yet untitled project which top bills Coco and his sweetheart Julia Montes.
The film which was recently shot in Pola, Oriental Mindoro will feature Vince with a new actress who was willing to reprise the role of Mercedes.
“Basta ginawa ko lang po ‘yon dahil ‘yon ang found story namin. Hindi ko nga po akalain na magagawa ko ‘yon. Nabigla ako pero nasa istorya naman po. At okay naman po ang execution. Nakapag-internalize naman po ako (I just did it because it was part of the found story. I didn’t know I could do it. I was surprised but it was part of the story. And the execution was okay. I was also able to internalize),” recalled who said that he was inspired by the success being enjoyed by Coco as an actor.
“I hope tanggapin po ng mga tao ang eksena naming ‘yon. New actress po ang kaeksena ko sa part na ‘yon (I hope the audience would accept our scene. I did it with a new actress),” said Rillon.