Paul Soriano on being linked to Maja: It’s uncalled-for
“Thelma” director Paul Soriano said it's unfortunate that rumors about him and Maja Salvador, lead star in his current project, have come out in the open.
“It's unfortunate and uncalled for them to link me to my lead actress. I'm her director, I'm not her love team, I'm not her co-actor,” he said in an interview with Yahoo! OMG! Philippines and other members of the entertainment media yesterday.
Paul added, “So I think it was uncalled for because she is such a great person, a great actress. She worked so hard on 'Thelma.' It's a different Maja. Actually, you won't see Maja. You'll see 'Thelma' onscreen. She did so good and I'm so proud of her.”
The director first addressed the issue during the press conference of his movie “Thelma” early this weekend when he was questioned about his alleged closeness with Maja.
How did Toni Gonzaga, his girlfriend of four years, react?
Paul said the Kapamilya actress-host expected this kind of intrigue.
“Actually, to be honest, she knew it was probably gonna happen. It was inevitable. She told me, baka ganyan, ganyan. She said, 'don't mind them, just concentrate on the film and the film will speak for itself',” he told Yahoo! OMG! Philippines.
Paul said he understands this is how the entertainment industry works, adding that Toni herself has been the subject of similar issues and rumors.
“She is, up to this day, linked to all her leading men and I think for the rest of her career she will be linked to people. So it's a part of the business. We just have to roll with the punches,” the 29-year-old director said.
In the end, Paul hopes people will focus on “Thelma” (which opens on September 7), instead of the “unfortunate linking issue because it's really not needed.”
“Making film is the dream. I love making movies. It's very different from what I do, which is advertising. 'Thelma' is a very great experience and I'm excited for people to see all our hard work,” he added.
Rumors and all, Paul said “everything has been great” with Toni.
“Four years kami ni Toni and going strong. And it's really trust. It's the foundation of everything. And we keep our faith in God,” he said.
What is the secret to their strong relationship?
“A lot of communication, a lot of talking about things, and a lot of understanding and patience. Communication is very important in our relationship and for the last four years we've done that well,” he said. “She helps me understand her business and I help her understand mine.”
It also helps, Paul added, that they both know their priorities.
“I know her priority is work. She knows my priority is work. And then comes the relationship,” he explained.
