Clad in the latest and signature pieces from Louis Vuitton, read an excerpt on this month’s cover star, Anne Curtis.
Related: EXCLUSIVE: Anne Curtis Is Back And Wearing The Louis Vuitton S/S ’21 Collection
It would be easy to say that for a woman with genes like Anne Curtis-Smith, a prestigious status in show business would have already been predestined. But in an industry that has witnessed the rise and fall of thousands of good-looking faces, to attribute her success to beauty alone is presumptuous, especially when you disregard her enduring relevance. A career that has spanned more than two decades with an enviable list of artistic experiences unmatched by peers is enjoyed only by a select few. And this woman is unlike any other.
The aughts have seen the half-Australian actress blossom from teen drama sensation to teleserye royalty. It was a trajectory expected of any actress who has grown in the local spotlight, and Anne has had a good head start at twelve years old. But her incredibly unexpected career decisions laced with her brand of pure ambition have become explosive creative re-emergences in the years to come. And these have served as testaments to both range and perpetuating star quality. Everything has, by all means, been proven and well-deserved.
Her ubiquitous presence demands a certain degree of self-assuredness on top of passion and dedication. And all these Anne has given graciously. One might say that perhaps it is this approach to the craft that endears her to her throngs of adoring fans and even to critics as well. And with an admirable level of commitment, it would be difficult if a self-confessed workaholic like her hasn’t learned to confidently love herself yet. After all, in this line of work, where one faces self-doubt and public scrutiny constantly, conviction earned is worn like armor.
NO OTHER WOMAN
Among many hallmarks of an illustrious career was Annebisyosa, her 2011 debut album. While the idea of recording one was unheard of until VIVA’s suggestion, Anne dared to take on the unthinkable. And within months after the album release, the opportunity to stage a concert at the Araneta Coliseum was within reach. Amid inhibitions, her true mettle prevailed.
“Doing a concert at the Araneta Coliseum, that was a dream of mine,” she exclaims. “When we did the album and when it was offered, I was like, ‘Yeah! Totally, Boss! I want to do an album!’ That’s my dream. And then the concert happened. I’m like, ‘Yes, let’s do it! I’m so game!’ But then after, you realize, ‘Wait lang, is anyone going to come watch me?’ This is Araneta Coliseum. I was super getting so much anxiety. That’s why I cried the moment there was a reveal onstage because I was just so overwhelmed.” A couple of concerts soon followed, both producing similarly positive results.
Equally unprecedented was BuyBust, a 2018 action thriller that had her playing a gritty role many other veteran actresses of the genre could have otherwise taken. Film reviews were divided, but her committed performance was generally well-praised. It was the perfect setup to exhibit range in a portfolio that has often seen her in classic leading lady roles. And she absolutely nailed it. She proudly shares the exciting experience,
“That took up almost a year and a half of my life. I was just talking to Jasmine, my sister, last night about it. It’s really like going on a graveyard shift when we were shooting for BuyBust because all the scenes were in the evening. It wasn’t in the studio, it was outdoor. We would shoot from 6PM till sunrise. Would I do that again? I think I would. Lalo na if it’s with Direk Erik (Matti), his team, and his script. I definitely would. I really loved BuyBust.
“I love doing these kinds of films that I really get challenged and I feel are so far from everything that I’ve ever been given to me before. So, if a script happens to fall on my lap again, yes, for sure I’d love to.”
Anne Curtis
Anne is admittedly aware of the many twists and turns of her much- followed journey to stardom. Was it all set by design? She says, “I think, if you look at my career, I’ve really kind of gone with the flow. It wasn’t a smooth-sailing ride to end up where I am today. So, I guess I’ve never been really calculated with my moves and steps in my career. Would I do that now?
I think it would be calculated in a way where my priorities have changed. Whereas before, I’d be like, ‘Okay, game! Let’s do this! Let’s do that! Laban!’ And then now, it’s kind of like ‘Wait lang, I want to do it but how do I find the time to do it.’ It’s kind of calculated in that sense.”
Read more about Anne Curtis and her journey with motherhood so far in MEGA’s August 2021 issue now available in Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio
Photography SHAIRA LUNA
Creative direction JANN PASCUA
Art direction NICOLE ALMERO
Fashion direction and styling LYN ALUMNO
Beauty Direction TRINA EPILEPSIA BOUTAIN
Makeup ROBBIE PIÑERA
Hair RAYMOND SANTIAGO
Photography assistant LANCE VON LUNA
Shoot Coordination ERICA LUNA and LOUIS ESGUERRA
Shot on location at THE PENINSULA MANILA
