Maria Ozawa to star in MMFF entry ‘Nilalang’ with Robin Padilla

Japanese actress and former adult video star Maria Ozawa will be starring in her first mainstream role in the Philippines as she officially becomes part of the Metro Manila Film Festival horror-action film entry "Nilalang," starring action king Robin Padilla.

"Nilalang" will tackle the underbelly of corrupt Philippine cops and the Japanese Yakuza and its links to a centuries-old curse responsible for a spate of killings in Manila.

Maria will be play the heriess to a Japanese organized crime syndicate and Robin's leading lady.

In an exclusive interview, the actress expressed excitement about working in the Philippines and working on the film project, especially given that this is going to be her first action flick and only her third horror film.

Maria Ozawa to star in horror-action film "Nilalang" w/ Robin Padilla; her first mainstream role in PHL | @biancadabu pic.twitter.com/cCZpDXQeo5

— GMA News (@gmanews) June 23, 2015
 

She has yet to meet her leading man because Robin is currently in Spain with wife Mariel Rodriguez to promote the 2014 Philippine historical action drama film "Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo."

Despite this, Maria admitted to doing some research about her co-star and said said she admired his years' worth of work in the Philippine film industry.

“When I heard that I'm going to be filming with him, I did research about him. There's lot of action, and he has a muscular body. I was like, 'Wow, he's hot.' He's also won many awards. I didn't take acting lessons, but when I go back to Japan, I will. I'm excited but nervous as well because he's the pro. I'll do my best to catch up,” she said.

Aside from acting lessons, Maria will also be learning Tagalog for the film, as well as the Japanese martial art involving swords, kendo.

After working in several Asian countries including Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia, the film actress revealed that it is the Philippines that is closest to her heart.

"Everything. I love the food and the people. It's so different from Japan. They are all smiling and nice and loving. I also love the weather. It's so cool in Japan," she said.

The "Nilalang" star also expressed surprise about her rise to fame overseas.

“I just arrived in Manila yesterday, and I had no make-up on but people recognize me,” she said. “I was so happy, but also surprised because how could they know me that fast? Even in social media, there were like a billion people following me.”

Ozawa will be filming the entirety of the horror-action film "Nilalang" in the Philippines starting August. She will also attend the film's premiere as well as the Metro Manila Film Festival Parade in December.

The 2015 MMFF entry will also be shown in Japan in due time, according to Haunted Towers Pictures producer Andre Urbina. — BM, GMA News