David Licauco on what makes Shaira Diaz a ‘good kisser’

Before “FiLay,” there was “ShaiVid.”

While David Licauco’s following has grown exponentially because of his tandem with Barbie Forteza in the hit GMA 7 series “Maria Clara at Ibarra” (MCI), some people don’t know that the heartthrob’s first screen partner was Shaira Diaz.

Now, four years after their last project, David and Shaira have reunited for the romantic drama film “Without You.” And with its release coinciding with “MCI’s” run, comparisons between the two tandems couldn’t be helped. Despite this, Shaira feels happy that fans from both sides have been nothing but respectful and supportive.

“You can’t avoid comparisons… David and I don’t get to work as often anymore. That’s why it’s heartening to see old ShaiVid fans come alive again. It’s good to know that fans from our previous projects are still as supportive as ever,” Shaira said at a recent press conference hosted by Sparkle, GMA 7’s talent management arm.

Prior to “Without You,” Shaira and David topbilled the film “Because I Love You” and the “Walang Label” episode of the GMA 7 short film anthology “One Hugot Away.” They also starred in episodic programs, like “Magpakailanman,” where fans took notice of the two actors’ chemistry and acting mettle.

“It’s also nice that a lot of FiLay fans support us and our project. There’s respect—that’s what’s important. The comparisons don’t make me go, ‘Ano ba ‘yan,’ because the fans have been respectful and supportive of their idols. The two love teams being active at the same time isn’t really an issue,” Shaira said.

Besides, the two actresses have their unique talents and charms. “They’re different. Shaira and I did a lot of shows in the past, so I don’t want to compare. All I can say is that they’re both very talented. Shaira and Barbie have their own approaches to acting, but they’re both good,” David pointed out.

First-ever screen partner

While a lot has changed since their last project together, Shaira said she’s happy to see that David has remained humble amid his recent successes. “He’s the same. He’s still quiet. Hindi lumaki ulo niya. And I admire that. Because even though he has so many fans now, you won’t ever feel that he has changed,” Shaira said.

“Shaira was my first-ever screen partner,” David added. “So it’s always a pleasure to work with her again. She’s as good as ever.”

Produced by OctoArts Films and directed by RC delos Reyes, “Without You,” now playing in cinemas, follows Axel (David), a club deejay who falls in love with Ria (Shaira), the nurse who takes care of him after he’s injured. The couple takes things to the next level and live together. But one by one, problems that threaten their relationship start to creep up.

Shaira Diaz

Unlike their previous film, “Without You” is considerably heavier in tone and features more intimate scenes. While the two had no qualms doing them, watching themselves on the big screen with other people is an entirely different matter.

“We watched it with our eyes covered! I got shy because my family and friends were there. And I’m not really used to it. It was my first time to do a role as mature as this one, so it was very challenging. But I’m also happy because in a way, I finally had this phase over and done with. And it was nice to do it with someone I’m comfortable with,” Shaira said.

David watched it with his mom. And luckily, he said, some of the sultrier sequences they shot didn’t make the final cut. “Kung hindi, baka ‘di na ako pinapasok sa bahay,” he joked. “Some of the scenes were sexy and mature, but we just did what was needed. There were some scenes where I was wearing short shorts and I was like, ‘Ay, naku!’ But it’s all good.”

Special chemistry

Shaira and David do share a special chemistry. While they were never romantically linked, the two let themselves feel kilig for each other.

“To get inside my character, I allow myself to feel that kilig when I’m with David. Maybe that’s part of the secret. I bring down my walls to feel like I’m really in love with him, that I really have a crush on him,” Shaira said, adding that it doesn’t hurt that David is physically attractive. “He’s handsome, he has a good physique and smells nice.”

“I didn’t feel any awkwardness doing our scenes because they were instrumental in showing the characters’ love for each other. We just had to learn the script and get in touch with the emotions needed,” David said.

David Licauco

Shaira is in a long-term relationship with boyfriend, actor EA Guzman, who couldn’t be more supportive of the actress’ reunion with David.

“He’s very understanding and supportive, so no problems there. He’s also an actor, so he knows how it works. He knows that work is work. We’re both professionals,” she said. “I actually told him that it’s OK if he doesn’t watch it. But he really wanted to support me.”

David is currently single. So no jealous partner to worry about. He described Shaira as a “good kisser” and “very gentle and professional.”

And how does Shaira react to that? “I don’t want to say!” she said, laughing. “But maybe I’m flattered.” INQ

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