INTERVIEW: ENRIQUE V. RAMOS, ALLAN A. MADRILEJOS
PHOTOGRAPHY: FRANCIS ABRAHAM

Because she’s a damn good actress,Samantha Lopez can transform even an annoying, dispassionatelove scene into a highly charged cinematic moment. Take her memorable scene-stealing turn in Sidhi (Ardor). Remember how and Albert Martinez did the deed in a poorly ventilated el cheapo motel room, the kind that will never inspire blockbuster orgasms. That her partner got off prematurely was the ultimate bummer for Sam’s character. “I was feeling three things when we were doing that scene,” she recalls. “It has all the ingredients of miserable sex: short-lived ecstasy, irritation, frustration.”

Fortunately, the actress formerly known as Gracia says that doesn’t happen to her in real life. She and her man talk openly about everything that can deepen their bond, sexual compatibility being a top priority. “Bad sex may not be a good enough reason to end a particularly good relationship,” she purrs. “But it’s certainly one problem that needs to be addressed. It’s important for a couple to generate the same level of sexual heat. It’s one of the things that can keep the relationship going.”

And sex does keep Sam going. She has no qualms about making love in unlikely: “The kitchen sink, the closet, the garage, in a cave, on the beach rank high in my list,” Sam says, smiling sheepishly. “And when things get hotter, there’s always the refrigerator.” FHM