Geraldine Jennings sheds inhibitions for movie debut in 'Isla Babuyan'

Newbie actress-singer Geraldine Jennings feels overwhelmed, at the same time relieved, that her first film, the campy sexy-drama "Isla Babuyan," is finally hitting theaters. The project holds special meaning for her because it was the last project produced by her late manager, Leo Dominguez, before his passing.

- By NATHALIE TOMADA

The film also stars Paolo Gumabao, Nathalie Hart, Jameson, James Blanco, Lotlot de Leon, Samantha Da Roza and Dave Bornea. – PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINE PRODUCER DENNIS EVANGELISTA

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINE PRODUCER DENNIS EVANGELISTA)

Leo, who died in May last year, served as the longtime manager of Gloria Diaz and Isabelle Daza, Janine Gutierrez, Lovi Poe, Solenn Heussaff, Ogie Alcasid, among many others.

"It feels so surreal, it feels really strange. I watched it before on my phone but it's really different when (it's on the big screen). And just seeing everybody's reactions (during the advanced screening), I feel relieved that it's out already.

"And this is really for Tito Leo Dominguez. I'm feel so grateful that he trusted me with my first project as the lead role.

"You need just one person to give you a chance, you know. I feel so honored that he thought I could do it. I knew I could do it naman but you need other people to trust.

"I knew him for a while already. He has the same mind as my mom (Gina Cariaga-Jennings, one of the co-producers). They have similar, like tastes, so, he really liked that. I feel so honored," the Filipino-British beauty told The STAR in a one-on-one chat.

According to the synopsis, "Isla Babuyan" follows Anastacia (Geraldine), who returns to Isla Babuyan (Pigland) as a grown woman to reunite with her mother, Rose (Lotlot de Leon). What seems like a long-awaited homecoming soon becomes complicated when Anastacia discovers her mother's bad reputation in the community.