Lorna Tolentino could only nod in amazement when asked about Bela Padilla as a director.

At the opening of the Beautéderm corporate headquarters in Angeles, Pangasinan, Tolentino aired her admiration for the Filipino-British actor who not only directed and wrote but also produced the upcoming film If.

“Mahusay siya. Hanga ako sa kanya (She’s really good. I admire her),” Tolentino said.

She recounted doing the 1998 film Pusong Mamon whose director Joel Lamangan suffered a heart attack while in production.

“Pinalitan siya for a few days para lang matapos ang pelikula. Doon ko nakita na ayaw ko na, parang hindi ko kakayanin maging director. Natakot ako kasi puwedeng dumating sa point na health mo na ang mag-suffer (He was replaced for a few days just so the film could be finished on time. That’s when I realized I can’t be a director. I was afraid because your health may even suffer),” Tolentino said.

If, co-produced by Viva, is shot in major locations in Seoul, South Korea. It tells the story of Lisa, a novelist who gets inspired to write a book after watching the K-drama Because This Is My First Life.

At the book launch of her new novel, Lisa meets a Korean fan portrayed by South Korean actor Yoo Min-gon. They start a friendship and eventually she ends up going to Korea with him.

Tolentino plays a supporting role in the film with Buboy Garrovillo. If is targeted for a February release.

Following If, Tolentino will be working with Padilla on another movie, tentatively titled White Noise. The film, to be shot in Switzerland in December, will have Jericho Rosales as leading man.