Marlo Mortel, 33 anyos na nang maranasan ang first onscreen kiss sa showbiz

Published 23 Apr 2026 at 5:07 PM

by Josh Medina

3 min read

Marlo Mortel experiences his first onscreen kissing scene after 17 years in the entertainment industry
The intimate scene was filmed with Rita Daniela for the Viva micro-drama Caught in the Act
The actors reveal that the scene was intense and captured in a long continuous take
Director Temi Cruz Abad shares unexpected behind-the-scenes moments during the shoot

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Marlo Mortel has finally taken on a new milestone in his long career as he filmed his first-ever onscreen kissing scene with Kapuso actress-singer Rita Daniela in the Viva micro-drama Caught in the Act.

Marlo Mortel, 33 anyos na nang maranasan ang first onscreen kiss sa showbiz — Photo: Marlo Mortel (@marlomortelmusic)
Source: Instagram

Now in his 17th year in the entertainment industry, the 33-year-old actor-singer admitted that this was an unfamiliar but meaningful experience for him, especially since it came at a later stage in his career.

"It was my first intimate scene and kissing scene. It was intense." Marlo Mortel said.

He shared that he initially thought the scene would be light and simple, but it turned out to be more demanding than expected. Despite the nervousness, he said the long take helped him stay in character and focus on the moment.

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"Nade-virginize ako [tawanan]"

Rita Daniela, his co-star, noticed Marlo’s tension during the shoot and was surprised to learn that it was his first time doing an intimate scene.

"Hindi ko ine-expect na first-ever kissing scene on screen ito ni Marlo. So, parang ako, ‘Ha? So, you mean to say, ako yung naka-devirginize onscreen? Ganoon ba yon, Marlo?" Rita Daniela said.

Director Temi Cruz Abad also shared that the intensity of the scene even surprised him during filming, joking about its cinematic feel.

"Akala ko nga Vivamax." Temi Cruz Abad said.

Marlo also added:

"First time din and also yun nga ah ginide nila ako maigi sa parang bata no ginide maigi sa kissing scene."

Rita also said:

"Okay so tinodo ko syempre alangan namang ano wala namang sinabing cut hindi naman akong naririnig na ganon. So syempre tuloy kami ng tuloy pero in fairness naman yung naramdaman oo kinakabahan siya talaga pero in fairness to him talagang tinuloy-tuloy niya talagang inilaban niya."

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He further explained that he had to guide the actors carefully to achieve the right emotional tone for the scene.

"Bigyan ninyo lang ako ng isang intense na salpok ng halik tapos from then on, gradually, i-tone down," Temi Cruz Abad said.

However, the shoot became so immersive that the director had to repeatedly signal to stop, as the actors continued without noticing his cue. Despite this, he praised both Marlo and Rita for delivering a powerful and authentic performance that became a highlight of the series.

Marlo Mortel is a versatile Filipino actor, singer, and television host who first gained widespread popularity for his breakthrough role as Nicolo in the hit series Be Careful with My Heart. Since then, he has expanded his career as a recording artist and a frequent host for major events and programs, including his regular appearances on Unang Hirit.

In another report, Iñigo Jose, a former housemate from Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0, recently marked his 21st birthday. The celebration took place at Concept Space Manila and was attended by family, friends, fans, and fellow housemates. Sofia Pablo also greeted Iñigo through an Instagram post that included photos and a video of their moments together. Iñigo later responded in the comments with a short message showing appreciation for her birthday greeting.