With millions of fans already on social media, Lovi Poe rose to stardom after her role in the drama series Bakekang and winning best actress at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival for her role in Mayohan. Her latest films; the romance Malaya on Amazon and Netflix comedy Woke Up Like This have expanded her popularity. Taking a short break from acting to focus on music, she shares her vibrant new pop single, “Under”, which marks the launch of her music career outside of the Philippines. In collaboration with Grammy award winning producers Bob Robinson and Ømen (Drake, Beyonce) alongside Kris KeyZ, they recorded “Under” at Austin Ward’s studio in West Hollywood with the accompanying video (directed by filmmaker Jessica Fee) also out now. As talented, beautiful and creative as she is, we expect Lovi will soon become a household name.

We talk art, self development books, her major ambassadorship with Omega watches, tripping over Eddie Redmayne, trying to stay healthy and taking full responsibility for her own happiness while being on the journey to becoming more herself.

Tell us about growing up in the Philippines and how it influenced your art?
Like anyone, environment makes a huge impact in ones way of living. I guess the fact that we’re flexible and easy to adapt makes a huge difference in pursuing ones dream. I remember when I was younger, I’ve always liked to perform, and in my teens, I was already practicing how to do my “Lovi Poe“ signature. It’s still how I sign/write it to this day. I’ve always wanted to sing and act, and here I am living my dream.

Your dad was very famous in the Philippines, did you decide to pursue art because of him? What did he teach you that has helped you most?
I guess my love for art was innate because of him. He taught me how to embrace the different chapters of my life. May it be beautiful seasons or challenging times.

You have traveled all over the world, where are your favourite places? — Italy! over and over again…
Recently you recorded new music in LA, what made you choose here? And at a folk artists (Austin Ward) studio too? Going to back to music wasn’t planned. It was very unexpected. It just happened. I guess I was lucky. Right place at the right time. There’s nothing like going back to something you’ve always loved.

How did you connect with Bob Robinson and Ømen (Drake, Beyoncé) and Kris KeyZ? What was the music making process like with them?
Sometimes we dress our opportunities as stress because working with such accomplished artists can be quite intimidating. But they’ve been so easy going and real that whoever it is that they work with, you know that they want to see them win.

Tell us about your new single?
“Under” is the first song I’ve recorded outside the Philippines. It’s a monumental step for me because it re-establishes my presence in the entertainment industry through music. The fact that I was given the opportunity to work with amazing producers and musicians such as Ømen, Bob and Austin is quite unimaginable. I hope the music we’re about to share conveys the same incredible experience I had making them. “Under” is just the beginning. Looking forward to exciting times ahead.

How has social media impacted your life? Pros and cons?
It’s a source of so much inspiration — be it for fashion, travel, fitness…there’s so much beauty to be seen. It’s nice to see people sharing a piece of their life. I, too, use it as an extension of my storytelling. However, sometimes we get lost in it because there’s so much out there, and some just take advantage of others that it becomes a breeding ground of jealousy, bullying, hate…which I experienced myself as well. I aim to keep my platforms as inspiring and as inclusive as possible…to spread positivity and to keep uplifting each other.

What artists were your biggest inspirations?
Sara Bareilles, Carmody, Sabrina Claudio, Cigarettes After Sex, Selena Gomez, Dua Lipa.

You currently have films on Amazon and Netflix – tell us about those?
It’s great to be able to share some of my work to a wider audience, not just in the Philippines. It’s also nice to look back at the films I’ve done — some were pretty heavy drama, while others were pretty light… it’s fun to do something different, a little bit of comedy and I’m glad that was well received.

Has the pandemic changed you? How have you dealt with the challenges?
It’s the abrupt shift of everything brought about by the pandemic. I have always been on-the go prior to quarantine restrictions and the danger of contracting the virus without you knowing it. I’m used to working all the time — one project after another, and all of a sudden, boom. Everything sort of just stood still especially in my home country the Philippines, and everyone was (and probably is) still scared and just coping with our present reality. It was like a big stop sign was flashed at Mother Earth. Things wouldn’t be like this forever. It’s not yet over. But we adjust. We cope and we work around the situation. Working out has always been helpful not just to stay healthy, but to clear my mind. I try to have a fitness routine everyday. But I allowed myself some blah days. For a time, I missed going for my night runs outdoors because that was really therapeutic for me. I read books that help nourish my mind like You’re a Badass by Jen Sincero and Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. I watch a lot of movies and TV shows not just to entertain myself, but as an actor, I always learn a lot from different genres. I can’t hide the fact that I got hooked on K-Drama… some are actually pretty intense, and can’t deny there’s a lot of eye candy hahaha. I recorded a lot of music as well and I think it’s a gift to be able to produce something like that during hard times. I’m just grateful.

What song or film do you wish had been yours?
Sara Bareilles’ “Send Me the Moon”. For film, Malena. Monica Bellucci was powerful and phenomenal.

Who would you most like to collaborate with? Artists and brands?
PREP band! Or something unusual maybe… surprise me!

You’ve worked with a lot of fashion brands, who have been your favorite and why? Who do you want to work with next?
I love them all because it has allowed me to play with different looks and different personas. Working and traveling with Omega is always a dreamy one. We’ve done Venice, Berlin, Palawan — all with different personalities. The one in Venice is probably my most memorable one. I was wearing this really beautiful white dress when I met Eddie Redmayne and I tripped! Way to go Lovi. Glad he was there to catch me haha. Anyway, I’m game with any collab that piques my interest. Couture, high fashion, street or wearing designers from the Philippines… it’s nice to play with different types of creatives. Bring it on!

What is the best advice you’ve been given?
“Don’t sweat the small stuff” and “Nobody is ever responsible for your unhappiness, but you.”

What is the best advice you have for aspiring artists?
Stay committed but stop obsessing on things beyond your control! I also have to remind myself of that at times.

Who are you listening to now that maybe we don’t know but should?
I last played “Closer” by Powers on Spotify

What are your plans for 2021?
Ride this wave as fearlessly and as openly as possible. Let’s make more meaningful films and heart-wrenching music and experience life together!