Wednesday is the ‘Official Solenn Heussaff Day‘. For the first time, I met the French/Filipina performer in person! Together with a number of bloggers, we went all the way to Republiq in Resort World Manila to cover the music video shoot of Solenn’s second single from her debut album.

Although I first read about her in magazines attending in socialite events and other fashion-related gatherings, I’ve always felt that Solenn is not really that intimidating. Glad that I am right with my gutfeel when we were finally introduced to her over lunch together with Gaz Holgate, her leading man in the music video.

Photos and Videos after the jump! CAUTION: Hotness overload!

Solenn is actually bubbly in person! I was able to catch a few episodes of Survivor Philippines Celebrity Edition and I guess the audience saw how she is in real-life that’s why she earned their admiration. Only a year in the Philippine showbiz industry, she is now a certified recording artist, movie star (My Valentine Girls, Temptation Island and the upcoming MMFF entry Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow) and TV personality (Survivor, Captain Barbell, Fashbook and Party Pilipinas). She is often featured in glossy magazines and chosen celebrity endorser of known products.

“Wow, tokwa’t baboy!’ she gushed upon seeing my meal that day.

“You can have some of mine. I need help!” I replied.

“Juju Cleanse. Need to resist temptation haha!” she said with obvious regret lol. She couldn’t help but grab some large fries too when she saw it from our table. We asked her about the new music video. Her second single is called ‘It’s Our First Time‘, which was originally recorded by Bruno Mars. Basically, the song is all about love-making with that special person for the first time. The Bruno Mars version is already sexy and it’s nice to have a female version from Solenn. Girls do have of naughty thoughts too LOL.

Gaz Holgate is a Filipino-Welsh Rugby Player. He was born and raised in North Wales and finished a degree in Architecture at the University of Cardiff (nice to finally meet you, mate! Hehe). He is a friendly fella and answered our questions with a smile. He is actually Solenn’s childhood friend and it is their first time to meet again this year after twelve long years! What a productive reunion, indeed. When I asked how they feel that they’re paired up as a sexy couple in this music video, they looked at each other and laughed in an awkward manner LOL.

When asked about her showbiz transition, she clarified that she’s not a model or didn’t start as a model. “I am a designer and I still with Lulu Tan-Gan. I used to do the beading and all, but now I only send my sketches for approval and do the revisions if needed. I just don’t have much free time now’ she says. She is also a make-up artist by profession and a painter. Wow lang sa versatility!

She also expressed that she’d rather be known as a ‘Designer’ than a ‘Model’. ‘I am not a model!’ she said. I think the negative generalizations about models by the media influenced her to say this. Well, just Google her achievements prior to her showbiz career and you will know! 😛

The first scene to be shot that afternoon is the couch scene, where Solenn sings to Gaz while she tries to seduce him. I saw Direk Paul Soriano there and wow, I am impressed with his work ethics! He tries to explain to his actors what he wants to see in the scene and tells them to just feel relaxed, but be in character. I know that deep inside, Gaz and Solenn can’t help but laugh. I think seducing your childhood friend is a tough act! They can’t help but laugh everytime the director says CUT!

Gaz and Solenn would talk to us every other takes. We also had the chance to talk to Leo Dominguez, Solenn and Gaz’ talent manager. He is also behind the success of Lovi Poe, Gloria Diaz, Isabelle Daza, Ogie Alcasid, Paulo Avelino among others. I’ve read about him and his projects before and I know that he really exerts effort for his talents to shine. He is also the co-producer of the early indie films done by Lovi Poe like Walang Hanggang Paalam and Sagrada Familia, where she was recognized as Best Actress in an award-giving body. Look where Lovi is now!

I call the next frame as the ‘against the wall in the steamy corridor’ scene LOL. While the crew is preparing the set-up, Direk Paul granted an interview beside his ‘second girlfriend’ for TV5’s Juicy via Laila Chikadora. He mentioned that he is fortunate enough to work with Solenn in a music video (their first music video collaboration although they did a TVC together years back) and he is glad that they liked the concept he presented. It is also given that they will ask him about his relationship with Toni Gonzaga. He also revealed that he will do another indie film next year.

After the interview, he went straight to the set to instruct Gaz and Solenn about the scene and recorded it immediately.

With cooperative actors and focused director, they will surely produce a good output. Saw the rushes already and it is truly sensual!

The last scene of the day was shot at Republiq’s main stage, the party place. Here goes the first move scenes LOL.

In this scene, Gaz is a party DJ and Solenn is one of the party girls. They will look at each other’s eyes and will kiss. Again, they laughed out loud after the first take… then the second… then the third one!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MUSIC VIDEO BY WATCHING THE VIDEO BELOW! 😀

I also had the opportunity to record some interviews with Solenn for my blogs. One set is related to her new music video (embedded above), the second one is about her Top 3 Philippine Destinations (for senyorita.net woohoo) and the third one is her speaking in French. We shot the video at the comfort room as she suggested. Better lighting and less noise kasi 😀

All in all, the Solenn Day is a fun one! Thanks again to Mr. Leo Dominguez and his staff for the invitation, Anton for the heads up , co-bloggers for the company, Gaz Holgate for being sporty (see you in Cardiff LOLOLOL) and of course, SOS for being awesome like that! You earned my respect and admiration. Bongga ka lang talaga,, ‘teh! 😀 See you again soon! Can’t wait to see the outcome!

Do you like Solenn Heussaff? What can you say about her? Do you like her rendition of the Bruno Mars’ song? I will try to upload a copy of the mp3 and embed it here. For the meantime, you can watch her live performance here.