[Lovi Poe](https://www.instagram.com/lovipoe/?hl=en) is a superstar in her own right, and she’s here to touch the masses far beyond her home country of the Philippines. Boasting a following of 6 million followers on Instagram alone, the singer, songwriter, actress, model, entertainer, and overall lover of life is a jack of all trades, but most importantly a sweetheart exuding nothing short of good energy.
Lovi isn’t just a dreamer, she’s a go-getter in all aspects of the term. Plus, she values positivity to the fullest. She states, “It’s nice to be able to uplift someone else’s spirits especially during this time. Everyone needs to make that extra effort to be more positive, because it’s something you attract as well.”
Growing up idolizing Britney Spears, it’s no surprise the pop star is coming into her own. Earlier this year in February, Lovi unleashed her highly-anticipated single and visual for “Under,” a vibrant pop ballad that served as her first single in the States. As daughter to the late Fernando Poe Jr. (aka the King of the Philippine Movies), the acclaimed recording artist is here to carry out his legacy in both music and film, rising to fame for her role as Kristal Maisog on the drama series _Bakekang_ and even winning best actress for her work in _Mayohan._
On the fashion tip, she’s worked with notable brands such as Axe, Coach, Bench, and Omega. Now, she has released a brand new single titled “[Lost](http://smarturl.it/lovipoelost),” spearheading the way for her upcoming EP. The music video for “Lost” will release on June 25.
_Flaunt_ caught up with Lovi Poe via Instagram Live, who admits to being an introvert minus when she’s with people, on stage, or on set. Read below as we discuss her favorite artists, Britney Spears’ influence, living out her dreams, her acting career, what inspired “Under,” recording with Ømen in Los Angeles, her long-distance relationship, what keeps her humble, studio essentials, her forthcoming single “Lost,” advice for aspiring actors, and more!
**Are you spiritual at all?**
I believe in energy and manifestation, all these things.
**Do you meditate?**
I’m not very good at it, \[laughs\] but that’s something I want to learn. I do spend a little time on my own, try to reflect and manifest positive energy and good things. That’s how I meditate, or I listen to good music to make me feel good.
**Who are you listening to?**
A lot actually, it’s very random. I’ve been obsessed with Dua Lipa for quite some time. I love the band Cigarettes After Sex, and Billie Eilish. I love Banks as well, Tom Misch, there’s way too many to name.
**Was there a female artist that you loved growing up? And thought, “I want to be her”!**
Britney Spears, I love her. I’m a Britney fan. When I was a teenager, I used to memorize all her dance steps and songs. I used to do a lot of sit-ups and crunches because of her. It’s nice how you get inspiration from different artists. Growing up, you look up to someone and they inspire you. I wanted to create music because of her.
**Talk about where you are now: you’re living out those dreams.**
I’m very blessed. I’m very happy I get to do what I love the most so it’s not work at all. I’m really grateful that yes, I started as a singer here in the Philippines, but I ended up doing more acting work, which was something I’ve always loved as well. Music was my #1. Now I’ve been really blessed to have been led to this path to do more movies and TV shows, then eventually venture into singing again, into music. It’s been great, I’m really happy.
**What was your first taste of acting?**
I used to do drama class back in school, but it was different when I started working. It’s a whole different playing field. The first time I really realized I loved acting was when I first got angry in one of the scenes. I never get angry in real life back then, and I usually fail that when I do workshops. I don’t know how to get angry. That one single moment I was able to release my anger in one of the scenes, I felt so relieved. It felt very therapeutic and since then I’m always a 5. I’m always angry. \[laughs\] I love acting, I get to release emotions I didn’t know I had. It’s a playground for me.
**How was playing Kristal on _Bakekang_? I know that was your first role.**
The story I told you was in fact for this TV show. It was good, it was nice. _Bakekang_ was played by Sunshine Dizon, I call her my mentor. She’d watch the monitor and guide me through my scenes. I was a beginner, so that was really nice of her. I’ll always look back and remember how really wonderful and very helpful she was. It’s always nice, especially when you’re starting. It’s nice to have someone to guide you and lead you to the right direction, make sure you give your best. She was very generous enough to share all her knowledge and understanding of the industry.
**What’s the best piece of advice she gave you?**
To always be giving, in terms of doing a scene with someone. It’s not always going to be your moment, you have to understand who needs to shine in a certain scene.
**What inspired your song “Under”?**
“Under” is about a woman who can’t enjoy her success because of the love she’s lost. She gets under the influence to remove that pain temporarily, that's what the song is about. There’s so much going on and sometimes people want to celebrate it with someone, but at this very moment she’s not able to do it. What is success without someone to share it with?
**Is this a real-life story?**
Well, I’m glad I get to share it with someone. \[laughs\] So it’s not really my story now.
**How’s your bae?**
The bae is good, he’s here to share it with me. He’s probably here watching. Should I be doing a shout out now? Hi Monty.
**How long have you guys been dating?**
Oh man, it depends when I start counting. 2, almost 3 years? I’m not sure. \[laughs\] He’s a scientist.
**Oh, he’s smart!**
Yes, he is. I love saying it. “What does he do? Oh, he’s a scientist.” I love that.
**How do you handle the long-distance relationship?**
We’re really busy. We get to focus on work when we’re not together. When I fly to LA or he flies here to Philippines, that's when we enjoy our quality time together. It helps we both have different worlds.
**How was it recording “Under” in Los Angeles and bridging that gap?**
It’s always been my dream to be a singer, the fact I was given the opportunity to record this song is just amazing. Outside the booth, Ømen produced the song. It was such a dream come true as I’m a huge fangirl of his. I tried to stop myself from acting too crazy in front of him, I was trying my best to act really cool. I was so starstruck the whole time because I’ve listened to his music, songs that he’s produced. I find it so incredible that I was inside the booth recording this song, and he was just outside the booth teaching me what to do.
**That’s so humbling of you.**
It’s amazing, a dream come true. I took a break from work here in Manila which is funny. I went to LA, took acting classes for a bit. God moves in mysterious ways and I was just sort of led to the right people. I met up with an old friend who used to work here too in Manila which led me to working with VIM Entertainment and ultimately the producer Bob Robinson, then I flew to New York to record the song. Ømen was there as well. It’s surreal, it’s such a dream. I’m really blessed.
**What was the vibe and the energy? How was the studio session?**
I’ll be honest, it’s quite ridiculous. There’s this moment where I felt I didn’t deserve it, sitting inside the booth. The weirdest thing was I was sitting there like “what am I doing here? There’s a lot of people who deserve this more than I do.” Then the pandemic happened. I realized “what’re you thinking? Why are you wasting your time? You were led to this path for some reason, yet you’re sitting in that booth thinking of other things instead of enjoying the moment.” It took the pandemic for me to realize you have to enjoy every single moment. That’s one big realization. I flew back to LA a few months ago, I recorded a few more songs for the EP which will be released soon.
**What can we expect from your new single, “Lost”?**
It’s very different from “Under.” It’s a different song about heartbreak. A lot of people can relate to this song, especially people who fall out of love. It’s a very relatable breakup song because you always ask “where did we go wrong?” It gives off that message or question. When you break up, there’s always that turning point in the relationship where “I wonder where it all started? Where did we lose that love?” So that’s something to look forward to.
**Do you usually make music about love?**
A lot of songs now, you can talk about a lot of things. Music now is very different. It could be about a lot of things, but it revolves around love. Whether it’s finding new love or a heartbreak, it can be anything. Love for your family, love for your boyfriend or a husband.
**Does Lovi stand for love at all?**
No, but it could. \[laughs\] It stands for Lourdes Virginia, my full name. My mom got it from the first two letters of my first and last name.
**What advice would you give to aspiring actors and actresses?**
There are dreamers and there are do-ers. The moment you start dreaming about something, you should make the first move and pursue your dream. You can’t spend your day manifesting and daydreaming about things you want to do, you have to make the first move. The first step is always the hardest thing you have to do. Make sure you want it for the right reasons as well. The best thing you can do is go for it, do your best in everything that you do. Make sure you do well in terms of your craft more than anything.
**What is the reason why you do it for?**
Aside from the fact I love it, it’s in me. My soul feels fired up when I start acting or singing. It’s something I’m really passionate about. It was more than a dream. It wasn’t something that I wanted to do to be seen on TV, it’s something that I enjoy doing.
**3 things you need in the studio?**
My phone for my Spotify playlist. My headphones because that’s what I use when I need to motivate myself for a scene. Water because we’re big in doing dramas here. That's how I get my tears, when I drink lots of water. It’s true though, it sounds ridiculous. And pizza.
**I was going to ask what your favorite food is. It’s pizza?**
It used to be, but I do love Filipino food. I love Sinigang. Sinigang is a sour soup we have here, it’s crazy delicious. I love the pork and the fat. With the chili and rice, it’s the best.
**I saw your Instagram bio says cookie connoisseur. What’s your favorite flavor?**
Chunky chocolate yes, but I do love white chocolate cookies. Oh gosh, I’m craving now. Anything with cinnamon too is good.
**Do you cook too?**
I wish. \[laughs\] I do sometimes. I try my best. I do cook sometimes, but not something that I’m really, really good at. When I do cook, it’s pretty good. My mom likes it.
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**Talk about your new show, _Owe My Love._**
It’s really good. I want to thank everyone who’s here now, for supporting the show. It’s a story about the breadwinner of the family who takes care of her whole family. Tries to get out of debt because of the pandemic. It teaches a lot of people how to take care of their finances. It’s not a normal TV show. It’s produced by GMA Public Affairs which teaches finances, family, and how to write from what’s happening now.
**Being daughter to late Fernando Poe Jr., did you feel any pressure?**
Of course, there’s no way you won’t feel any pressure. Having him as my father is crazy in other people’s eyes but for me, I make sure I put that aside and do my own thing. Focus on my own path. The moment I started doing that, things have changed. It keeps me grounded and makes me feel more inspired. If I can even do half the things he’s done, I’ll be happy.
**What keeps you so humble?**
What I used to pray for, I get to do now. That’s something given to me by God. I should keep in mind by my own doing, but someone bigger than me. Supporters always say how much I inspire them, I feel like it’s the other way around. I get inspiration from people who support me, watch my movies, listen to my music. I get inspired more from there because it’s not always a walk in the park everyday. It gets exhausting, it’s not always glamorous. These people remind you how blessed you are, how to be grateful.
**What’s your dream role?**
I’d love to do an action movie at some point. Most of my dad’s movies are action movies. That’s one thing I haven’t done, weirdly. That’s one thing I really want to do. Soon hopefully.
**Do you workout?**
I do. Not recently. I’ve been working out, but not the same as I used to. I miss my trainer. \[laughs\] I do pilates, I love pilates. I do my usual morning runs. That’s the best advice I can give: start your morning right and go for a run. That moment where everyone’s still asleep, I have my alone time to clear my head and gather my thoughts. Make sure I’m ready for the day.
**What time do you wake up in the morning?**
Well my old routine, now I try to give myself more sleep. I usually get up at 4am, start my day really early and go out for a run. I know I’m crazy. \[laughs\]
**When do you go to sleep?**
10pm or 11pm? Usually in bed around that time. When I’m filming, I get up that early.
**What would you tell your younger self 10 years ago?**
Enjoy the ride. Make sure you surround yourself with the right people. 10 years ago knowing what I know now, I would’ve done a lot of things differently. But we shouldn't live life with regrets. You’ll meet the right people eventually, that’s what I’d tell Lovi 10 years ago. Here I am now.
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