Erich, Thai Mario Maurer topbill 'Suddenly It's Magic'

YOUNG actress Erich Gonzales is set to share the silver screen this month with Thai heartthrob Mario Maurer as they topbill "Suddenly It's Magic."

Produced by Star Cinema and under the directed of Rory Quintos, the film is Mario's first movie project in the Philippines.

Mario plays the role of a Thai superstar named Marcus who flies to the Philippines to escape his busy career. His path crosses with Joey, the character of Erich, a romantically jaded Filipina baker who bursts in energy and laughter.

The Thai actor is known for his movies "Love of Siam" and an international hit "Crazy Little Thing Called Love".

Mario said Erich is very similar to his character in real life. She's fun to be with and will always put a smile in everyone's face, he said.

"Erich is very funny. When we talk, she has so many characters. She's very playful, that's why I'm happy to be with her. She can rap, she can do beatbox, and she tries to make me sing for her," he said in a statement.

After several visits in the country, the Thai heartthrob said that he enjoys Filipino food like pork barbeque and adobo.

The movie was shot in Bangkok, Manila and Ilocos.

Since early this year, the two actors have been working for the project, which even required Mario to study the Filipino language.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed recently by PR Asia Worldwide that Thai actress Baifern Pimchanok, best known as Nam, Mario's leading lady in "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," will have a special cameo role in the movie.

Maurer is expected to be back in the country this month to promote the film and to attend the grand premier of the movie.

"Suddenly It's Magic" will open in theaters on October 31. (Glaiza Jarloc/Sunnex)