MANILA - In a workout tank top and sweatpants, Anne Curtis prepares, over and over, to counter her knife-wielding sparring partner. Day after day, as a promotional clip made it appear to be, Curtis waits, predicts, and anticipates before unleashing her own wave of knife attacks.

She is training her close combat skills, honed by learning the Filipino martial art of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, for her first action role in the upcoming Erik Matti-directed film, "Buy Bust." It also involves her joining the workout routine of local Scout Rangers and mastering the proper way to handle a gun.

"I admire the hardwork and dedication to prepare for the role," Matti said of Curtis.

Not much is known about his film, other than it also stars Brandon Vera, a former mixed martial arts champion. But after seeing Curtis' short training video, the movie will most likely be fast-paced and intense.

To quote the actress, "I'm pretty psyched."