Why Kris Aquino backed out of mistress movie

MANILA - Kris Aquino has backed out of a planned film adaptation of the book "Etiquette for Mistresses and What Wives Can Learn From Them," saying it poses a conflict with her existing contract with a multi-national company.

The 44-year-old actress confirmed the news in an interview with ABS-CBN News' Marie Lozano Wednesday, on the sidelines of a press conference held by jewelry brand My Diamond which she endorses.

Aquino first announced her involvement in the Chito Rono-helmed project in March. At the time, she said she finally agreed to the director's suggestion of portraying the mistress, after much prodding.

However, Aquino said she and Boy Abunda, her long-time friend and manager, recently realized that they had overlooked a clause in her updated contract with a company whose product she endorses.

The provision, she said, pertains to portrayal of characters in movies or TV shows that would "run contrary to the image that you are projecting as a family woman or as a mother."

According to Aquino, the clause states that she would need the consent of the company in taking on a role that is in conflict with Filipino values.

Aquino said she initially asked Star Cinema head Malou Santos if she could portray the wife instead, but ultimately decided to drop the project altogether. She pointed out that the lead role is the mistress, and not the wife.

"Sayang, because I was really excited," she said, noting that two of the actresses in the movie, whom she cannot name yet, are dear friends.

The movie, based on the Julie Yap Daza bestseller released in 1992, was originally to star actress Gretchen Barretto as the mistress, as announced by Star Cinema in September.

However, after months without new details on the project, Barretto's estranged sister Claudine confirmed that she has been cast in the movie, alongside Aquino as the mistress.

It is unclear whether Claudine's part in "Etiquette for Mistresses" has been affected by Aquino's exit, or whether Gretchen will still be involved in some way.