Audrey Avila, Rinoa Halili revisit iconic daring scenes

VMX actresses Audrey Avila (left) and Rinoa Halili headline ‘Sex in Public,’ a special feature revisiting memorable intimate scenes from several VMX original titles

VMX is bringing together some of its most recognizable scenes in a new special interest feature, Sex in Public, with sexy actresses Audrey Avila and Rinoa Halili serving as hosts.

The feature compiles intimate scenes from several VMX original titles, including 69, Tahong, Kalakal, Barurot 2, Ligaw, Maryang Palad, and Package Deal. Rather than presenting a new story, it revisits memorable moments filmed in unusual public settings, offering subscribers another way to experience the platform’s original titles.

For Audrey and Rinoa, hosting the special also meant revisiting scenes that surprised them, despite their experience working on VMX productions.

Rinoa said one sequence from “Barurot 2” stood out because she never imagined an intimate scene could be staged inside a tricycle.

“Never, ever in my life, did I imagine na puwede siyang mangyari sa loob ng tricycle. Sobrang daming butas doon, so paano siya ma-e-execute ng dalawang tao?” Rinoa told Manila Standard Entertainment.

Meanwhile, Rinoa recalled being impressed by the creative staging in one of director Aya Topacio’s films, saying some of the positions required in the scenes were physically demanding.

The actresses also spoke about filming projects that involved visual effects and public locations. Rinoa said the production was unlike anything she had previously done, while Audrey described the experience as both enjoyable and challenging after returning to work.

“Talagang kakaiba. Akala ko ‘yung previous projects ko na ang pinaka-wild na magagawa ko this year. Meron pa pala,” Rinoa shared.

“Sobrang na-enjoy ko ‘yung process. Medyo na-culture shock ako, pero na-enjoy ko talaga,” Audrey said.

Some of the featured scenes were shot in actual public places, a setup that initially made the actresses nervous. Rinoa admitted she was worried after learning they would be filming in open locations but said the production team installed black backdrops and implemented crowd control measures to give the cast privacy.

“Noong una, nalaman ko na literal na public place pala kami magshu-shoot. Kinabahan talaga ako. Pero sobrang inalagaan kami ng production. Naglagay sila ng black backing at crowd control, kaya naging private place ‘yung public place,” she explained.

Both actresses stressed that intimate scenes are carefully planned before filming. Rinoa said they are choreographed to make the sequences cleaner and ensure everyone involved is comfortable. Audrey added that cast members also undergo workshops where scenes are discussed before cameras roll, with room for adjustments if everyone agrees.

They also described the working environment on set as professional, saying directors and crew members regularly check on the actors after filming intimate scenes and encourage them to speak up if they feel uncomfortable.

Asked what viewers should expect from the special, Rinoa acknowledged that the title may catch people’s attention but said it reflects the type of content VMX audiences have come to know. Audrey, for her part, said the feature is intended for viewers who are open to its themes.

“Hindi siya para sa lahat. May target market talaga siya. Kung hindi ka open-minded, hindi mo siya puwedeng ipilit,” she stated.

Sex in Public begins streaming exclusively on VMX on July 21. — Angelica Villanueva