>> The Men in Sharon's Movie Life

Richard Gomez and Robin Padilla could be as different as night and day. Fire and ice. They may not see eye to eye on a number of issues, but Goma and the Bad Boy agree on at least one topic. And that's Sharon's uncommon appeal, the richness of her spirit.

RICHARD GOMEZ, Actor "The first time I ever said 'Hi' to her was on the premiere night of Pasan Ko ang Daigdig. I was invited by someone from Viva. We just said 'Hi' at that time. But she says we could've met on the set of The Big, Big Show (where I was one of the hosts and where she often guested to promote her movies and records). But I think the very first time we saw each other was during the taping of the pilot episode of Going Bananas (in Channel 13). There was skit set in a hospital room and she didn't know that I was hiding under the covers in the bed. And I surprised her. "My first reaction was: 'Maganda pala siya.' (She's beautiful.) I also learned that she was talkative. She loves to talk. And she's very friendly. My feeling was that she couldn't be without people by her side. "She has improved a lot as an actress. Now, she doesn't just act for the fans anymore. She now acts for the character. She's more mature. More serious. She has many strengths as a performer. Her experiences. Her life. Her pains. Her joys. With Gabby (Concepcion, former husband). With her other boyfriends. With me. All this helps her in her acting. If a scene requires for a certain emotion, as actors we need to go back to our personal library. We rely on our past experiences as tools in our acting. And Sharon has a wealth of experiences. "Well, before, as I said, she was acting for the fans. Before, she was more concerned that each movie would be a box-office success. She didn't care much about acting per se. But now she has matured and developed as an actress. I can clearly see all her strengths, but I cannot really pinpoint her weaknesses. "As a friend, she is very serious, but also a fun-loving one. She is very family-oriented. She loves being around her cousins and nephews. I've also noticed this about Sharon: she is the only woman I know who, when riding a car, sits in front, beside the driver. Other girls would rather be in the backseat. Not Sharon. I think this reflects her dominant, assertive personality. That she always has to be in control of any situation. "People see themselves in Sharon. That's how you become a star. That's what they call the X Factor. When people can identify with you. Like when I watch Harrison Ford, I find myself not only rooting for him, but I also end up wanting to be like him. Sharon has the same effect on people. That is why people love her."

ROBIN PADILLA, Actor "Yes, I remember the very first time we saw each other. That was in the Viva office. It was because even back in the days of Dear Heart and P.S. I Love You, I was already a big fan of Sharon's. In fact, when they shot Friends in Love in Baguio, we rushed to the set. We ran after her because we wanted to see her. That is why when I finally met Ma'am Sharon, it was a dream-come-true for me. I used to go to the premiere nights of her movies and every time I saw her, I would run to her. "My first impression is that she is a good person. She's a very good person. She talks to everyone. She doesn't choose the people she talks to. Very accommodating. Beautiful. Smiling face. "What attracted me to Sharon then? Ma'am is very charismatic. She's unique. Even if she hasn't started talking yet, you already feel attached to her. "Her strength as an actress is her life. She had a lot of pain bottled up inside. That's why she acts well. As far as I am concerned, there are many good actresses, but you can tell if they are just 'acting' because there is no pain inside. It's different if you're acting with pain inside. You can feel it. "Ma'am's weaknesses as an actress? I don't see any weakness. (Someone suggests food, as weakness.) "That time I worked with her in Maging Sino Ka Man, she was very choosy about the food she eats. (Another person singles out her temper. Still, Robin remains adamant in defending Sharon.) "I haven't seen her lose her temper. Except for that time she got mad at me. And scolded me. That was okay. I accepted it. It was because what she was telling me was right. I listen to you if what you are saying is good. If not, I just ignore it." "Sharon is very sweet. Very sweet. She cares about people. "Actually, I didn't see any difference between the Real Sharon and the Showbiz Sharon. What I only saw was the Real Sharon. She's pure. I never saw her being showbiz. "She's loving. A real person. If she's mad at you, she's mad at you. If she's pleased with you, she's pleased with you. That's the way she is. "She wasn't able to visit me when I was in jail. She was already married then. But when she was still single, the first time I got into trouble, Sharon was the first one to help me out. That was the time I just arrived from Singapore and I was served my first warrant of arrest. Sharon was the very first one to visit me in Camp Crame. To help me. To show her support." "That's the secret of her charm. She's a real person. Sincere. Transparent. The masses want their stars to be transparent and honest. They don't want to be taken for a ride."