FOR the last few years, Bea Alonzo has been careful in choosing the projects she will commit to. She has all the right to do that, because she is no longer just a star but is now considered a stellar actress.
“I’d like to grow old doing this, being an actress, and when I’m old and gray and slow, people will remember me by the films I have made because, like memories, films are forever. And I’d like to be remembered by the beautiful roles I played in beautiful films that I was fortunate to be a part of, with the beautiful people I have worked with.”
At the recent press conference for her new movie, How to Be Yours, Alonzo fielded questions the way she always has—straightforward, sweet but sensible.
She has this charm that is natural, and one can’t help but warm up to her immediately after a few minutes of conversation.
Alonzo revealed she hasn’t yet wrapped up work for the movie, which is being directed by Dan Villegas, but she showed no trace of being tired from the many photo-finish schedules that usually surround a Star Cinema project. When reminded that it’s been years since her little love affair with her leading man Gerald Anderson, she smiled and remarked, “Oh, that was during our young and restless years, when I was still very carefree. Come to think of it, it’s been that long ago, and we can both look back with fondness.”
She shared that she no longer felt awkward doing the loves scene with Anderson in this new film. “We have both matured as individuals, and I’d like to think that we can treat work as work. We were very comfortable in our scenes together. Yes, we are both unattached and free, but we are both not in a hurry to jump to start our next love stories.”
We asked if she would like to explore possibilities of independent films, like what some of her colleagues are doing. “Things unfold in their most natural way. I want to spread my wings, and if a good role will fall on my lap, why not? There are many factors to consider but if it will happen, it will happen.”
She has only a few acting trophies to her credit, but she isn’t complaining. “The universe will give you what you deserve. I’d also like to experience being in international film festivals and represent our country with pride.”
One thing for sure is that whatever role she chooses to do next, be it on her usual mainstream path or the indie route, Alonzo knows what she wants and she will play it well.
Bea Alonzo is turning 30 next year, and we’re sure her star will continue to shine for many, many decades to come.
JUST LIKE A SPIRITUAL RETREAT
Some friends from Baguio shared that rehearsals are ongoing for a much-awaited religious dance-musicale, tilted The Parable of the Lost Sheep, spearheaded by local theater lovers that formed their own group: Baguio Art One Productions.
Ced Torrecarion, a Manila-based actor, will take on the role of Jesus Christ and will lead a cast that hails from the City of Pines and the Cordilleras. We caught up with Torrecarion recently and he shared the joys of being part of the show.
“I feel fortunate to have bagged the lead role,” Torrecarion volunteered, adding, “We have been rehearsing in Baguio for weeks now under actor-director Jon Achavall, and the experience of working with a cast from the northern region is just amazing. There’s so much untapped talent in the country, and I’m happy that productions are being staged and talents are being discovered and given the opportunity to shine.”
Since this production will be chockfull with songs and dances aside from the spoken dialogues, Torrecarion had to make sure his vocals and movements are on-point. “I exercise a lot so I can keep fit. I do a lot of vocalizing techniques to help strengthen and sustain my voice. I also make sure I have enough sleep. Well, it’s cold in Baguio so I tend to sleep longer than usual.”
He added that the timing is perfect for this project. “I lost my mom to cancer very recently and this production came in at the perfect time, when a part of me is healing and moving on after the loss. The story revolves around an encounter between an atheist [played by real-life pastor Reuben Aslor] and Jesus Christ, and how parables are used to explain things, even those that can be hardly understood and accepted.” This is not Torrecarion’s first time to be involved in a religious undertaking, since he has been doing the Lenten season senakulo production of actor Lou Veloso for many years now. “But this is my first time to play Jesus Christ, and the experience is like a spiritual retreat for me.”
The Parable of the Lost Sheep will have its gala night on July 31 at the Baguio Convention Center.
MAKING A COMEBACK
After almost five years, Judy Ann Santos is poised to make a splash again at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, scheduled to kick off next month at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
She has finally wrapped up shooting for Kusina, a main competition entry that is a collaboration between Cenon Palomares and David Corpuz. The material of Kusina was the first and major consideration of Santos for a film comeback, after taking a long leave from work due to the birth of her second child. “It’s about a woman’s passion for cooking and it is something close to who I am in real life. I was glued to the script. That’s why I accepted it.”
Santos is also making a comeback in the endorsement scene, having accepted the offer of SunLife to be one of its new celebrity ambassadors. Santos joins Piolo Pascual and Charo Santos-Concio in the latest “Money for Life” campaign of the popular insurance brand.
After her new film, talks are in the offing for a new TV series, but Santos is taking her time to make sure that the concept and the role will suit her.