AUBREY CARAAN is launched to stardom in Vivamax’ “Ang Manananggal na Nahahati ang Puso”.
The title role is originally intended for Nadine Lustre but she chose to leave Viva and her loss is now Aubrey’s gain. How does she feel about this?
“Actually, sobrang nagulat ako when they called me and told me lead na ako,” she says.
“I didn’t really expect na I will be the lead in this movie so I’m very thankful sa Viva and to Direk Darryl Yap for choosing me to play it.
"My role as Giniper, the manananggal, is a big break. I can identify with her kasi, like her, I will do everything to achieve my goals.”
Aubrey lives in Batangas and in 2008, when she was ten years old, she joined the kiddie version of Pinoy Dream Academy.
She didn’t stop her studies and now has a degree in communication arts from De La Salle Lipa. As a teenager, Viva then got her to be part of the song and dance group, Pop Girls.
“When the group was disbanded, I went solo and did acting jobs,” she says.
“I appeared in various TV series of Viva sa Sari-Sari channel and supporting roles in films like ‘Hopeless Romantic’, ‘Squad Goals’ and ‘Indak’.
"And now, at 23 and after 12 years ko sa Viva, the break I’m waiting for has finally come. Noong una, di pa nag-sink in agad sa’kin na ako ang bida, but now, I’m really thankful for Viva’s trust and support.”
How is it working with Marco Gallo as her leading man?
“We have worked before in a series but this is the first time na nakapagkuwentuhan kami nang matagal kasi 20 days kami nag-stay sa lock in shooting namin sa Siquijor. I’m happy to work with him.
"He’s such a gentleman. He always asks me kung comfortable ba ako sa bawat scene namin and not awkward, kasi marami kong ginawa sa movie na first time ko lang talaga ginawa, but he made it all easy for me.”
How about Direk Darryl?
“Grabe ang pasasalamat ko na siya ang director ko sa first lead role ko. He’s super nice, super fun, no pressure on the set. He guides me in every scene so very thankful ako sa kanya.
"Nahirapan ako sa ibang scenes, but he was patient with me at inalalayan niya ako. Noong una, dahil alam kong laging matapang at may pagka sexy ang movies niya, kaya sabi ko, hindi ko kaya maging bastos.
"Kasi very conservative po ako, pero wholesome pala ang movie namin at napakaganda ng pagkakasulat dito ni direk so I’m so proud of it.”
The movie is also unforgettable for her because of Siquijor.
“Shooting it in Siquijor is so memorable kasi ang ganda ng buong island. You can’t help but fall in love with it.
"Beautiful scenery all over and the people there are all very nice and welcoming, so supportive to us and helped us throughout the shoot.”
She also wants to thank the Beks Battalion of gay comedians Chad Kinis, Lassy and MC for supporting her and Marco in the movie.
“Sobrang gaan nilang katrabaho, very mabait at naging momsies ko silang lahat sa set. I learned not only about acting from them but also about lovelife and personal life.
"No boyfriend since birth kasi ako and that helped me become more mature about my views, kaya I’m so thankful. Hindi rin ako sanay sa comedy, but they all guided me para mas mapadali ang mga eksena ko.”
