ARIELLA ARIDA got good feedback for her performance in “Sarap Mong Patayin”, a weird kind of comedy. She now does serious drama in “More Than Blue”, a Pinoy adaptation of a hit Korean film.
“I play Cindy, a photographer,” she says. “Girlfriend ako ni Diego Loyzaga who plays John Louis, a rich dentist. We broke up and he met Yassi Pressman as Cream, then gusto kong makipagbalikan sa kanya.
"I’m excited to work with Yassi and JC Santos in this movie, kasi napapanood ko sila in their past works so alam ko magaling silang mga aktor. Kabado nga ako noong una lalo at si JC as K ang laging kong kaeksena kasi alam ko ang galing niya, e.
"But in fairness to him, he was very supportive. Natulungan niya ako in our scenes together. Sa kanya ako humuhugot ng emotions, also with Diego sa scenes namin.
"First time ko to work with them, and with the guidance of Direk Nuel, I think naitawid ko naman yung dramatic scenes ko.”
She’s happy to work with Yassi and JC in the movie.
“They both fit their roles. Kahit off cam, I can see the personality of Cream in Yassi. Bagay siya talaga sa role.
"Dalang-dala niya. Ganun din si JC, this is a love story na tearjerker so marami silang paiiyakin sa movie.”
Can she relate with her role as Cindy?
“She is a professional photographer and a very confident person. Yes, I can see myself her as, like me, she’s the type who just goes with the flow.
"But I have to prepare for my role. I have to learn how to handle a camera professionally. Inaral ko talaga to be believable as a photographer.”
She speaks highly of JC Santos.
“Of all the actors I’ve worked with, siya ang hindi ko makakalimutan kasi we did a very memorable scene. Mahirap na ang lines namin, tapos, mahirap pa technically yung shots.
"Thanks to him, naitawid namin. Actually, first time ko to work with all of them in this movie and I got comfortable with all of them right away. They’re easy to work with at lahat sila, mapagbigay silang mga artista.”
It’s said she’s being considered to play the villain role of Valentina in “Darna”.
“Oh my gosh. Sana nga, totoo po. Ipagdasal natin. Salamat sa kung sinuman ang nagbigay ng idea. The role of Valentina is as iconic as Darna, so it’d be great to be considered for that role.”
She’s now one beauty queen who is very busy as an actress.
“Yes, hindi ko po inaasahan yung acting, it was not part of my plans. But then, may opportunities talagang dumarating kahit hindi mo inaasahan, e.
"E ako, when an opportunity comes, hindi ako tumatanggi diyan.
"Kahit sabihin pang acting is not for me, okay lang kasi I’m adventurous. Noong una, awkward ako, walang confidence. But through experience and hard work, I’m thankful na mabigyan ng more movies and better roles.
"I now always do my best to show everyone that I can do this and I deserve to be here. Sobrang swerte ko na puro mahuhusay ang actors and directors na nakakatrabaho ko.”
