La Oro:Precious as gold

In a stellar acting career that includes award-winning performances in Ishmael Bernal’s Lumapit ... Lumayo ang Umaga, Maryo J. delos Reyes’ Laman and Bulaklak ng Maynila (where she earned a Grand Slam as Best Actress from the Urian, FAMAS, Film Academy and the PMPC Star Awards), one would think she is resting on her laurels as one of the Philippines’ most respected veteran actresses.

But look at what she has to offer anew for the 2003 Metro Manila Film Festival. This early, Elizabeth is gaining recognition as film critics and the movie press have cited her performance in Gil Portes’ Homecoming as one of her best. Not bad for a wide-eyed star who started (and almost stole the thunder right under Gloria Diaz’s nose) in the bold film Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa almost three decades ago.

"I love my work. And when you love your work, it will love you back. So, too, will the people in the industry," Elizabeth says. It is her first time to work with leading independent filmmaker Gil Portes.

"His approach is different. It’s simpler, without histrionics. That’s why it’s of international caliber," she adds.

Asked to compare Direk Gil with other award-winning directors she has worked with, Elizabeth quips, "I don’t want to sow intrigue. I might not have any assignments anymore. What I can say is, each director has a different style, a different approach to a story for a film."

Elizabeth prefers to be safe than sorry. After all, these directors have been giving her premium roles that demand only the best from her.

"I’ve always wanted to work with Gil. We’ve been planning this ever since. There was no right project back then. The role of Salve in Homecoming almost didn’t land on my lap because I had a regular TV series at that time," Elizabeth reveals.

She is referring to the movie’s other lead role of the tormented but caring mother of Alessandra de Rossi’s OFW character, Abigail. Several topnotch and more popular strars were considered an approached for the role. But it eventually went to Elizabeth.

"It was really meant for me," says she.

After watching an early preview of the film, Elizabeth admits she is inspired with her craft again.

"It’s so easy to get discouraged in this industry these days. How many films are being made? And how many of them are good?"

She is lucky to be part of what Butch Francisco of Philippines STAR considers two of the three best movies of the 2003 he has seen so far: Ang Huling Birhen sa Lupa and Homecoming (the third is Maryo J. delos Reyes’ Magnifico).

"My only wish is for moviegoers to see Homecoming in the coming filmfest so more independent filmmakers will make more quality films, the way Teamwork Prdouctions is doing for Homecoming. Alessandra (de Rossi), Bembol Roco, Dexter Doria, Irma Adlawan and my other co-stars in the movie were great, too. We’re sure moviegoers will cry and their hearts will melt."

Homecoming has been bought for distribution by the international film outfit Columbia Tri-Star. The creative team behind the movie intends to take Homecoming to festivals abroad and perhaps enjoy another foreign theaterical distribution just like Portes’ acclaimed film Small Voices (Mga Munting Tinig).

"I do hope so. That way, foreigners will discover how talented I am!" she jokes. Elizabeth adds, "They will also find out how good Pinoys are in filmmaking."

La Oropesa is as precious as gold and her acting talent is priceless.