Yasmien: I have no reason to complain

Since her pretty face turned ugly on Bakekang, Yasmien Kurdi has been known more than just a StarStruck finalist. Her face has become a familiar sight on TV soaps crying buckets from one scene to another.

“I’m happy that my career keeps me busy these days. To complain is the least I would do,” Yasmien says.

As far as work is concerned, Yasmien finds no reason to complain. Even if it means less hours of sleep, stripping off the vanity and glamour in her, letting her hands touch filthy stuff or getting cuts and bruises in the middle of a heart-rending scene, she will endure them for the sake of effective role playing.

 “Acting is definitely tiring and stressful, but when you love your work and your ability is often appreciated by the audience, then there’s no reason to complain. I always make it a point to do my best in every project I’m in,” Yasmien says.

That is why instead of feeling bad after Maricel Soriano, her co-star in Regal Entertainment’s Metro Manila Film Festival entry Bahay Kubo, pulled her hair and accidentally scratched a part of her neck in one of their dramatic scenes, Yasmien found them worth remembering. No, not because she got hurt but because it gave her the chance to play opposite the Diamond Star. Acting pointers Yasmien got from Maricel count the most.

 “Even in the middle of our take, I can’t help saying ‘Ang galing-galing n’yo!,’ to Ate Maricel. She’s so natural and anybody can be swayed by her acting. Now I know why my mom admires her,” Yasmien shares.

But doesn’t she tire doing drama in every project she’s into whether for film or TV?

“No. That makes it more challenging for me. Whenever a role is almost similar to the one I have already portrayed, I’ll make it a point to give it a different approach so my acting will be distinct from the other,” Yasmien replies.

In Bahay Kubo, Yasmien plays Dahlia, one of Eric Quizon and Maricel’s adopted children, who secretly pursues her dream of becoming an actress but is neglecting her studies. This Maricel discovers and leads to one dramatic, confrontational scene. Others in the cast are Mark Herras, Shaina Magdayao, Rayver Cruz, Marian Rivera, Jiro Manio, Gloria Romero, Bearwin Meiley and Eugene Domingo. It is directed by Joel Lamangan.

Although it is Yasmien’s first time to work with ABS-CBN stars like Shaina, Rayver and Maricel, she easily gets along with them off or on the set.

“I’ve already known Shaina because we were in the same school (Angelicum) before and we were under one adviser so we bonded instantly. Ate Maricel helps me to internalize my role,” Yasmien says.

Between shooting schedules, the StarStruck alumnus finds time to participate in the protection of animal rights. As an active member of PETA (People for the Ethical Protection of Animals), she promotes love for animals and supports the organization in every possible way. She recently had a pictorial inside an animal cage in protest of those who hunt animals that should be living freely in the wild. Her being vegetarian is another way of caring for the animals, not in preparation to having a sexy image.

“I’ve nothing against those who pose for sexy mags, I just don’t find it comfortable posing sexy. I’ll just wear my two-piece on the beach,” Yasmien says.

Is there anything she wants to do aside from singing and dramatic acting?

“I would like to try hosting for a travel show, something like Travel Time or Pinoy Meets World. And if I were to choose the place, I would definitely go to the wilds of Africa and have a wonderful encounter with the animals,” Yasmien says.