Marissa Sanchez laughs at her old self

Seeing Marissa Sanchez putting everyone in stitches on stage, in film or on TV is natural for someone known as a witty comedienne. Yet, sometimes what the eyes can see does not conform to reality.

Behind the happy face and jovial mood on stage is an impulsive personality and as Marissa puts it — a war freak. She couldn’t control her emotions to the point of being violent sometimes.

“I’m transparent and very physical when mad. I don’t care what may happen next until I release that anger inside me,” Marissa says.

But those “violent” days are over. She has changed her ways. She’s tamer now. Marissa’s renewed relationship with God as a Christian made her realize all the wrongs in her actions. She can now control her temper and has learned to be more understanding and patient.

“But I’m not perfect. There are still temptations to do nasty actions whenever I’m at odds with anyone but I can now deal with them without being too drastic,” Marissa clarifies. “If somebody has wronged me, I’ll approach the person and tell how he or she has offended me. When I don’t get an apology, I will let that pass, siguro may limitasyon na lang. I now have a forgiving heart.”

Respect for others, Marissa shares, is a must when dealing with people as they possess different personalities and outlook towards life. “We can always smile as to what their opinions are, good or bad, as we cannot please everybody.”

Looking back, Marissa attributes her then incorrect attitude to growing up without a dad who can help dear mom teach her a lesson or two about good attitude. She eventually became the breadwinner of the family when she started performing at Bodega City after leaving her hometown in Isabela. She later became a lounge singer at Calesa Bar. She also worked as backup singer of Miriam Pantig.

“I was so methodical and a perfectionist,” Marissa reveals. “But you really can’t control things according to your plan. Everything is bound to happen and when something crops up you must control yourself first. It’s like let the problem be a problem and try solving it with guidance from God. With Him, you can surpass any disaster.”

Her four years of married life also keeps getting better. Marissa now avoids little misunderstandings with husband Ian Nava. He, too, has become a Christian which makes it easier for Marissa to talk to him with much cool. The two now live harmoniously after sailing through rough times, with Marissa patiently waiting for that day when God will finally give them their first-born.

But a much tamer personality does not mean a reduced knack for making people laugh. In fact, Marissa will return to Intercon’s Gambrinus Bar tomorrow, March 28, for a one-woman show that will display her funny side and the singing prowess once more.

Marissa will dish out songs she used to sing in her lounge act days with musicians Martin Avila and Ray Ama.

“I also look forward to doing soaps again,” Marissa says recounting her roles on Anghel na Walang Langit, Captain Barbell, Mulawin and Daisy Siete.

What keeps her busy away from the spotlight?

“I sell barbeque with my sister,” replies Marissa. She just loves marinating pork and chicken and delivering the barbeque to customers.

Things are indeed looking up for Marissa.