Marissa leaves a mark in everything she does

MANILA, Philippines - The slump in local entertainment can be felt by anyone — from the lowly bit players and production crew to the producers, directors and even the stars themselves. Very few producers are willing to bankroll movies, entertainment shows and live concerts. Television appears to be the only strong medium where an artist can get constant exposure.

Singer-actress-comedienne Marissa Sanchez laments this seemingly debilitating state of Philippine showbiz. Thankfully, however, there are many who still believe in Marissa’s talent.

Impressively enough, she cannot only do comedy, for which she has been known for. She can also sing and do live concerts. Moreover, she can act, having the discipline of theater as she did plays for Dulaang UP under Tony Mabesa and Repertory Philippines under the late Zeneida Amador.

While she has been active in the live performance circuit, doing corporate shows and concerts, Marissa has been scarce from television. Her last regular series was Maryo J. de los Reyes’ Mga Anghel na Walang Langit, which aired in ABS-CBN three years ago.

One of the few underrated talents around, Marissa deserves a regular TV series where she can showcase her acting ability — be it in a sitcom or a primetime drama. She can also do a musical show where she can shine with her vocal prowess or even host a game show where she can display her funny antics.

At present, she is a semi-regular in Wowowee, with Frenchie Dy and Rhada Cuadrado. Certainly, Marissa’s once-a-month exposure in ABS-CBN’s daily noontime fare can be augmented, so she can prove the kind of innate talent that she has, both for singing and comedy, which is ideal for the viewers of the program.

Her stint in Mga Anghel na Walang Langit made direk Maryo take notice of her. Recently, she was cast in a dramatic role in the director’s independent film, Kamoteng Kahoy, a story of friendship and transformation of people after a tragedy, written by Ricky Lee. The movie was inspired by the poisoning of 27 school children in Bohol when they ate kamoteng kahoy during their recess.

Marissa was joined by the cast that included child stars Nash Aguas and Robert “Buboy” Villar, with Gloria Romero, Ana Capri, Irma Adlawan, Meryl Soriano, Sharlene San Pedro, Anton Bernardo, Toffee Calma, Lloyd Samartino and Gerald Madrid. The film was shown at the UP Film Center Cine Adarna.

While her last big screen appearance in a major film was in Star Cinema’s My Big Love, which starred Sam Milby and Toni Gonzaga, Marissa is thrilled that she will be seen in the forthcoming Panday, with Bong Revilla Jr. in the lead. The fantasy-adventure is intended as one of the official entries in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Marissa has been married to her non-showbiz hubby, Ian Nava (cousin of Roselle Nava), for five years now. Although they have yet to be blessed with a child, Marissa is thankful that their union has been Christ-centered, that’s why they hardly have any marital spats.

“Ian became a God-fearing man,” Marissa shares. “He was once a womanizer, but when he became a Christian, he told me that if he will only fear me, he will fail to be faithful. Now that he fears to fail God, it’s a different story. He’ll think not only 100 times before he falls for another girl.

“I was so scared that he’d fall for someone else since I cannot bear a child, but he clearly told me that marrying me is such a blessing and if we’ll have a child, that would simply be a bonus.”

Marissa was raised in Isabela, where she had to live with her mother and her five other siblings. “We were really poor,” she grants. “I remember there was a time we had to catch salagubang, just so we would have something to eat.”

Being in showbiz has given Marissa’s immediate family a better life, so that she was able to help in raising her other brothers and sisters whom she sent to school. Last May, she received an award from Gov. Grace Padaca for being one of the most outstanding Isabelinos.

“It’s an award I will cherish my entire life because it allows me to look back fondly at my humble beginnings,” says Marissa, who is the new image model of PDX Plus by Paddock’s Apparel.

On Aug. 8, Marissa will take centerstage at Music Museum for her solo concert, Love is Still the Thing, actually a repeat of her highly successful and well-received Valentine show, Love is the Thing, at the AFP Theater.

Marissa will get to display her talents in singing, dancing, comedy — “all in one, nandyan na lahat sa show,” she beams. She is out to surprise the audience with her terpsichorean skills. Francis Cruz will choreograph her dance numbers, backed up by D’Moves. Elmer Blancaflor will be the musical director and Vivian Blancaflor is the stage director.

Designer Paul Cabral will do one of Marissa’s gowns. The concert is mounted by Birth, Inc. and part of the proceeds will go to the Foundation Fundamentalist Baptist Church, which Marissa and her husband Ian attend.

Marissa insists she has no qualms performing before dignitaries, politicians, heads of states or even royalties without having jitters. She admires the likes of Pokwang, Eugene Domingo and Candy Pangilinan. Yet, if any among John “Sweet” Lapuz, Ogie Diaz or Allan K is in the audience, she readily gets intimidated.

“They are critics and really good comedians,” Marissa allows. “I get easily nervous and uncomfortable when they are in front of me. Ogie Diaz was once in the audience when I did a show at Music Museum show. I had to request him to leave, which he didn’t really mind.”

Marissa describes her kind of comedy as “subtle, yet to the edge, but never totally crass.” She credits Rico J. Puno, the late Robert Em and comedian Arpie as the ones who influenced her to try it out as a comedian.

“I enjoy doing what I do,” Marissa says. “There’s nothing more fulfilling than being able to perform before a live audience who appreciates your talent. I always want to leave a mark in everything that I do.”