The emerging 'Empress' of drama

MANILA, Philippines - Empress Schuck has been in the acting business for a decade now (she was part of ABS-CBN’s Ang TV2 at age seven). But she still can’t get over that “pressured” feeling every time the cameras roll and the director shouts “Action!.” More so now that she is tasked to play lead on the Kapamilya network’s afternoon soap Rosalka.

“This really puts great pressure on me but I guess even if the show ends, the pressure would never go away because I feel it helps me act better. My eagerness to do things right is always there,” says Empress.

The soap has reportedly been extended, and Empress is banking more and more on her character’s dilemma to vividly express the apt emotion for each dramatic scene. She reads the script from beginning ‘til end and readies herself for a crying bout which “I love doing, even when I was a kid.”

“Rosa (her character) carries a lot of burden on her shoulders and I don’t have any experience close to hers. But since I’m dramatic at heart, I find it useful in bringing out what emotion playing Rosa requires. N’ung bata ako ‘pag pinapagalitan ako iiyak na ko agad at pag tumitingin ako sa salamin natutuwa ako pag madami na yung luha ko. Bata pa lang kasi ako gusto ko na mag-artista kaya exaggerated ‘yung iyak ko nung maliit pa ako.”

Acting workshops under Malou de Guzman, prior to the series gave Empress a tip or two in handling heavy scenes with ease.

But the challenge doesn’t only rely on how to cry onscreen. Empress endures the itchy, hot prosthetics on her face for long hours. She also had to stoop for long periods because she plays a hunchback. “Anything for the show,” she says. “I like Rosa’s happy disposition in spite of everything. I think we share the same personality. I’m bubbly and friendly, too.”

Her co-star Felix Roco can attest to Empress’ talent. “She’s good. At first I felt awkward but as days passed, we hit it off well at kulitan na din.”

Her idol Judy Ann Santos inspires Empress to do things other than drama. She wants to give comedy a try the way Juday did in the romantic-comedy Oh, My Girl (OMG). Remakes and action flicks are also on Empress’ wish list.

“I want to do action roles ala Angelina Jolie,” she states.

“It’s more challenging if you are able to do more things. Kwela din ako like my dad (Theodore Schuck),” she quips. “Dito (Rosalka) sanay akong inaapi pero palaban.”

Despite all the heavy demands playing Rosa gives her, Empress manages to squeeze in some play time in her schedule. She tapes three times a week (Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday). Friday is for rehearsals and she appears on A.S.A.P. every Sunday.

“Whenever I’m free (from showbiz commitments), I go to the gym, spend some time for facial and relaxing massage. I also play video games and do stuff like any teenager does, like checking my Facebook. I make sure I also enjoy while I’m young.”

Empress also plans to continue her studies. She is finishing high school through home study. She intends to take up Culinary or Masscom in college even with an irregular schedule.

“I want to take up Culinary Arts because my mom (Gina) is a good cook while I can only cook hotdog. As for Masscom since I’m already here, I have an idea what’s it all about.”

But getting involved in a relationship is a big no-no for Empress at the moment.

 “I’m the type who wants a long-term and serious relationship. When you say serious, it has to be for real. That’s why I cannot commit myself to somebody yet because there are so many things I’d like to do. I’m focused on my career.”