More than just a pretty face

MANILA, Philippines - For today’s artists, the more difficult part of winning audiences is getting artistic respect. Many famous acts are criticized by the so-called credibles for being sellouts, half-baked, and having nothing to offer but their pretty faces.

Gwen Zamora is one of the few exceptions. She is an attractive face, a likable personality, and truly gifted with tremendous talents.

Known for her diverse racial roots and well-rounded character brought by multiple resident transfers, Gwen has made use of her colorful background in developing herself into a versatile talent more than ripe enough for public performances.

Her undeniable gifts have prompted some respected behind-the-scenes personalities to share their pretty thoughts on a head-turner expected to go a long way. The GMA Artist Center talent who appears on Party Pilipinas and Bubble Gang, attended acting and vocal workshops.

“Gwen is turning out to be a fine actress. Kasi kahit sa workshop namin masipag siya sa mga acting exercises. At nahasa na rin siya ng husto sa Bubble Gang,” said actress-comedienne Vangie Labalan.

The Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) must have seen Gwen’s potential instantly, giving her a nomination nod for New Movie Actress of the Year for her portrayal of Faye in last year’s MMFF blockbuster Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote. The result will be known in the upcoming 27th PMPC Star Awards for movies set this month.

The daughter of pastry chefs Philippe and Therese Agnese, Gwen has already traveled the world over because of her dad’s postings in various five-star hotels. “I was born in Australia and lived there for six years. We moved to the Philippines until I was 14. After that, we also lived in Singapore, Thailand and China,” she shared in an interview.

Though she spent her most crucial childhood years in Las Piñas, her Pinoy tongue needed to be practised. Hence, she entered one called the AHEAD Speech Training Program which found her enthusiasm to master the Filipino language remarkable, considering she had been exposed to several languages that gave her  an anaural linguistic rhythm.

Even with singing and dancing, the experts said that Gwen has all the potential of becoming a major talent. Voice coach Atec Jacinto saw something beyond face value, sharing, “Although Gwen did not have yet all the ‘bells and whistles’ of a polished singer, she possessed depth of character and intensity — qualities that are hard to teach to any voice student. I also loved her richly textured alto voice and would want to work with her again.”

“My first impression of Gwen was that she struck me as a really nice person. Obviously gifted with her drop dead mestiza looks, I was even more impressed with her wealth of experience with different types of work and her great exposure to many cultures and yet she remains a down to earth Filipina at heart. This is why I personally chose her to be my partner in my music video. She registers very well on screen and is truly eager to learn to become an effective performer. I can see why Gwen’s star will continue ton shine in the coming years,” Ogie Alcasid said .

Dancing instructor Miggy Tanchangco has similar experience with Gwen. He describes her as shy-type whose determination in learning the right steps produces a confidence that overshadows that shyness.

When Gwen returned to Manila as a young lady, she enrolled in Digital Filmmaking at the DLSU-College of St. Benilde, visualizing that course is a path to express her creativity in wholistic perspective. It’s interesting to note that her role model is director James Cameron.