In The Heights marks Jackie Lou Blanco’s first musical stage role. It is also her first time to do an English language play. She plays the role of Camila, mother of Nina (played by K-La Rivera). “Camila is a woman of strong character, trying to handle difficulties the family faces but always trying to keep her family together,” Jackie Lou said.
In The Heights tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. It is the winner of three Tony Awards including Best Musical. Presented by Atlantis Productions in cooperation with Delta Airlines and directed by Bobby Garcia, it runs from Sept. 2 to Sept. 18 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For tickets call 892-7078.
If there is one musical that best describes you, what is it and why?
I would have to say In The Heights because I am a dreamer and I never give up on my dreams, no matter how many trials come my way. I am like Camila because as a parent, my children’s welfare always comes first.
Are you a generous lover?
Yes.
If you have the chance to perform for one famous world figure, who would it be and why?
Oprah, as she is my favorite and like me, she believes there is nothing impossible.
How often do you lie?
I try not to.
What did you want to be as a child?
A doctor.
What makes you cry?
A sad movie or book, or children who are unwanted or abused in any way. And the love I have for my children, seeing them grow before my eyes, just the fact that I have been so blessed being their mother.
If you can choose your name, what would it be and why?
I’d still choose Jackie Lou.
What is your ultimate dream as an entertainer?
Just to always be the best that I can be.
Three things you would like to do before you die?
Go on a trip by myself, give my children enough savings and see my grandchildren.
Your life will be turned into one big musical. How would you title it?
Lessons Learned.
What do you like most about your job? What do you not like about it?
The fact that I love what I do. I am doing what I am passionate about. Maybe just the long hours spent waiting.
How do you handle fame?
I never let it overwhelm me. I always remember how grateful I am that I have been given the opportunity to still be doing what I do.
If you have the power to solve all the problems in the country, what will you solve first?
Poverty.
What makes you laugh?
A good joke. I laugh at my mistakes and myself.
The person who makes you laugh?
My children, my mom.
How do you say goodbye to a loved one?
I will say thank you for what that person was to me and that I will let him or her live on through others and that they will always be a part of me.
If you had an extra P100M, how will you spend it?
Travel with my family, help my family financially and help abused children.
What is your motto?
Always live your best life because God wants the best life for us.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who loved life and lived it well. As a mother who gave her all to her children and as a child of God.
What is your security blanket?
My children.
What do you do when you are lonely?
I pray.
If you were to come back as a person or thing, what do you think you would be?
A mother.
Do you believe in heaven? If yes, how do you get there? If no, why?
Yes. By accepting Jesus as my personal savior, by living a life that would glorify Him.
If you go to hell, who do you want to be with you?
I am not going there.
A genie is in front of you and you are to make three wishes. What would they be and why?
All my debts paid, good health for me and my family, happiness for them.
The most expensive item you bought for yourself?
My car.
What is your favorite expression?
Gagie!
How do you spoil yourself?
I get a massage or a foot spa.
What other talent would you like to have? Why?
To paint. It’s another beautiful way of expressing oneself.