An offbeat role for Ayen in Huling Henya

MANILA, Philippines - It’s one interesting project after another for singer-actress Ayen Laurel.

Even as the top-rating drama series Temptation of Wife, which she was part of, has come to a close last Friday, Ayen is already busy shooting a movie titled Miriam: Ang Huling Henya, written and directed by Marlon Rivera of the multi-awarded film Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank.

“It’s a sci-fi, comedy and action movie all rolled into one. Miriam is the relaunch movie of Rufa Mae Quinto pero di kami dito nagpapatawa kundi talaga lang nakakatawa ang story and the situations that the characters find themselves in. Unlike some comedies, it’s not gonna make us look stupid to get laughs nor are we resorting to slapstick or mababang language. This project is different,” she said.

Ayen is playing a super smart doctor-scientist in the film which requires her to be brooding, somewhat eccentric. She is the mother of Rufa’s character who takes after mom in the “brains” department.

Without giving away too much, Ayen added: “Yung character ko may ini-invent na isang machine that can read thoughts and memories — even those of the dead. There will be agents who would try to sabotage the experiment.”

The singer-actress had no qualms accepting the offbeat role. For one, it reunites her with people she has successfully worked with in the past, including people from Unitel and those who did one of her music videos.

“For that reason alone, I know we can make a good picture. Sarap sila makatrabaho dahil may sistema. We rehearse the scenes even before the cameras would grind. May storyboard! And the director is so helpful with the characterizations, everything,” she said.

Then of course, there’s that premium of being challenged as an artist, something that Ayen always seeks in all her undertakings.

“I’ve always wanted people to see me as an artist and the only way for that to happen is for me to choose the right projects. Kaya naman pag may role ako, I really put my heart to it and use my brains kahit na nga simpleng line lang ang bibitawan ko.

“I can’t work like a robot and just go with the flow. Di pwedeng basta ma-memorize lang ang lines ay okay na yon, ready ka na. It’s a craft, you know, it’s art. There has to be truth in everything I do. Di ko pwedeng pabayaan ang work ko ng basta ganun na lang.”

To be released by Viva Films this summer, Miriam: Ang Huling Henya also stars Cherie Gil, Candy Pangilinan, DJ Durano and Robert Seña.  

“After doing several soaps where I became closer to even more people, this movie is answered prayer for me. I was praying to do something different — sabi ko sana action or comedy — then this came. Everything is truly falling into place.”