Lilia Cuntapay on being tagged as aswang

MANILA, Philippines - Lilia Cuntapay, who has been typecast as an aswang in local horror flicks, shares with Anthony Taberna that she experienced being bashed by people because of her roles, on ABS-CBN’s Tapatan Ni Tunying today at 4:45 p.m.

“People always tell me, ‘Go away, you’re a witch, an aswang.’ It hurt me at first, but I carried on. It means that my acting is effective,” she said.

She also said she has mastered the art of scaring moviegoers since appearing in Shake, Rattle & Roll 3 more than two decades ago.

“I am proud to say that I am good at scaring people. You will really get frightened of me,” Lilia quipped.

Film director Peque Gallaga, who is credited for the discovery of Lilia’s talent, agreed with the actress and said that she is more of an icon that he is.

The 70-year-old Peque also hinted at retirement in a separate interview.

“I’m already tired. I used to really enjoy actual shooting. I feel like a captain because everybody follows what I say. It feels good to be a director,” Peque shared.

Peque is proud of the films he and his long-time collaborator, Lore Reyes, have produced. They co-directed more than 20 films including Shake, Rattle & Roll 2, Shake, Rattle & Roll 3, Shake Rattle & Roll 4, Baby Love and Magic Temple.

Despite implying that he is planning to retire soon, Peque continues to collaborate with Lore. The directors recently teamed up with Peque’s son Wanggo and Cherie Gil in the light-hearted drama Sonata.

“The grit to make films comes with the passion. There’s a passion that you can’t explain,” Peque said.