Young but not restless

MANILA, Philippines - She may be too young to take life seriously but Bianca Umali, 14, is determined to do her best, particularly in acting, knowing how her parents had dreamt of seeing her shine in the entertainment scene.

“Though they are already gone, it is not a reason for me to stop acting, because this is what they really wanted for me,” says Bianca. “Everything I do now is for them.”

Bianca’s mom succumbed to breast cancer at 44 in 2005 and her dad followed two years after due to heart attack. And although she has six half-siblings from her mom and dad’s previous relationships, she is now under the care of her lola Victorina who never tires of accompanying her to every showbiz commitment.

“I admit there are times when I find it hard to live without them, especially when I see girls my age na kasama ang parents nila.”

But life has to go on. Instead of sulking in a corner, Bianca tries to look at the brighter side of life. She believes that everything happens for a reason and “I know that God has better plans for me and perhaps, He sees that I’m strong enough to handle that kind of situation.”

These days, Bianca has become independent knowing that she cannot rely on other people all the time. She has to face life’s challenges with much courage and strength.

Besides, Bianca adds, wallowing in sadness won’t do her any good. “You’re just making yourself miserable. We have to accept the reality. It would be better to focus on something worthy of your talent or strength somehow mababawasan ang sakit pag di mo na masyado iisipin pa.”

The GMA Artist Center talent considers that painful past a tool to effectively act out a role, especially in scenes that require her to cry buckets. “May lalim po kasi akong napaghuhugutan. I’m really working hard.  Dream po ng parents ko ito for me.”

Bianca had been to various auditions before finally landing a bit role in Darna on GMA 7. She considers Magic Palayok as her first major TV appearance “because I was included in the main cast.”

She also became part of Tropang Potchi, Paroa and Mga Basang Sisiw where she was paired with Miguel Tanfelix.

Bianca is set to portray a lead character in another GMA drama series Niño which will premiere in May. 

“I am thankful to GMA (7) for believing in my talent,” says Bianca. “Given the number of talents they have, it’s nice that they are giving equal attention to all of us. That’s why, I promise to do my best.”

Asked about her dream role, Bianca looks forward to doing a contravida role the way Maxine Magalona did in Mga Basang Sisiw.

“I also want to portray a mentally-challenged character kasi nakikita ko mahirap gawin na in a snap na maging baliw.”

Aside from work, Bianca also values education and is bent on finishing her studies no matter what. She is an incoming Grade 8 student this school year. “I have to work to finance my schooling.”