Gretchen on mistress role: ‘Wala na akong kinakatakutan!’

MANILA, Philippines — Gretchen Barretto will play a role of a mistress in her upcoming film next year.

Gretchen, who recently signed a contract with Star Cinema, said she does not mind playing the role of a mistress, Philippine Entertainment Portal reported.

This is despite people accusing her of such due to her relationship with businessman Tonyboy Cojuangco.

“Alam mo at age 44, marami na akong pinagdaanan sa buhay. I feel like I have been free. Wala na akong maitatago sa buhay ko, marami na kayong alam sa buhay ko,” she replied when asked to react on the real-life "mistress" tag.

She adds, “Wala na akong kinatatakutan! Right now, I can be myself. I can accept any role I want to play. I can just give you my best. Hindi na ako natatakot na baka i-bash ako.

“Alam mo, marami nang nag-bash sa akin. Nagtataka ako, bakit buhay pa ako? Parang feeling ko, 'pag bina-bash ako, lalong nabubuhay ang career ko, lalo akong nabubuhayan ng loob."

Despite all the controversies and negative comments thrown at her, Gretchen remains positive and puts in mind what her long-time partner, Tonyboy, always tells her.

“Sabi nga ni Tonyboy sa akin, 'Ang punong mabunga, binabato!' So I guess mabunga ako kasi nga binabato ako, so I welcome that. I welcome criticism, bashing or whatever you call it, I welcome it. I promise you, the more you bash me, I will give you better projects and, hopefully, awards.”

Meanwhile, aside from her movie next year, Gretchen is also currently working on a film with Richard Gomez, John Lloyd Cruz, and Jessy Mendiola.