Eugene Domingo: Being myself is 'my most important role'

MANILA, Philippines — "Let me play the most important role given to me, which is myself."

This is what runs in Eugene Domingo's mind when thinking about quitting showbiz. In an interview with Boy Abunda in "The Bottomline" aired Saturday, the actress-host was asked why she have thought about leaving her showbiz career.

"My state of mind right now, as far as my career is concerned, is that I think I've graduated already—at least for the first phase, if we could have phases," she said.

"I think I have contributed a few important films already, but I would like to say, let me play the most important role given to me, which is myself," Eugene added.

In earlier reports, the comedienne said in a press conference of her latest film "Barber's Tales" that she's tired of selling her films.

"I'm not really sure about the word pagod. Kasi if you really want to do something,  hindi ka mapapagod," she said. "It's just that na-i-insecure ka minsan, and sometimes nauunahan ka ng frustration. Ayaw mo naman sa pessimistic, pero hinahanda mo na ang sarili mo sa masakit."

Many thought that Eugene's statement about leaving the industry is just a ploy to sell her film now showing in selected cinemas nationwide. The actress just shrugs off those comments, and instead pays attention to the only approval she needs— that from her mother.

After her mother found out about her plan, she immediately contacted her to confirm the news. Eugene has been honest about what she felt, but at the same time worried of her mother's reaction.

"Hindi mo alam kung anong sasabihin ng nanay mo dahil breadwinner ako e," she explained. "Pero agad-agad ang pagsagot at ang sinabi, 'Sige, anak, mag-aral ka. Panghabang buhay 'yan. Nasa likod mo ako'."

"Ay, nag-breakdown ako nang bonggang-bonggang breakdown!" she recalled, laughing. "I think 'yong pakiramdam ng nanalo, nakarating, naramdaman ko lahat, na parang, ang sarap pala maging anak? Kasi ang tagal mong naging independent, ang tagal mong pinatunayan sa buong mundo kung ano ka.

"You know, sometimes you have to admit that you are a child, you're not always a parent to yourself."

"Barber's Tales"

Meanwhile, Eugene also talked about her film "Barber's Tales" directed by Jun Lana.

She said her character in this film and the film itself has given her "contentment."

"For the longest time, I wanted to play a heroin role. I want to do something that will say something about women, and Filipinos and my country," she explained. "Kasi artista din ako, hindi lang naman ako nagpapatawa, di ba?

"Masarap magpatawa, masayang magpaligaya, but you know, within myself I am an actress. I want to portray another character, another role, and with a film that has this kind of message."

Eugene's acting skills has been tested in theater, movies both indie and mainstream, and in several TV shows. Yet she still sees herself going back to theater acting.

"You cannot compare theater and movie," she comments. "I think working for the theater is more because of your real passion. Pasensya na. Pasing-tabi, alam ko pinakain ako ng pelikula at telebisyon, pero hindi mo maikukumpara kung ano ang samahan ng mga tao sa tanghalan kaysa sa pelikula."

Concluding her statements, Eugene said, "Doon ako nagsimula, at feeling ko doon din ako tatanda."