Arra plays ‘modern’ madrasta

MANILA, Philippines — “There are so many approaches in Bova (acting). It’s not even technical that one is compelled to follow every rule, every step,” said Arra San Agustin of the workshops she and fellow Kapuso stars attended under the tutelage of New York-based acting coach Anthony Bova in a recent media call. “It’s general and is more of empowerment.” The StarStruck Top 6 finalist elaborated empowerment by saying that “(it teaches) you (how to) handle the tension when you are on set, how you can feel... how you will carry yourself and how you will be present in the scene, to become the character.” Arra will find all this useful as she plays the title role of the GMA Afternoon Prime series Madrasta with Thea Tolentino and Juancho Trivino. It premieres tomorrow, Oct. 7, after Prima Donnas.

The character Audrey is Arra’s first lead role, following her support stints in My Special Tatay and Encantadia.
“I don’t know,” replied Arra when asked if she is the youngest actress taking on such a role. “I have friends who have children of their own. I’m 24. Yung age ko naman mayroon ng nagkaka-family. So pwede na yung age ko sa pagiging madrasta (Given my age, I can play a stepmother).”

She added that “this Madrasta is not the stereotypical evil stepmother. When you say evil stepmother, you think of (the story of) Cinderella or Snow White, hindi siya ganun, mabait siya. (She’s a) modern madrasta.”

According to Arra, her Audrey meets Sean, played by Juancho, and his wife Katherine (Thea) in two different occasions. She knows that he is a family man and his woman is cheating on him. Whether Audrey sees the situation as an opportunity to enter into Sean’s life, it has yet to be known. Love could also be the reason why she gets embroiled in this love affair.

“I think it happens in (some) people,” Arra said. “I don’t think na may ginawang mali yung character ko kasi pumasok siya sa life ni Sean na wala na sila ni Katherine, kinlaro naman niya na ’di naman siya third party (She enters the picture knowing that Sean and Katherine are no longer a couple. She is not a third party).” With that, the marital drama takes off.

To portray Audrey well, Arra shared, “I watched movies (with similar themes). It is one of the main (aspects) of preparing for a role. When you’re acting, you need to observe, you need to watch (movies), I’m reading a book, Irreverent Acting by Erik Morris.”

With Madrasta as her biggest project, Arra couldn’t contain the happiness and gratefulness in her heart, especially to those who believe in her talent. But she also acknowledged the pressure that comes with the project. It is something she can’t easily shrug off but can use it as motivation for inspired performances.

“I’m just so grateful, punong-puno talaga ng pasasalamat yung puso ko ngayon lalo na nandito lahat yung mga taong nagtiwala sa akin,” she said. “I feel pressured and very nervous. Bago mag-start yung pilot taping, grabe yung stress ko, hindi ako makatulog kasi parang i-na-anticipate ko na yung mangyayari the next day.”

Arra’s story mirrors the saying that patience is a virtue. Early in her career, she could have seized the moment by playing meaty roles, but the opportunities didn’t come. The then showbiz newbie just decided to wait for the right time to come.

“Siyempre, it happens in every person (and) at work. You get frustrated na bakit ang tagal, bakit ito lang ang mga nagagawa ko (why I’ve only been doing these roles). Pero iniintindi ko naman po na nagsisimula lang ako noon at kailangan ko po ng mas matibay na foundation (But I tried to understand the situation and thought that I needed to have a firm foundation for bigger things). Perhaps it wasn’t yet then my time, siguro yun yung binigay na challenge sa akin ni God na kailangan kong malaman kung gusto ko ba talagang gawin ito.” Acting is Arra’s calling. Based on the way she handles her career, she believes in the gradual progression of things.

Madrasta is what keeps Arra’s hands full these days. She is committed to it.

“Since it’s a responsibility to me, I am more focused, alam naman ng lahat, ng family ko, ng mga friends ko, that I can’t go out (and hang out with them). I don’t meet up with them (that often) at sabi ko na hindi ako dapat mapagod (I told them that I can’t afford to feel tired because the following day I have work), kasi kinabukasan may trabaho. kailangan maayos ang katawan ko kasi ito ang instrumento namin para umarte (I should be well-rested because the body is our instrument for acting).”

Madrasta also stars Manilyn Reynes, Gladys Reyes, Almira Muhlach, Phytos Ramirez, Kelvin Miranda, Divine and Faye Lorenzo, with special participation of Isabelle de Leon, Ahron Villena and Anjo Damiles.