After setting their foot in show business, actors aim to score that debut project. After some time, they have their eye on a meaty one, which displays the actors’ versatility and commitment to the craft.
Lianne Valentin, who essayed a bubbly best friend role in the Ken Chan and Rita Daniela’s advocacy drama, Ang Dalawang Ikaw, seems to tread such path, now with her feisty Stella in the Zoren Legaspi and Maricel Laxa’s drama romance, Apoy sa Langit.
In a recent virtual one-on-one with The STAR, Lianne considered the role “a big jump in my career” and the Sparkle talent thought long and hard about it.
“Yes, it’s very difficult,” said Lianne, who wished that her next project after Ang Dalawang Ikaw would be challenging and different as compared with previous roles, of the decision-making the project entailed.
“Sexy, mature and daring,” described Lianne of the role. “Of course, may kaba when the project was presented to me. I know that every actor wants to showcase his or her talent.” When it came to playing Stella, given its demands, Lianne was in a quandary whether to give it a try or pass up the chance. “Pero ang nanaig kasi sa akin sabi ko, ‘Gusto kong ma-challenge eh,’ (But the idea of challenging myself as an actress prevailed) alam ko na may kaya pa akong i-prove when it comes to my acting,” said she. “So, I said, ‘I will accept this.’”
So far, she has shown an inspired performance and her mettle by working with actor’s director Laurice Guillen and acting veterans Zoren and Maricel, who portray the couple Cesar and Gemma in the afternoon drama.
“Sabi ko minsan lang darating yung ganitong klaseng opportunity (This opportunity comes once in a lifetime), so, I really want to work with them,” said she, “kaya sabi ko kahit mahirap, tinanggap ko kasi naniniwala naman ako sa sarili ko na kaya ko (Even though the role had its own difficulties, I took it because I believe I could do it).”
When she auditioned for the role, Lianne had the support of her mother.
“She is very, very supportive all throughout, hanggang ngayon nanonood siya ng show at sumusubaybay siya talaga,” said Lianne. Her mom even asked her several times if she was ready for the role because she had to commit once she was chosen.
“Sabi ni mama, ‘If you’re sure about it, then, I will support you,’” recalled she. “I gave her the assurance that ‘Ma, I’m ready, I really want to do this.’”
The actress in Lianne had to understand where her character’s sexiness or edginess was emanating from. Her answer was from Stella’s aura.
“Kahit maglakad lang siya, dapat may poise, dapat sexy and yun yung mahirap kasi kailangan makita yun in every scene,” said she, who added that perhaps her sexiest scenes were when her character was in a swimsuit and walked in front of Cesar, and decided to lure and win him back after he got married to Gemma. Lianne also appreciated what implied or subtle acting can do.
“If you can show us in just one touch or through your eyes that there’s assumed spark (between the characters), OK na yun,” said she of an acting insight director Laurice imparted to her. “Stella’s personality is strong, palaban na klase na babae. She’s a very complex kind of person, malalim yung emosyon niya. Akala nung mga tao na si Stella ay kontrabida lang siya, na mahal na mahal si Cesar.” What Stella has become is brought about by her past, Lianne shared. When the character’s mother died, Stella was very young. Her aunt, who considered her more a pabigat, a burden, than a family member, became Stella’s guardian. The character grew up with no ideal mother figure around.
“Si Cesar lang yung nagparamdam sa kanya ng care,” said Lianne. That’s why Stella will do whatever it takes to be with him.
With the Apoy sa Langit set as her school for acting, Lianne has become more confident about “sa sarili ko and sa talent na meron ako (myself and the talent I have),” said she. “Sabi ko, ‘Kung kaya ko ‘to, I think kaya ko pa kung ano pa ang mga ibibigay nila sa akin na more deep na characters, more interesting roles (If I can play this part, I think I can do more deep and interesting characters and roles that will be given to me). That’s what I’m looking forward to in my career and alam ko na duon ako patungo. It’s my goal, of course, to become a versatile actress. I want to be known (bilang) isang aktres na kung ano ang ibigay ay kakayanin o kaya (as an actress who delivers and is reliable).”
Given the good showing of Apoy sa Langit in the ratings game, the cast and crew are on another leg for additional episodes.
“Abang lang kayo, kasi marami pang mangyayari talaga (Just wait and see, a lot of things are about to unfold),” said Lianne, who reads the script, works out and does covers on her free time while in a lock-in taping.
Apoy sa Langit airs Mondays to Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.