Joko Diaz says he’s no stage father to daughter Ashley
Joko Diaz is not shy to admit that he gives his daughter Ashley reminders such as always follow whatever director Roni Benaid tells her to do on the set of the horror film Mary Cherry Chua. But don’t jump into any conclusion about it, he is no stage father.
In a recent virtual media conference, the actor said he allows Ashley to approach her character — the high school student Karen who has fascination for horror tales and urban legends — in her own way.
The Viva Films-produced Mary Cherry Chua, which is set to open in cinemas on July 19, sees father and daughter working together for the first time in a movie. It is also Ashley’s first lead role.
“I do always remind Ashley to take to heart everything the director is instructing her to do and whatever it is that is needed to (portray) the character. Other than that, you won’t hear anything from me,” said Joko, whose popularity rose to greater heights after playing the title role in The Grepor Butch Belgica Story, also produced by Viva Films in the ‘90s.
“I don’t want to be a stage father. I let her do her own acting style. But I always tell her that this is your character. Nililinaw ko lang rin sa kanya kung ano ‘yung sinabi ni direk and I explain to her that it’s up to her (as to) what approach to make,” he added.
Watching the trailer of Mary Cherry Chua alone, Joko couldn’t be any prouder at his daughter’s acting performance. “I’m so proud of her s’yempre. Sabi nga nila, dapat mas magaling ka sa anak mo. Pero parang mas magaling ‘yung anak ko sa akin, hahaha!”
Ashley, who was visibly delighted over what she heard from her father, said, “It’s nice to know that he really believes in me.”
The 19-year-old Viva artist shared how she enjoyed the experience of working with her dad and felt at ease acting in front of the cameras “because I know that I have someone whom I can rely on when there are scenes that I find hard to do. I know he’s always there to guide me. He’s not the type who would dictate what I should do. He lets me explore (things) on my own.”
Mary Cherry Chua is based on a popular urban legend about a pretty high school lass named Mary Cherry Chua, who was reportedly murdered by the school janitor.
The horror film centers on Karen (Ashley), who is fond of reading campus horror tales and urban legends. When they are required to submit a term paper, Karen becomes interested in the story of Mary Cherry Chua.
Joko is Karen’s teacher who supports her in the term paper she’s working on in spite of him knowing how sensitive it is to tackle the young girl’s case.
Friends and classmates help Karen discover new information about the case. But she is not aware that as she digs deeper into it, she is also putting her life in danger.
Lyca Gairanod is Karen’s best friend Faith, who wants to be with her in finding the truth about the death of Mary Cherry Chua. Their bully classmate Paco (Kokoy de Santos) puts up a brave face but deep inside, he is scared to death while helping Karen in her research.
Portraying as the ghost of Mary Cherry Chua is Abby Bautista, while Krissha Viaje is the hospital nurse and Karen’s older sister.
Asked if she feels the pressure of portraying the lead character, Ashley said, “There will always be pressure in every project but I must admit, it’s different if it’s your first lead role. It’s up to you how you will take the pressure, whether positively or negatively. I’m taking it positively by challenging myself to give (the project) my best.”
Joko said that he always reminds Ashley to always pray to God that everything will fall into place “kasi hindi naman natin pwedeng ipilit ang isang bagay na hindi para sa ‘yo (because we can’t force something that’s not meant for you). So, I always advise her to do her best and enjoy what is there for her.”
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