Former Miss U Catriona Gray ushers in her ‘actress era’
MANILA, Philippines — Catriona Gray, the fourth Miss Universe from the Philippines, has sashayed her way to the film screen from the pageant stage, with her acting debut in the movie “The Loved One.”
She is sharing the cinema screen with seasoned actress and actors, Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales, as Ellie and Eric, under the tutelage of director Irene Emma Villamor.
“Actress era siya ngayon (she’s now in her acting era),” said direk Irene in a recent grand presscon, which was also graced by Catriona, Anne, Jericho, Ian Pangilinan, Luis Alandy and Max Eigenmann.
Asked what made the beauty queen say “yes” to the Valentine movie and try her hand at acting, Catriona said, “I really admired direk Irene to start off with… I really love her energy, and siguro, meron akong (perhaps I had that) feeling that you (talking to the director) would really walk me through, and then she really did.”
“Of course, when I heard who the other cast was, I (was) very flattered naman to be considered as a very newbie,” added she, who had “an incredible experience” and said, “everyone was so kind and accommodating.”
Yes, Catriona is proud to be a part of “The Loved One,” whose story revolves around former lovers Eric and Ellie, maybe showing viewers what makes one the loved one or the lover. The characters’ beautiful love and romance story will unfold starting Feb. 11 in cinemas nationwide.
“It’s (a) really beautiful story, and siguro that was the biggest reason na bakit nag-yes ako,” said the Pinay beauty queen.
Catriona is taking on the character Nicole, whom she describes as more of the loved one.
“She represents someone who sees potential,” said the Miss Universe 2018 and singer. “She sees potential in a relationship, kung meron ba o hindi (if there’s that possibility or not).”
As Nicole, she had more scenes with Jericho. But one should also look forward to her character’s scenes with Ellie, played by Anne.
These might be pivotal to the story, as one could guess.
“It was great,” said Catriona of her acting experience. “Siguro, I was really nervous going into it just because I really respect them both equally in their craft,” plus the years of acting experience Anne and Jericho have.
She found collaborating with the two in a scene and coming into the film set at first “very intimidating” but “an enjoyable experience.”
“I was really observing how everything goes,” shared she, who was amazed at how Anne and Jericho could get into their roles after a banter or a talk.
Given her hard work and dedication as a beauty queen and with that creative enthusiasm, Catriona has found her foothold in acting, as one may put it. Hopefully, she will be seen essaying more roles in film and on TV.
“She’s a natural,” said Jericho of Catriona, the new actress.
“She’s very instinctive,” added direk Irene, who was glad that Catriona accepted the role and graced the movie.
“She’s been hesitating kasi paano ba umarte, ganyan (on how to act),” said the director. “Yung first encounter (namin), sabi niya (in our first meeting, she said), ‘Direk, I only know how to be excited and be happy,’ kasi yun yung mga madalas niya as a host, mga ganyan (since these are the emotions commonly associated to her being a host).”
“Nag-undergo pa siya ng Meisner (technique) kay Angeli (Bayani) (she did a Meisner acting technique workshop with Angeli Bayani),” shared Irene. “So, she’s really serious and I’m so happy.”
Catriona is a welcome addition to that circle of beauty queens who have embarked on their acting careers and carried on to play engaging and relatable characters.
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