Manilyn Reynes talks about career highlights
Manilyn Reynes is among today’s seasoned actresses, who enjoy career visibility and longevity.
She plays Elsa, the well-off wife-and-mother with humble beginnings in “Pepito Manaloto,” and Minchie, a former singing girl group member-turned-ordinary family matriarch in “Born to Shine.”
Her sitcom, “Pepito Manaloto,” recently celebrated its 16th year, and the character Elsa had a renewal of vows with Pepito, portrayed by actor and comedian Michael V., as shown in its latest episodes.
The STAR got invited for the show’s set visit and met some of its cast members, including Manilyn.
“Of course, yung unang-una (the first on the list was) yung pagkakapasok ko sa showbiz (when I entered the entertainment business),” said she when asked of her five top-of-mind career highlights. “I was only 10 then… and then, of course, my first major concert at the Araneta Coliseum, I was the youngest (to hold a concert there).”
“Tapos, (the hit song) Sayang na Sayang, and of course, ‘Pepito Manaloto’ and also the ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll’ and ‘Michael & Madonna’ movies, to name a few,” added she, also recalling her albums such as the debut “Apple Thoughts” with Ivory Records and TV shows like the variety program “Manilyn Live” and the romantic-drama anthology “Young Love, Sweet Love.”
Manilyn belongs to that circle of artists who have excelled in singing and acting.
During the brief chat, she also remembered the time when watching TV and going to the movies comprised everybody’s form of entertainment or past time. Avid fans would go to mall shows and line up to see and meet their favorite artists. The fanbase was also solid back then, and followers would give and shower their idols with sampaguita leis.
As for her words of wisdom to the younger artists and aspiring stars, she had this to say: “Alam mo hindi ka ilalagay ni God dyan kung hindi ka nararapat (You know, He would not put you in this industry if you were not deserving). Hindi ilalagay yung dream na yun sa puso mo kung hindi kayang back-u-pan (He would not place that dream in your heart if you couldn’t do it).”
“Pero siyempre, kung ikaw ay magdarasal at maniniwala ka, gawin mo rin ang dapat mong gawin para matupad mo, di ba? (but, of course, aside from praying and believing, you should do your part to fulfill it),” added she, “at kapag natupad mo na, namnamin mo (when you’ve achieved it, take delight in it), gawin mo ang lahat ng kaya mo (do whatever you can). Show them what you’ve got (and) give your all.”
Manilyn shared that the artist’s performances should not be “half-baked” and the artist should love what she or he is doing. So, the artist will be able to deliver.
And when feeling tired or weary sets in, one needs to go back to where one has started and then ask the following questions: “Bakit ko ba ‘to gusto? (Why do I like this); bakit ko ‘to pinangarap (Why did I dream of it)?,” said she. “And then you can go on.”
What also matters, according to Manilyn, is that one is in touch with one’s self and one’s truth.
Her work schedule shows that she’s shuttling between two programs. So, does she consider this year her busiest?
“I would like to think so, I’m really thankful,” said Manilyn, who shares that acting is like singing and vice versa because both involve (studying) lines, emotions and facial expressions. “Ang sarap lang sa pakiramdam na (it just feels good that) you are blessed, at ito ka pa rin (and you’re still part of the industry), ka-eksena mo yung mga bata (and you’re doing scenes with the young stars).”
“You get to sing with them, you get to act with them… panahon na nila ngayon (this is their time), and we are just so happy to be here to support (them). Ang importante na may ginagawa tayo (what’s important is we’re doing something), and we’re always thankful.”
Please watch “Born to Shine” Mondays to Saturdays and “Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kwento” Saturdays at 7:15 p.m. on GMA.
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