Why director Gina Alajar remains excited to act

MANILA, Philippines — Even if she has already carved out a name in directing, Gina Alajar remains enthusiastic about acting. That’s why the award-winning veteran has essayed roles such as those of Lola Joy in “Start-Up PH” and matriarch Carmen in “Asawa Ng Asawa Ko.”

The latter airs Mondays to Thursdays at 9:35 p.m. on GMA Prime, stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Rayver Cruz, and is helmed by Laurice Guillen.

“Na-excite pa akong umarte (I’m still excited to act),” said the actor-turned-director (and actor’s director) in a recent chat with The STAR after the proper presscon for the “Golden Gala” of Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) on Nov. 11. Gina graced the event as a member of the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. (MOWELFUND) board of trustees, “especially now that I’m being directed by the one and only Laurice Guillen, kaya excited, kaya may excitement (that’s why there’s excitement).”

“Laurice is not just a director who would take you sitting down lang na kung ano lang ang ibigay mo sa kanya, tatanggapin niya (and that whatever you give, portrayal-wise, she will accept it),” added she. “Kung ano yung gusto niyang mangyari, yun ang kukunin niya sa’yo (whatever she envisions about your character, she expects you to deliver it) and with that, I’m excited because there’s something I get to learn and I’m still challenged (at work).”

To the following of “Asawa Ng Asawa Ko,” Gina is known as Carmen, the college professor mother of Cristy, played by Jasmine, who was kidnapped by the armed group KALASAG with its leader Leon (Joem Bascon). The event brought drastic change to Cristy’s family life with Jordan (Rayver) and their daughter Tori (Kzhoebe Nicole Baker).

Gina with MOWELFUND chairman Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo

What to look forward to, amidst inevitable developments in the characters’ lives, is the reappearance and return of Shaira (Liezel Lopez), the nemesis of Cristy, says the show’s publicity team. Her presence will definitely shake the status quo and create ripples of challenges for other characters who have crossed paths with Shaira and seen the latter’s personal interest and intention.

Given the romantic past of Cristy with Jordan and Leon, and the men’s feelings for her at present, life of Cristy becomes more engaging, but she will take things one day at a time with her family, including Carmen.

With its multi-layered narrative and intriguing plotline, “Asawa Ng Asawa Ko” does well in the ratings’ game.

“So, we’re just so happy,” said Gina of the successful run of the show. “So, I’m very happy because it has become very successful on its timeslot.”

Seasoned actors like Gina complement well with the new crop of talents, and they also become inspiration to the latter in delivering a nuanced performance.

“Siguro malaking tulong yung, na, unang-una nanay ako (perhaps it’s a big help that first and foremost I’m a mother),” shared she of getting into the psyche of Carmen, again the mom of Cristy. “Ang pinagkaiba lang ay ang mga anak ko ay lalaki, panibago sa akin yung babae ang anak (the only difference between me and my character is that I have male children. Playing a mom to a daughter is something new). Iba yung approach sa lalaki sa babae (each requires a different approach).”

Gina feels blessed to have three daughters-in-law, as well as a 14-year-old grandchild, and banks on her good relationships with them to play Carmen.

With ‘Start-Up PH’ co-star Alden Richards.

For working actors like her, it’s challenging if they don’t have anything in life to anchor on their portrayal of a character or a role.

Aside from TV acting, what else keeps her busy these days?

“You know I have this movie with Adolf Alix Jr. called ‘Karnabal,’ pero hindi pa namin natatapos (but we haven’t completed it yet). Then, we have (another) movie (to film) by the end of October when (another veteran actress) Hilda Koronel arrives, and it’s by Adolf Alix Jr. again and with Jasmine Curtis-Smith,” answered she.

Away from the klieg lights, Gina also takes on the role of a member of the board of trustees at the MOWELFUND. She’s there to help the foundation, and it’s her way of paying it forward for the creative industry, which has been very good to her.

Gina started as a child star and is now an actor-director.

“Karamihan sa mga miyembro ng MOWELFUND, nakita ko na sila nung bata pa ako at naka-trabaho ko sila nung bata pa ako (most members of the foundation, I had seen them when I was a child, and I’ve worked with them),” shared she. “Now that they’re retired and then, nandyan pa sila (they’re still here), nakikita ko pa rin sila at magandang makita na malakas pa sila (it’s good to see them active and strong).”

MOWELFUND, under the tutelage of its chairman (and seasoned actress) Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, on the other hand, provides its stakeholders, such as marginalized workers, social welfare, education. and financial sustainability programs.

Again, watch Gina and follow her character’s story in “Asawa Ng Asawa Ko” weeknights on GMA.