CEBU, Philippines — How do you play the mean girl opposite an actress bestowed with the title La Nueva Kontrabida?
“Napaka-challenging, even for her actually, kasi the expectations are higher than usual,” said Therese Malvar, referencing Kyline Alcantara, her co-star in the upcoming musical-drama “Inagaw na Bituin.”
Kyline, fresh from being launched as one of GMA Artist Center’s newest talents, stole viewers’ attention even from the series’ lead actress with her star turn as a Queen Brat in the 2017 primetime series “Kambal Karibal.” She is seemingly the network’s current favorite.
Therese, 18, knows fully well that the expectation is to surpass Kyline’s performance or else suffer comparisons to 16-year-old Kyline’s well-loved villainess.
“I would not want to think of that, because in my acting roles, hindi ako nagko-compare. I only compete with myself. Lahat naman kami dito ay nagtutulungan,” said the bubbly Therese of her first kontrabida role in the biggest television break of her young career.
Not cowed by the pressure, she instead sought advice from filmmakers on how to tackle this new territory.
“Sinabi nila Direk Jun Lana and Perci Intalan na kailangan po daw gumawa ng nuances ng isang buong character na ikaw at ikaw lang ang nakakagawa. Hopefully, magagawa ko po yun at maiinis po kayong lahat sa akin.”
She also consulted Kyline, who told her to focus and know the strengths and weaknesses of both her character at “nung kinakalaban mo. Nasa mata lang yan. Kaya naman ni Teri yun kasi award-winning actress itong kasama ko.”
Indeed a glance at Therese’s acting award hauls, and you’d wonder why anyone would we skeptical that she won’t measure up. Her achievements so far: Best Actress at the 1st CineFilipino Film Festival for “Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita” in 2013; Screen International Rising Star Asia Award at the 15th New York Asian Film Festival, Outstanding Artistic Achievement Golden Goblet Award at the 2016 Shanghai International Festival, Silver St. George Best Actress at the 38th Moscow International Film Festival and 9th Ani ng Dangal Awardee – all for the indie film “Hamog.”
In 2018, she was Best Supporting Actress (triple tie) at the Eddys 2018 (Entertainment Editors’ Choice Awards) for “Ilawod.” Also last year, she made history by landing a tie with herself, as she was chosen Best Supporting Actress at the 14th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival for the movies “Distance” and “School Service.”
Not too shabby for one who just auditioned for a lark.
“Unexpected. Initially, my dream since I was four was to become a nun,” she shared. “I was such an introvert before. I decided to join my mother in an audition for fun when I was 12, because sobrang boring nung summer.”
The catalyst was Therese’s work in her first film, “Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita” with Angel Aquino playing the titular role. She was a natural as a pubescent lesbian whose senses are awakened by the ravishing and mysterious new neighbor, played by Angel.
“That was my first acting experience ever. I never had a workshop before. I only had a workshop for the character. Ka-loveteam ko po si Tita Angel Aquino. That was supposed to be my first and last. But then I won a Best Actress award for that movie. From then on, kinuha na po ako ng isang manager at kinuha na po ako ng GMA Artist Center.”
In “Inagaw na Bituin,” Eduard (Marvin Agustin) and Belinda (Sunshine Dizon) will lose their only child, Anna (Kyline) to a kidnapping. Mourning her absence, they turn their affection and attention to their niece, Ariela (Therese). Anna and Ariela will later on cross paths thru their shared passion for music.
“Bilang idol niya po si Ms. Sunshine Dizon na isang singer, siya yung paborito kong ninang, my only ninang. I’m very close to my ninang,” Therese further shared.
“But then because of my mother who will be played by Angelika dela Cruz, mafi-feed ako ng negativity na kailangan ganito gawin mo, dapat you will rise, you should get the spotlight, kahit may natatapakan ka ng mga tao. It tackles the music industry and that you can reach your dreams no matter how many obstacles are thrown your way.”
“As we are competing for stardom, we’re also competing with our own blood. Aside sa inggitan, it also shows the process to reaching your dreams, spreading your wings. Which we can identify with because until now, we’re still reaching for the stars. We will do everything just to do what we love.”
In real life, Therese is grateful to have a mother who lets her be.
“My mom doesn’t force me. Hinayaan niya lang ako. Hindi tulad ng iba na nasasakal na sila sa mothers nila. I’m thankful also that she knows the industry, because she too is part of it. Siya si Tere ng ‘Pepito Manaloto,” said Therese of her mom, the stage and indie film actress Cherry Malvar.
Premiering Feb. 11 on GMA-7’s Afternoon Prime as a replacement to “Ika-5 Na Utos,” “Inagaw na Bituin” also stars Gabby Eigenmann, Jerald Napoles, Manolo Pedrosa, Renz Valerio, Angelu de Leon, Jackie Lou Blanco, Patricia Tumulak, Alyana Asistio, Michael Flores and Ramon Christopher Gutierrez.