After her remarkable portrayal as Isadora Castillejos in Iisa Pa Lamang, viewers have always been looking forward to Cherry Pie Picache's next project. As a villain, she was able to draw a lot of attention from the Pinoy televiewiers—some hated her character while most recognized her talent in acting.
When she was told about the positive reaction of the audience on her role as Isadora, the multi-awarded actress said that she is very grateful that her efforts were appreciated.
In an interview after the press conference of Tayong Dalawa last night, January 7, at Teatrino, Greenhills in San Juan City, Cherry Pie said that this has always been her goal ever since she entered showbiz.
"When I entered the industry, I really just want to be a star, I really wanted to be known as a good actress—not just a character actress, but a good actress," said Cherry Pie, who plays the role of Marlene, the mother of Gerald Anderson.
Cherry Pie considers the reaction of the audience to be as important as the numerous awards that she has received.
"I really appreciate when I feel that I'm appreciated. Kasi, 'yon nga, in relation to be a star, siyempre 'yon ang compensation namin. I mean, let's face it, it's not as much as we're supposed to be getting, but isa sa pinakamasarap na pakiramdam is to feel na appreciated 'yong ginagawa mo sa trabaho."
However, the character actress has also become vocal about the rewards given to good actors in the country. Cherry Pie said, "That's why I've always been saying ngayon na ayaw ko na ng prestige, gusto ko na ng cash.
"I'd be a hypocrite na it [award] does not matter, of course, it does matter. Pero with the system that we have, I mean, we don't have the system like Hollywood naman. So, with the system that we have, kumbaga, 'yon na lang ang nag-i-inspire sa'yo, isa 'yon sa mag-i-inspire sa 'yo, di ba, to continue or else mapu-frustrate ka nang mapu-frustrate."
HUNDRED PERCENT PERFORMANCE. One of the reasons Cherry Pie was able to do great performances in every role was her dedication to her job as an actress.
The actress related that whenever she portrays a character, she never thinks of the awards that she may get, instead she just gives her 100 percent in acting.
She stated, "Basta any given role that's given to me, I make sure that I give it 100 percent, di ba? 'Yon lang naman 'yon, e. I don't think kung mananalo ba ako ng award dito, ganyan.
"Kasi once na inisip ko na kailangan akong makakuha ng awards dito, kailangan kong tumatak ito, I think that's the start of my downfall as an actor. Kasi conscious ka na, 'tapos may objective ka na. E, hindi naman dapat ganun.
"Lalong na-inspire ako kapag meaty ang role. Di ba, it's such an honor 'cause there's so much room to play with? So, talagang nag-e-enjoy ako, naglalaro ako, not knowing na doon sa paglalaro ko at pag-eeksperimento, it was refreshing for the audience."
TIPS FOR YOUNGER GENERATION. Cherry Pie has already received around 10 acting distinctions from different award-giving bodies such as Gawad Urian, Star Awards, Golden Screen Awards, and FAMAS. Her skill as an actor, especially in independent films, has already been recognized by different film festivals abroad.
Cherry Pie has some useful tips to her young co-actors in Tayong Dalawa—Jake Cuenca, Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson.
Willingness is the number one key to stay longer in showbiz industry.
"Ang importante naman nadoon ang willingness, e, di ba? Hindi ka naman sasabak na magaling ka kaagad. You have to hone it, you discipline it, you develop it, just like me when I was starting."
She added, "With them naman, makikita mo naman 'yong passion to learn. 'Tapos ang maganda sa kanila, 'yong willingness, 'yong passion nila for the craft, topped with good behavior, na lagi kong ngang sinasabi na sana huwag magbago."
Another pointer that she gave was studying the role given to the actor. "Sa akin, I always do 'yong immersion with the character. Immersion sa character, doing your homework. I always say na dapat meron nito talaga. 'Tapos, sincerity lang. Do your homework. Dapat talaga pinagaaralan mo, hindi ka naman puwedeng sumabak nang hindi mo napag-aaralan."
Cherry Pie sees these three young actors as standing apart from other new actors of their generation..
"I always say that it's always exciting with these young stars, which I always don't say. I don't always say this all the time. I don't always say na okay ang young stars, lahat. But with the three of them, I must say that I'm proud of them because they work hard, 'tapos talented, hindi mayabang."