Glaiza stars in another movie on women empowerment
They say a mother is ever willing to sacrifice for the sake of her child. But what if she is confronted with the cruel possibility that it’s in the best interest of her child to never see her again?
A few days ago, the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival announced the lineup of full-length films and short features for its 14th edition this year. And among those who left an intriguing logline as stated above is Kip Oebanda’s “Liway” starring Glaiza de Castro.
“Liway” is about a young mother who uses storytelling to protect her child from the reality of growing up inside the prison and the difficult life she has endured during Martial Law. Speaking to Bulletin Entertainment, Glaiza revealed she has had mixed emotions about the theme.
“Kinikilabutan na kinakabahan (I get shivers and feel nervous thinking about it),” was how she put it.
“To be honest, I came by a lot of emotions in doing this film and it was very emotionally draining,” she said in Filipino, adding that as part of immersion to the character, she met with the owner of the story whom she declined to name.
“I think she’s now 60 plus. When I met her she told me the story of what really happened that time. In fact, there was this one scene that I got goose bumps because it was very dramatic, very painful to hear. And she also told me about her disposition in those difficult times. I really admire her perseverance,” she shared.
In “Liway,” Glaiza is Day. She is a NPA leader considered by the governensures ment as criminal. When she and husband Ric, played by Dominic Roco, were detained inside a makeshift prison, Day that her boy, Dakip (Kenken Nuyad), is free from trauma.
The actress stressed, though, that the film is not all about Martial Law.
“It’s a story of a mother and how she fights for her family and for her rights as well. The film is about love, sacrifice and Day’s determination in raising her child amid difficult times,” she said.
“Liway” is Glaiza’s sixth film in the festival since 2007. In 2011, she was even tagged the busiest Cinemalaya actress, having appeared in three films.
Is she aiming for the best actress plum this year, we asked. Glaiza might be up against veteran actors Ai Ai delas Alas (“School Service”), Celeste Legaspi (“Mamang”), and Yayo Aguila (“The Lookout”), among others.
Contrary to her characters on TV and in the movies, Glaiza is quite timid talking about awards.
“To be honest, I’m not confident with myself but I’m confident with our film,” she said. “There were times that I asked myself ‘Am I doing the right thing?’ I really felt nervous over the acting part but I do hope I gave justice to the role and to the story.”
‘My calling’
Over the past months, it seems Glaiza is inclined toward characters who are all for women empowerment. Apart from “Liway,” she is currently seen on the GMA series “Contessa,” where she plays a vindictive woman who seeks redemption and justice. The actress believes doing such roles is her “calling.” “There are times I ask myself what career path should I be on. Sometimes I question my capabilities because I see my fellow actors leading towards rom-com, love story, dramas but what about me? So I think, this is the answer,” she explained. “This is my calling. I want my roles to symbolize power, to symbolize determination.” Glaiza thinks these help develop her confidence. “I do have insecurities but every time I portray a strong woman, there’s a part of me inheriting those qualities and I very much like it,” she maintained. In “Liway’s” official trailer, Glaiza is seen doing her first love: Singing. That said, we wondered if she’s eyeing to do a musical soon. “Definitely,” she shot back. “It’s possible because that is part of my bucket list. It’s just that I don’t have time to pursue it now because I’m busy with tapings and all but I’m hoping to do it at the right time,” she said. As usual, Glaiza was asked about her love life. “I’m in love with myself right now.”
This is my calling. I want my roles to symbolize power, to symbolize determination.