For Chynna, it's career over love
By Maridol Ranoa-BismarkPublished in The Philippine Star (11/22/2003)
Chynna Ortaleza stands at a turning point in her career. And she can't help but feel like the victor who brings home the trophy.
"Mano Po 2 gave me my first dramatic role. And I'm so excited, nervous and honored all at the same time," she gushes.
One can understand why. First, the cast reads like an honor roll in the acting business: Susan Roces, Christopher de Leon, Lorna Tolentino, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gina Alajar, Alessandra de Rossi and Jay Manalo, among others.
Before the movie came along, Chynna's TV roles were confined to light, romantic types with Richard Gutierrez. The two look good together as a love team, but they never graduated beyond the hearts-and-flowers stage to engage in heavier stuff like a heated verbal argument or a tearful confrontation.
Not that there's any need to. Richard and Chynna are friends in real life. It was even Richard's mom, Annabelle Rama, who recommended Chynna to Mano Po 2.
Hence the chemistry. But that's all there is to it. They are not sweethearts and the beauty of it all is that they don't pretend to be. What you see is what you get. No more, no less.
"There's no pressure to have a real-life romance," Chynna says with a smile.
No wonder she welcomes the entry of Anne Curtis into the picture.
"It adds spice and will generate interest," the Regal contract artist explains.
But that's all she's concerned about at this point: career over anything else, even love.
No wonder she put Railey Valeroso's romantic pursuits on hold, telling him, "I'm not ready to sacrifice my career for you (her teamup with Richard might go kaput if she agrees to be Railey's girl). Let's give it time."
Her fellow GMA talent understood.
After all, Chynna's Dad - producer-turned-advertising man Gryk Ortaleza - needed a lot of convincing before he finally allowed his youngest child to enter showbiz. Like all parents, he was worried showbiz will get in the way of his only daughter's studies - Communication Arts at UST.
But Chynna promised she will excel in showbiz, and prove herself worthy of the job. Besides, her dad figured out, Chynna will be experiencing what her professors will be lecturing about in school anyway. He finally gave his blessings, on one condition: her mom will accompany Chynna in her showbiz activities.
Wish granted. And more. Eight years after she entered the biz as host of 5 & Up, Chynna has yet to hear her Dad complain.
And now, as Richard's feisty girlfriend in Mano Po 2, her persistence has paid off. Chynna's is a meaty, challenging role - a far cry from her sweet-girl portrayals in many a TV series. And she'll do everything in her power to pass this acid test to her acting ability with flying colors.
In sharp contrast to Richard's weak character, Chynna fights for her love - arguing and crying with all the heart-wrenching intensity of a woman in love.
"I learned to maximize my body movements to bring my emotions across," Chynna says proudly.
She also fulfilled a long-cherished dream: to join the Metro Filmfest (the movie is Regal Entertainment's entry to the annual event in December).
"How I wanted to join the filmfest since last year," Chynna admits. "But my wish didn't come true. Now that it's finally here, I can't wait. I will do my Christmas shopping earlier. Then, the whole family will watch the movie together. It will be fun!" she says, eyes sparkling.
And she has good news for Dad, too. Chynna has gotten so hooked to filmmaking she plans to return to school, this time to study cinematography. And this time, she is bent on finishing her studies.
"I want to work behind the scenes, too. In fact, I want to be a director someday," she reveals.
The unstoppable Chynna has also decided to take another big step forward. She will declare her independence some more by living on her own in a rent-to-own pad she's eyeing along Timog Avenue, Quezon City, a stone's throw away from GMA, her home studio.
"It's about time," muses Chynna. "I'm already 20. I'm old enough."
And her parents agree. In fact, her mom is helping Chynna look for a suitable place.
She can very well afford it. Chynna still has five movies to do with Regal Entertainment, where she has an eight-picture, three-year contract (another Regal assignment, Kuya ,will be shown in January).
And while Chynna just bid the youth-oriented Click goodbye, GMA 7 is not leaving her empty-handed. Her teamup with Richard Gutierrez is so popular the network is banking on them again in the second season of Love 2 Love. Chynna is also looking forward to becoming an SOP mainstay.
Then, there's her ongoing TV ad for a feminine product.
No wonder dear old Dad finally allowed his daughter to go where her heart is - in showbiz. Chynna has shown how dead serious she is about her work. She has earned her father's approval. She has finally earned her spurs.
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