Reinventing Chynna Ortaleza
By Victoria R. DizonPublished in S Magazine (11/2005)
The entertainment would seems to be catching up with the fast-paced technology. From the paralysis of the Philippine movie industry comes the boom for TV network wars. Thus, the launch of numerous talent searches that produce new and younger stars has run as fast as Nokia manufactures new cellphone models.
If you're an aspiring young star who's clueless about the tricks of the trade, you'll be phased out even before your 15 minutes of fame are over. It is quite sad that at this time, everything and even everybody is disposable. Only a few young stars managed to survive this risky and unpredictable business. From teeny-bopper roles, they have reinvented themselves in order to stabilize their careers. One of these fortunate celebrities is Chynna Ortaleza. But for Chynna, it is not just sheer luck. It is a matter of strategy and an attitude that exudes: "There's no other way but up."
BUSY, HAPPY & CONTENTED
Chynna is one busy gal. Aside from SOP Gigsters every Sunday, we all know she also plays the role of Rebecca in the adventure teleserye, Sugo. Although she is a 'kontrabida' in the high-rating soap, she is very happy and contented with the role.
"They gave me an interesting character. That's what I like to tackle, 'kontrabida' roles. Kasi that's my goal ever since nag-start ako. Sabi ko kailangan ma-tap lahat ng mga puwede kong gawin. Kaya kong maging anti-hero na ibang klase. So when they offered the role of Rebecca in Sugo, I thought about it pretty well. And we talked to the people in Sufa and they assured me naman na maganda 'yung role so I was really happy na I got that role," says Chynna.
TEENY-BOPPER ROLES & LOVE TEAMS
Chynna began to grace the public scene when she starred as Melanie in GMA-7's youth-oriented program Click. It was a good starting ground for her, but she knew after two years, she had to graduate from such roles. Chynna says that she is still willing to accept kikay roles once in a while. Aside from teeny-bopper roles, Chynna reveals that she is also through with being a part of a love team.
"I think nakita na ng GMA na kaya ko nang mag-isa, na kaya na akong i-pair sa iba't ibang artista na madadala naming, 'di na kailangan na may one specific guy," avers the bedimpled star.
For those of you who are not aware, Chynna was first paired up with Richard Gutierrez and Angel Locsin was first paired up with Railey Valeroso in Click. Even before Richard's pair-up with Angel in the fantaserye, Mulawin, he and Chynna already knew that they had to graduate from their love team eventually.
"It's easy to be a love team. You get projects together and you know that people will follow you because you are a love team, but we decided na we just have to stop I because we won't grow up anymore. Up to what year lang kakagatin 'yan, after a while, wala na. So accepted na, walang sama ng loob na 'Uy na-pair siya sa iba,'" Chynna explains.
AFTER CLICK & BEFORE SUGO
When Richard was paired with Angel in Mulawin, you might have though that Chynna's career became stagnant. However, this is not entirely true. She might have no projects in terms of drama, but GMA-7 never abandoned Chynna. They gave her a good spot in SOP Gigsters and a hosting job in 3R.
"I would not have though that I could sing live or I could dance like that or host. But they were able to give me a show to enhance my other talents. 'Di naman madali na bigla ka nalang lumabas sa screen na bilang sarili mo na. A lot of people will criticize you for whatever opinions that you may have," converses the young star.
For Chynna, having a hosting job is a good experience because it helped people identify with her and not with her fictional character. That for her is a pretty good achievement.
AS PUMP COVER GIRL
A couple of months ago, Chynna surprised everyone when she graced the cover of Pump Magazine's maiden issue in a very sexy outfit. Doing that pose wasn't an easy task for her. She had to prepare rigorously for the shoot. She went to the gym and had to ask permission from GMA Artist Center is she could rest for a while in order to gain some weight. And how did she persuade her parents to agree with the shoot? Since her mom wasn't with her that time, she consulted actor Albert Martinez, who also happens to be her image consultant.
"Sabi ni Tito Albert 'I think this is the right time for you to do it. Especially now it is a new mag and then you're the maiden issue. It's going to be launched na talangang malaki,'" clarifies Chynna.
After that, she also asked permission from her parents. They thought about is and her dad asked if they could see the pegs first. She and her parents almost rejected the offer after seeing the first pegs that Eric Ramos, editor of Pumo sen. The said pegs were so conventional.
"Parang so bland, there's nothing new, parang you're just posing there. And I don't like projects that have no sense. You need to have a concept," she elucidates.
Since Eric really wanted Chynna to do the maiden issue, he was willing to discuss the points she wanted. Because of this, Pump's first issue achieved a double dose of success: one for Chynna, who has established a more mature image, and for the magazine, which achieved a promising beginning.
HER PRIVATE LIFE
At 22, Chynna reveals that she is more comfortable with her image now. She grew up in terms of personality and outlook. She became more mature and more realistic. But is she the type of girl who does all good things? Was there a time when she has disappointed her parents?
"Of course, there are times na you become stubborn. I think it happens to every person that you always try to get your way. You think this is what's right because you think that you're of age, but then 'di mo maiisip 'yung repercussions and 'yung mga parents mo makakaisip nu'n. May mga times na ganu'n pero I think wala naman talagan major disappointment. Kasi marunong akong makinig. So, alam ko 'pag nasabihan ako, kailangan ko nang makinig," justifies the responsible actress.
Aside from her image, there is also one special thing about Chynna's life that has matured—her two-year relationship with young actor Railey Valeroso.
"Ngayon 'yung outlook namin sa bujay mas realistic na. Alam na namin na we need to build ourselves first. Kasi dati kahit na maliliit na bagay pinag-aawayan namin. Ngayon, kung may problema, usap agad. Mas matured na rin siya. Sabi niya nagkaroon na siya ng direction at alam na niya ang gusto niya. Siyempre if you have a goal in mind, you tend to focus on that and you have no time to think like a kid anymore," says Chynna.
Chynna and Railey are also thinking of having a future together but they can't totally think of getting married because, as she says, they're still very young.
HER EDGE
Despite the growing number of young and talented stars today, Chynna's career managed to stay afloat and keep moving forward. There's no secret or magic potion in order to stay long in the business. All you have to do is to know your unique qualities and keep improving them.
For Chynna, one of her edges is her hosting talent. Acting, according to her, can be learned easily but speaking live in front of an audience is harder. She learned how to speak and to gather information when she hosted for 5 & Up. Her had has a huge influence on her because he was the one who instilled on her the value of reading.
Another unique quality of Chynna is her flexibility in acting. She admits being a chameleon when it comes to the craft. She can fit into any role and there's no doubt about that.
"Ako kasi pursigido ako na 'yung character ko maging second skin sa akin. 'Tsaka 'di rin ako marunong mag-give up. If ever may times na tough, it doesn't stop me from achieving whatever it is that I want. One important thing that I learned from this business is that it's not important if you're not the big star or the bida, what's important is people know that you are good. That enough is a big recognition when people say that you did good in that role," she says proudly.
And when she was asked the ultimate reason she wants to stay in the biz desptire all the intrigues, she smiles and says: "Mahal ko 'yung industriya na 'to. Sa lahat ng ginagawa ko, I always do my best. Ito 'yung nakikita ko na destiny ko. I can't say that I like it because it pays big, those are just perks but that's not the main reason why I'm here. I love it here and I'm doing everything to stay."
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