Derek and Shaina in a scene from “My Candidate” (CDN PHOTO/EDD BUENAVIAJE)
SHE is known to portray serious roles ever since she started her showbiz career more than two decades ago.
An actress with Cebu roots, Shaina Magdayao has an extensive filmography to her credit and has earned acting awards as a child, notably the Best Child Performer award from the Parangal Ng Bayan in 1999, the Child Actress Award for the Guillermo Mendoza Awards in 2002, and Best Child Actress Award in 2003 for the drama film “Tanging Yaman.”
She’s one of ABS-CBN’s “staples,” appearing in many teleseryes like “Lobo,” “Rubi,” “100 Days to Heaven” and “Juan Dela Cruz,” among others.
Last year, Shaina played the role of Naynay Rachel in the family-oriented series “Nathaniel.”
She also starred in several movies including “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay,” “Four Sisters in a Wedding,” “On The Job,” “Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na ‘To!),” and more.
This year, Shaina is offering something new to the movie audience who are used to seeing her in dramatic roles. She stars in Quantum Films’ “My Candidate,” playing the role of boyish” communications coach Billie.
Opening on May 11, the film pairs Shaina for the first time with Derek Ramsay, who takes the role of political scion Sonny Suarez. Iza Calzado also stars as self-made politician Vera Sanchez, the ex-girlfriend of Derek’s character.
Always the lead in drama films and hit rom-coms such as 2014’s “English Only Please,” Ramsay takes on another swoon-worthy character, that of a goodlooking and tough congressman who’s eyeing a Senate seat but who needs Billie’s help to make him more appealing to voters. On top of that, he is running against an ex, who has more charisma towards people.
Derek says it’s refreshing to play a role that does not require him to take off his clothes. And while he likens his character’s toughness to that of one of our presidential candidates, the actor claims that he’s not endorsing anyone.
Shaina and Derek, together with fellow cast member Nico Antonio, were in Cebu recently for a promo tour.
Tell us more about your character, Billie.
Shaina: Isa syang communications and life coach na may colorful na past. She’s a survivor and now she’s helping people. Na-hire siya for Congressman Sonny.
You’re usually cast in heavy drama projects. How did you prepare for this character, considering that it is not your usual genre?
Well, about for the preparation, medyo malayo talaga sa kung sino ako. If you watched “Nathaniel” nakita niyo naman gaano ka wholesome si Naynay Rachel. This is different. An hour before everyone’s call time andoon na ako so they can help para mailabas ang inner Billie in Shaina. With the help of our director … hip-hop kasi siya, DJ-DJ, medyo hindi nahirapan.
What about you, Derek?
In this movie, I am Sonny Suarez, a politician. I psyched myself before shooting… how to be more confident, plus I grew my hair. My character is from stiff to meticulous.
How does Iza’s character come into the picture?
Shaina: Si Iza ‘yung ex niya!
Derek: She’s my ex and a congresswoman who attacks me for being where I am. So she did it on her own. The film has many valuable lessons for all of us.
Was the movie intended to be shown after the elections?
Shaina: When the director of the movie presented to me, sinabihan kami na gawin niyo ‘yun or never. Kasi sumasabay siya sa election season and this is really a very timely subject. ‘Yun nga what Derek said… after voting, pampawala ng stress, para matawa-tawa naman.
Derek: No, it’s not meant for the election. Actually after I saw the debate, buti na lang na may pelikula. So many things. Sana something good happens.
(CDN PHOTO/EDD BUENAVIAJE)
Are you now comfortable doing comedy?
Shaina: Well, mahirap siya. Sobrang nahirapan ako. Mas madali akong umiyak. Mas nasanay lang ako. I’m grateful to be given this kind of opportunity. Pero medyo humiwalay siya sa mainstream na ginagawa ko. Sobra kong kinatuwa, and it’s also a big challenge for me na sana ma please ko ang mga tao na naniniwala sa akin. I’m so thankful for the wonderful experience.
Do you have a peg for your character?
Shaina: Well, medyo hindi siya ‘yung usual at sinauna na life coach. She has a very colorful life and doon nanggaling ‘yung character niya.. ‘yung pagiging feisty niya. ‘Yung pagiging straightforward niya at brave sa lahat ng bagay. But what I like about Billie is the fact na nadapa na siya. She used to be an addict … with all the trials and challenges, but she didn’t give up. Tumayo siya and now she’s moving forward by helping other people.
Is comedy more difficult than drama?
Shaina: Siguro physically nahirapan ako kay Billie … sa mga galaw ko, and I don’t normally say “Yow,” “Wazzup, yow!” Mga ganoon! Ayaw ko naman na maging fake ang dating niya. It took sometime for me to bring Billie to life. But, you know, with the help of the director and the people and the Suarez Squad, (S Squad) nagiging nakakatawa siya. Hindi galing sa akin nangggaling ‘yun and I’m grateful. Yung mga ka eksena ko sobrang laking tulong.
Would you consider this as your most challenging role to date?
Shaina: Yes. And it’s not pang one time lang, not just one episode. This is a movie. Gusto ko… I want to give justice to Billie’s character. Hindi siya ‘yung boyish lang, ‘yung kengkoy lang. Tao siya. May maganda siyang past and may magandang future na naghihintay para sa kanya. Sana nabigyan ko ng justice ‘yung role.
How often do you visit Cebu?
Shaina: Although sa Manila ako pinanganak, Cebuana at heart ako because at home they speak Bisaya. May relatives kami dito sa Maria Luisa and my dad is from Bogo. Last year lagi ako nandito, nung na-grant na mag twice a month ako sa ASAP for the first time in my life. You know naman, during weekdays I have tapings and sa weekend “ASAP” naman…hindi ako makapasyal until… finally, pag weekend I would visit Cebu. Yes, kasabot ko og Bisaya uy! Dili mabaligya.
Derek, are there real politicians whose characteristics you patterned your role after?
That’s a difficult question. I stay away from politics as much as possible. I don’t let myself… I am not paid to campaign for anybody. I see it as a form of vote buying. But with Sonny Suarez… Wow! Maybe si Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte because he says what he wants to say. He’s awkward but at the same time appealing.
Your character undergoes a makeover. Do you think good looks are important for a politician to gain votes?
I think it’s about how you carry yourself. Of course, if you’re confident for who you are and all … but in this movie it’s very awkward kasi siya ‘yung stylist ko. Sa beginning ng pelikula I don’t look good. I wear floral T-shirts. Billie was responsible for the makeover to make me more appealing. She knows my personality kasi proud ako where I come from.
Derek, Shaina and Nico Antonio. (CDN PHOTO/EDD BUENAVIAJE)
What are you doing next?
I will have a couple of movies. Pagkatapos ng “Love is Blind,” which was with Kiray Celis and Solenn Huessaff, now this movie … And I have two more shooting days and then I’ll work with Ellen Adarna. Balik na naman si Derek sa tanggal T-shirt. I really enjoy these past two movies na hindi ako kailangang maghubad. Hindi kailangan magpakita ng katawan. Capping off the year, I’ll do one with Star Cinema.
Do you still have a dream leading lady?
Derek: As an actor I like working with everybody… mainstream, big stars, kahit sino okey lang sa akin. I think , it’s more of a dream role…
Which is?
My dream role is to portray a historical figure.
You have a business in Cebu, right? And also in Palawan.
Derek: The one in Cebu is in Cebu Holdings and in Lahug. Yes, we have strong connections (in Cebu). After graduation, I decided to live in Cebu and
my car was shipped to Cebu na. Pabalik-balik ako dito sa Cebu and we saw the opportunity here. Then showbiz came, with the opportunities na binibinigay sa akin.
I love Cebu. It’s close to my heart. I have to say that it’s on top of my list and then next is Palawan for opportunities. In Palawan, I invested in a property. I am involved in environmental safety there.
Considering the reference to the Davao mayor, are you not worried that the film will be taken as a Duterte movie?
Derek: I don’t think so. I want to be honest with you. I’m not associated with any politician. I don’t have my choice (for president). I studied the debate very closely. To be honest, it didn’t give me direction whom I’m gonna vote for. What happened in debate was chaotic, the notes, the delay. There’s no clear candidate pa.
Shaina: Actually, this film has all the colors—blue, red, yellow, and orange.
