The rise of a new comedy star

CEBU, Philippines —  From minor roles in plays, to a spot in an ensemble cast, and now the lead role in a film, Kim Molina is finally making more people sitting up and taking notice.

Learning from her TFC Pop Star and WCOPA days, Kim – named by her parents after the “Miss Saigon” lead character – fell in love with acting when she was still finding her footing in the entertainment industry.

Debuting as an actress in 2013’s “Tarzan” production, Kim has went on to star in the musical stage adaptation of “Ghost,” “Carrie the Musical” and the hit Pinoy musical “Rak of Aegis,” which she has been doing for the past five years and where she discovered her comedic timing.

Her talent eventually landed her roles in the movie “Camp Sawi,” which she bannered alongside leading ladies Bela Padilla, Arci Munoz, Yassi Pressman and Andi Eigenman, and in “Miss Granny” that starred Sarah Geronimo. On television, she made her presence felt in JaDine’s “Till I Met You,” among others.

These days, Kim is popularly known as Savannah, the scheming character flanking Dimples Romana in the hit ABS-CBN afternoon teleserye “Kadenang Ginto.”

Asked during a digital interview with Cebu media how she feels about being compared to comediennes Eugene Domingo, Ruffa Mae Quinto and Ai-ai Delas Alas, she sheepishly said, “Nakakakilig kasi mga senyores ko na po yun. Napapanood ko na po sila bata pa lang ako. Ang ma-compare sa ganoong level na tao, nakakatuwa. At the same time, hanggang ganoon lang, kilig-kilig. You would still want to learn. Lahat naman tayo may notes sa sarili natin after a performance. You never stop learning all the time.”

“I idolize most of the people they compare me to. And sobrang butterflies in my stomach lang every time nako-compare kami. I wouldn’t compare myself to the likes of kung sino man kasi sila po yun eh. Hindi po natin mapapalitan. Since iba na po ngayon, gusto ko mag-introduce ng bago. Although kahit konti, ma-bless ako ng kung anong meron sila, I want to make my own name.”

Not only did Kim star in the iWant original movie “MOMOL Nights,” she also showed off her acting chops as the star in the Viva film “Jowable,” currently in cinemas, with viewers predicting that she and co-star Kakai Bautista will be reaping nominations for their work on the film.

“Sobrang thankful ko lang. Hindi ko po inaasahan, I just feel so blessed to have people who support and trust me with this kind of opportunity kasi bihira po kasi. Ang gusto ko lang naman po kumanta. Nangongolekta lang po ako ng cassette tapes ni Miss Regine at VCSD ni Miss Sarah Geronimo noon.”

She added, “Hindi ko in-expect. Alam ko naman na hindi ako ganoon ka ganda. Nadadaan lang talaga sa false eyelashes. Nakakatuwa kasi tanggap pa rin yung pagiging normal na tao. The ordinary can also express themselves. Nakakatuwa na ganoon na po ang ating industriya.”

Directed by Darryl Yap, “Jowable,” based on the viral short films posted online, is about Elsa who is desperate to have a boyfriend.

“Right now, we have a lot of films that tackle women empowerment. This time around, more on self empowerment. It’s for everybody. It’s about finding yourself. It’s a film of [finding] contentment.”

Kim said that her theater background helped her incorporate her ideas, ad libs, and improvisations with a director who knew the cast member’s pulse.

She describes “Jowable” as a brave movie in the sense that apart from the theme and vulgar words, it was the idea of portraying realness that gave the movie its depth. They may not be able to please everyone, but she takes pride in the brand of reality that “Jowable” presents.

“Brave po kami na we wanted to be as real as possible – like how you interact with people around you, how you would talk to the people outside of your house, your friends, your family. It’s not always filtered, like when you’re mad.”

And speaking of pleasing people, Kim has also learned to take in stride people’s comments on her portrayals.

“Ngayon ko lang po naranasan na malayo pa lang ako, pinagmumura na po nila ako kasi galit na galit sila,” Kim giggled, referencing the reception to her character in “Kadenang Ginto.”

“Si Ate Dimples [Romana], tinuruan niya ako na ‘Beh, ikaw pag binabasag ka kasi masama ugali mo, ibig sabihin you’re doing your job right’. Kasi kontrabida kami. Ngayon pag minumura nila ako, I just take it as a compliment na, ‘Ay, nagawa ko yung trabaho ko,’” said Kim.