Sophie impresses La Oro with her acting

MANILA, Philippines – Sophie Albert has no inkling that Elizabeth Oropesa, also known in the showbiz circuit as La Oro, was impressed with her dramatic acting in Moonlight Over Baler. But it was not until she heard the award-winning veteran actress telling select members of the entertainment press about her excellent portrayal as the young Fidela in the romantic film that is set to open on Feb. 8 in theaters.

“When I saw her act, I told myself, ‘Wow, ang galing naman nitong batang ito.’ I’m sure she will learn more if she continuously does acting projects,” said Elizabeth.

“Coming from Miss Elizabeth (who plays the aging Fidela in the film), s’yempre kinikilig ako,” Sophie shared with The STAR her reaction to the positive remark after the presscon for the Gil Portes film. “And hopefully after this movie is shown, many will agree that I can act a little bit. I’m also wishing that I’d be given other opportunities after this.”

Equally impressed was direk Gil who didn’t think twice about casting Sophie upon the recommendation of scriptwriter Eric Ramos. “We were then looking for a young actress who resembles Oro and who is as tall as her. Then when Eric told me about Sophie, I agreed. (Before the shoot) we asked them to stand side by side and there we saw the striking resemblance. Ang kulang lang nunal. So we got Sophie. Besides, I’ve seen her performance in one of the Cinemalaya films called #Y. She was able to deliver. She was very, very good in the film and everybody approved of her (acting).”

Sophie revealed that had it not for her Moonlight leading man Vin Abrenica, she would not have thought about giving acting another try. You see, after winning in the TV5 reality talent search Artista Academy and starring in a TV soap, Sophie decided to lie low from showbiz.

“Before my contract with TV5 expired and before I accepted this project, I already said no more, na ayoko na mag-showbiz because during that time I really got depressed and sad about how my career went. It seemed that showbiz was not meant for me and then I was trying to look at a different path,” shared Sophie, who enrolled at the Makeup Designory at The Fort to learn about makeup as soon as her TV show folded up.

“I wanted to be a makeup artist so after taking up the course in three months, I started doing makeup to clients. Now, parang naengganyo ulit ako to do acting because of this film. Thanks, to Vin, hahahaha.”

Asked how Vin became instrumental to her “acting return,” Sophie said direk Gil talked to Vin and the latter informed her that they were considering her for the role but she was initially hesitant.

“I told Vin I didn’t wanna go back probably because I got scared. Then again, Vin convinced me to try it so when I met them (production staff), I didn’t feel good about myself. But during our shoot, I began to feel that my passion for acting was coming back and I realized that this is what I love to do. From there, I’ve decided that I’m gonna try to look for a new manager and start all over again.” Luckily, Sophie has found a new manager in Manny Valera.

In Moonlight Over Baler, Sophie is school teacher Fidela who falls in love with USAFFE soldier Nestor and accepts his marriage proposal. Unfortunately, two weeks before their wedding, World War II breaks out and Nestor disappears. Yet, Fidela is hopeful that her beloved is still alive. Sadly, there is no trace of Nestor until she turns old and gray. Fidela’s hope is awakened when a charming Japanese photo-journalist Kenji comes to their place to do a research. Vin portrays dual characters as Nestor and Kenji.

What did she find attractive about playing the young Fidela?

“After I read the script, I found out that the role is exactly what I’ve been wanting to do because I like pure drama. I don’t know but doing heavy scenes is a good way for me to release (emotions). I find inspiration in portraying roles like Fidela.”

Sophie continued, “When I love someone I’m willing to do sacrifices for that person. Fidela and I are somewhat similar because she’s afraid of losing her beloved when he was called to fight for the Philippines yet she sacrificed a lot and I’m pretty much like that.”

Her romantic scenes with Vin visibly reflected their love for each other. Sophie smiled and said it’s probably because they are comfortable with each other. Still, both made it a point to practice their scenes in between breaks.

“Vin often practiced his dialogues with Japanese accent then he would check on my acting. We were critiquing each other. It was enriching because normally walang nag-cri-critic so it somehow boosted my confidence.”

These days, Sophie is embracing her showbiz career once again “because after doing this film, I realized that it is acting that I am really passionate about.”

(Moonlight Over Baler, produced by T-Rex Entertainment, also stars Ellen Adarna, Daria Ramirez, Menggie Cobarrubias and Anggie Ferro.)