WATCH: Glaiza de Castro on portraying an unsung martial law hero

MANILA, Philippines — Kapuso actress Glaiza de Castro admitted she has no preparation for the role that gave her a 2018 Cinemalaya Best Actress nomination, Liway, and it really helps a lot for her to meet Liway herself, Cecilia Flores-Oebanda.

“Hindi ako nagkaroon ng mahabang preparation for the role e. Hindi katulad ng ilang months, ilang years na research, kasi ito pagkababa ng memo na gagawin ko na siya the next day nag-shoot na kami agad eh. So it really helps na na-meet ko siya at kinuwento ‘yung mga nangyari noong mga panahon na ‘yun tapos bumibisita siya sa set,” Glaiza told the media, including Philstar.com, during her recent launch as OPPO F9 endorser.

The 2018 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival entry “Liway” is about the experiences of Dakip, who grew up in prison together with his mom, anti-Marcos protester Liway.

Glaiza narrated that there is a scene in the movie where she felt nervous, but Liway helped her get the right emotion for the scene.

“Tapos may isang specific scene don na talagang kabang-kaba ko. Para kong may acting coach dun. Sabi niya sa akin na ‘Alam mo noong nangyari sa akin yan,’ specific binigay niya sa akin ‘yung na-feel niya, kung paano ‘yung state of mind niya, parang mamatay na ewan nilalamig daw ‘yung buong katawan niya, so sinusubukan ko to get into that emotion or state of mind or situation,” Glaiza said. 

“Kasi kung tutuusin wala naman akong experience ng martial law ‘di ba? Hindi ko naabutan ‘yun. Pero ang pinaka-challenge dun ay kung paano ko mabibigyang hustisya ‘yung mga taong na-experience ‘yung ganong klaseng sitwasyon. So para sa akin nung sinabi niya sa akin na sobrang natutuwa siya na nagkaroon siya ng opportunity at ako ‘yung nakuha para sa role, iyak talaga ko eh,” she added. 

The actress said Liway is very thankful to her for portraying the character and that she has given justice to the role.

“Nung sinabi niya sa akin na na-give justice to the role, coming from Liway herself, sabi ko ‘Lord thank you.’ Hindi madali yung pinagdaanan ko. Ang dami kong hesitations simula palang nung nagiisip sila kung tatanggapin ko ba ‘to o hindi kasi feeling ko may masa-sacrifice talaga at maco-compromise,” Glaiza said. 

“Liway” received a long standing ovation during its screening at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Main Theater. Some members of the audience even chanted: “Marcos! Hitler! Diktador! Tuta! Ang tao, ang bayan, ngayon ay lumalaban.” — Video by Kat Leandicho