Tessie Tomas’ advice to newbies: Try to shine

MANILA, Philippines — In the “business-as-usual” room, a woman sits next to a younger one, who evaluates the potential of every aspiring and auditioning talent. The former asserts that her granddaughter has what it takes. But the latter, owner of the recording company, seems to think otherwise.

This is a glimpse into another engaging role seasoned actress Tessie Tomas is presenting in the now-airing GMA Afternoon Prime drama titled “Born to Shine.”

Her character is Amelia, the grandmother of Megan, a nepo baby (played by Olive May), who, at the same table, exchanges opinions with straightforward and fair Monica (Roselle Nava).

Amelia is supportive of her grandchild’s aspirations, using all her might to make things happen.

Megan will be pitted against another talent, Jennie, portrayed by Zephanie. The two ladies are aiming to be part of a girl group and become a P-Pop idol.

As the “Born to Shine” unfolds, the characters somehow pose this question: Is a star born or made?

“Sa role na ‘to, manipulative ako dito (I play a manipulative role),” said Tessie in a brief chat with this paper. “Sumisipsip ako kay Roselle Nava para kunin niya (yung character ni Olive May), my character is a sycophant or flatterer, trying to get close with Roselle Nava’s character to consider my granddaughter and secure a position in the girl group).”

Tessie’s character has allowed her to collaborate with today’s younger set of talents.

“Hanggang ngayon (until now) I’m still amazed,” said she of her working experience. “I’m constantly adjusting and constantly watching them and observing, as I said, totally different.”

Working then is a stark contrast to how things are done these days in show business.

“I asked Olive May how her schedule is,” shared Tessie. “(For) one day, (she has) rehearsal. The second day, she is going to Cotabato for a mall tour. Tapos, eto na naman (Then, she has this presscon). Sabi ko, ‘Iba na talaga ang pag-aartista ngayon.’”

The veteran star, who can cross over to different acting genres, is glad to have stayed this long in the biz and to practice her acting craft.

“I always give it my best shot, and… ‘pag hindi pa kami sa tingin ko, hindi pa maganda yung ginagawa namin ng mga young actors (if I think we can still do better with what we’ve done), sasabihin ko, ‘Hiya, i-rev up pa natin baka hindi ata makatotohanan’ (I’ll tell them, ‘Let’s rev it up to make it real), something like that,” said she.

“So, I always give it my best shot, and like what Judi Dench said, you know, ‘You should make it so real,’” added she, who has done numerous roles and lets the character Amelia Halari surprise her as part of the creative process.

Also, through the costumes she wears and the car she uses, Tessie embodies the Amelia persona and inhabits the character’s world.

Asked for her pieces of advice to the young stars who are in the entertainment industry for the long haul, Tessie had this to say: “If they aspire for longevity, (firstly) always give it your best shot, whether it’s a short scene or a guesting or what. Try to shine. Try to be remembered. Secondly, be professional. Study your lines. Come on time. Stay humble.”

She also shared that “nothing is permanent. Mawawala ang lahat ng ito (all of this will disappear) one day and so, habang nandyan, magpakumbaba kasi hindi forever kang sikat (while you’re still in it, you have to remain humble because you won’t forever be famous).”

Please watch “Born to Shine” Mondays to Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. on GMA.