Say hello to a modern-day Cinderella story. Frencheska Farr, lead star of Emir, the biggest, most highly anticipated movie musical in the country, almost didn’t enter the audition room. The reason: seasoned actresses and singers, most of them she idolizes, were gunning for the same role — that of Amelia, a maid who takes care of an Arab prince — which was enough reason for her to turn her back on a project she felt was out of her league. She had no formal training in acting, and was still considered a neophyte in singing; we can’t blame her for heading towards the exit.
After much prodding from her mother, she went for it and got the seal of approval of director and cinema great Chito Rono. She bagged the coveted role for her Pinay features and raw talent, and was soon flown to Morocco where production began for three weeks. She entered acting “boot camp” and found herself performing alongside pros like Dulce and Sid Lucero.
With the success of the film’s premiere last Monday night, with none other than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo congratulating the 17-year-old Party Pilipinas mainstay, Frencheska is thankful she didn’t walk out of that audition room. With the young star still on cloud nine, Emir, a tribute to Filipino OFWs, continues to receive great reviews from critics and moviegoers. Here, the winner of TV’s Are You the Next Big Star? faces “The Dialogue” this week.
YOUNG STAR: With a project this grand, how did you prepare for your role in Emir?
FRENCHESKA FARR: I studied my script and practiced at home how my character should deliver her lines. Direk Chito Rono also helped me and I went through acting workshops with Ms. Vangie Labalan. I would also pray that I would do great and just enjoy my work, kasi yun ang importante.
If you ruled the world, what would be the first thing on your agenda?
To travel around the world! Isasama ko family ko and all my friends as a treat for them!
If we were to raid your fridge right now, what would we find?
Since I was a kid, I’ve always loved eating marshmallows. I’ve always been fond of eating soft and chewy food, plus I heard marshmallows are good for your voice.
Never heard of that. Is it true ice cream can be bad for a singer’s voice?
For me, it’s not. I eat almost everything! (Laughs) But it depends on the person if sensitive yung throat niya sa malamig. Mine isn’t sensitive so I can eat or drink cold things. I also vocalize because it’s important to warm up your voice every day para mas gumanda ang condition.
If you could have a duet with anyone, who would it be?
Lani Misalucha. She is my ultimate idol. Every time she performs, you can tell it’s from the heart and that’s one of the most important things when you’re onstage.
Who do you follow on Twitter?
My friends from Party Pilipinas like Elmo Magalona, Sarah Lahbati, Lovi Poe at marami pang iba. I enjoy reading their tweets because they tweet so often! (Laughs)
What music video sums up your current state of mind?
These Dreams by Heart.
What song do you sing in the shower?
For the past few weeks, I’ve been singing songs from Emir.
Which concert performer do you pretend to be when no one’s looking?
Mariah Carey. I don’t have a high voice range like her. I like to pretend that I can do her whistles. (Laughs)
What do you love about your job?
It lets me do what I love to do which is performing onstage. Plus of course I get rewarded with shopping money just by doing what I love to do.
Having stayed there for several weeks, what did you find cool about Morocco?
One of my favorite locations during our shoot of Emir was the Kasbah! It felt like I was in the actual scene of the Hollywood film The Passion of the Christ. The walls were made out of mud and nagulat ako kasi nung hinawakan ko, it was dusty because the mud was dry.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully in 10 years I’ll be more known as a singer and as an actress, and a better overall performer.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Be humble. Huwag mong kalimutan ang pinanggalingan mo and always be open to suggestions and criticisms.
If you’re not performing onstage, where can we find you?
The gym, the mall, or at home reading books while sipping Milo, especially when it’s rainy and cold.