What makes Vina durable

Showbiz newcomers should get a tip or two from Vina Morales on managing to remain popular and transition to much meatier, well-regarded roles. You see, Vina started her singing career at only nine years old, and then later on, branched out to acting which led her to become a household name.

Fast-forward to the present. Vina has been in showbiz for over 30 years now and yet she remains on the list of the “lucky few” artists whose talent cannot easily be relegated to the sidelines.

“I love my work that’s why I am still here (show business). So, I think it’s really love for your work, for your craft to stay long in the business. Oh my God, I’ve been here for more than 30 years already and I’m so thankful and blessed that until now there are really good projects being offered to me,” said Vina.

In fact, Vina is starring in not just one but two acting projects set to roll on screens in the coming days. Televiewers will see her in a dramatic role in the ABS-CBN soap Sandugo while her big screen outing is for Damaso: The Musical where the character requires her to sing and act at the same time.

“I didn’t have second thoughts about accepting the role when director Joven (Tan) called my manager telling her that I would be portraying as Sisa,” shared the actress. “Para sa akin, no actor or singer will ever say no to play a character from Noli Me Tangere (book); historical movie ito at alam natin kung sino si Sisa.”

Parts of the scenes were shot in Batangas and she, too, has just finished recording the song meant for Sisa.

“I think not all the characters are required to sing that’s why I’m so proud that I’m one of them. Feeling ko nasa teatro ako so when this was offered to me, okay agad because it’s a different experience to be in a musical within a film.”

Arnell Ignacio, the actress added, will play the title role as Padre Damaso with Riva Quenery as Maria Clara. Also playing important roles are Ariel Rivera, Arlene Muhlach, Lou Veloso, Leo Martinez and Pinky Amador, among others.

In Sandugo, Vina said her character is far different from her past roles. Her character Cordelia was originally meant for Aiko Melendez and Vina was fine with it saying, “It’s a good role and I even said to her, ‘Aiks (Aiko), anak pala natin si Aljur (Abrenica) dito’ and she said it’s okay because he’s your adopted son there (laughs).”

Equally doing fine and remains unfazed by competition is Ystilo Salon. It is a modern Spanish salon concept which Vina envisioned with sisters Sheila and Shaina Magdayao. They started operation in 1999.

At present, Ystilo Salon has 24 branches nationwide and continues to grow its network. New Ystilo Salon branches are set to open in Marikina, Fairview Terraces and La Union.

Vina is thankful for having staff members who support them in running the business with hard work. Their branch in Festival Supermall in Filinvest Alabang has found a new location near the escalator of the mall’s second floor.