Chynna Ortaleza (MNS Photo)
Experience has ripened 32-year-old actress Chynna Ortaleza and she is out to prove it to fans, taking on the character of Batchi Luna, a lesbian, on GMA7’s “The Rich Man’s Daughter.”
Having already completed a number of episodes for the series, Chynna now attests to the role being quite challenging.
“Sometimes when you’re a woman you wish you’re a man. But in the story, my gosh, ang hirap. Ikaw talaga ang inaasahan ng lahat na mag hold ng mga bagay-bagay. Ikaw ang stronghold nila and kailangan mong maitawid ‘yan lahat. While others breakdown, you have to be strong. Hindi siya ganun kadali,” she said.
She is enjoying every second of it though. “Yung role kasi talaga cool, chill and walang arte. Gusto ko ‘yung fact na ang masculine side talaga mas masaya. They don’t stress themselves with problems,” she related.
Chynna admitted that her characterization is still a work in progress. “Every time I see people or when people come up to me and tell me they’re excited about the series, I ask about their expectations. I try to learn from them so I could do better with my portrayal,” Chynna remarked.
Also a big help is series director Dominic Zapata. “Gusto niya natural as possible ang performance ko. Kaya kung napansin ninyo there’s no voice modulation. Hindi siya naglalakad na pinapakitang ‘macho ako.’ Sinasabi nga niya sa akin na just be natural. ‘Yung pinaka-masculine side na pwedeng marating ni Chynna as a person na ‘yun ang ilabas ko,” she shared.
Did she have qualms accepting the role? “When it comes to roles, you have to be open to these things,” she replied.
She hopes the show will help people open their minds regarding lesbians.
“They are pretty much the same with me and you. They are people. They have souls and everything. I don’t think it’s fair to label them,” expressed Chynna.
Isn’t she worried that she could turn lesbian in real life following the portrayal? “As of now ang buhay ko three times a week ako si Batchy the rest of the week ako si Chynna. Naibabalik ko naman siya. Happy naman ako na nakikilala ko ang sarili ko more dahil sa character ko,” Chynna reflected. (MNS)