Making a splash on local TV

She might have the makings of the next Michelle Yeoh of Malaysia. Carmen Soo, however, would rather enjoy her budding career in Malaysia and soon in the Philippines. She will star with Jericho Rosales in a teleserye, co-produced  between ABS-CBN and Malaysia’s Double Vision.

The model-turned-actress recently came to the country to sign a contract with the Kapamilya network and to symbolically commence the TV project. The cameras will start grinding on April 30 showcasing the sounds and sights of Kuala Lumpur and Manila.

“I’ve been acting for four years and modeling for 10 years,” Carmen introduces herself to the media who attended the presscon for the Gilbert Perez drama. “For acting, I do different languages (Malay, Chinese). I’ve done films. I did a Malay and a Chinese film. I’m doing another one. I’ve played the typical sweet girl roles. I’ve also done a bit of comedy and action. In my four years in the business, I think I’m relatively new. So I want to try out different roles so I can grow. I’m comfortable with drama. But I don’t want to stick to just one.” Carmen adds projects that challenge her to go beyond her comfort zone are palatable to her.

Like Jericho, Carmen is a product of a talent search organized by the local magazine Verve. The then 17-year-old snagged her first TV commercial which eventually made her a familiar face among Malaysians. Carmen established herself as a model for the next three years. As if the fame she enjoyed that time in Malaysia was not enough, she tried her luck in Hong Kong and won the nod of advertising executives and casting agents. She owes her success as a model to her Oriental looks and petite frame.

Carmen started to cross over to mainstream entertainment by appearing on singer Aaron Kwok’s music video and in Jackie Chan’s movie Gorgeous. She returned to Malaysia and made a splash in the local showbusiness as an actress. Two years ago, Malaysian Film Festival recognized Carmen as a promising actress for her performance in The Third Generation.

Asked how challenging it is to work in a co-production which requires her to shuttle from Malaysia to Manila and back, Carmen replies, “The two countries work differently. In Malaysia, we shoot for six days and tape for about 16 hours a day. And we take a break on the seventh day. Here, we will be shooting 24 hours and have a break the following day. We tape thrice a week.”

Carmen is also surprised why she was cast for the project which will hopefully be aired simultaneously in the Philippines and Malaysia. She thinks her ability to speak Malay, English and Chinese helped her land the role. She adds the think tanks behind the teleserye perhaps believe that a new face like her is a welcome change for the project.

By the way, Jericho has caused a stir among Malaysians when his Pangako Sa ’Yo, co-starring Kristine Hermosa was aired on this multi-racial/cultural country. Jericho even promoted his album Jeans in Kuala Lumpur a few years back.

How is the Kapamilya drama different from the projects she has done before?

Carmen is mum about the details, even for a sketchy plotline of the TV series. Many wish it won’t be an inspiration of the Maggie Q starrer House of Harmony about two lovers of different cultures whose love is thwarted by traditions and customs.

In the teleserye, Carmen and Jericho will have kissing scenes which are done with utmost care in Malaysia. This could be the most daring TV assignment Carmen has had in her career so far.

The artist in Carmen will never fail Pinoys who have a penchant for tearjerkers.