MANILA, Philippines – She has had her share of big roles. In fact, Chynna Ortaleza was the first leading lady of Richard Gutierrez. But the artist in Chynna finds fulfillment in off-beat, unpopular roles such as that of Maya in GMA 7’s Paano Ba Ang Mangarap? opposite Mark Herras.
“There were times I wasn’t fulfilled before,” offers the GMA Artist Center talent who recently graced the Sisters Napkins provincial tour at the La Suerte Mega Warehouse in Lucena City.
“I felt something was missing,” she adds. “Maybe because I had been playing the same roles and characters. Then, that was the time I thought of becoming a character actor or doing kontrabida. And I told GMA Artist Center about my plans.”
What was GMA’s initial reaction to her decision?
“They were very apprehensive,” recalls Chynna. “Ang bata, bata ng looks ko, tapos mag-mamaldita ako. They were happy when they saw the results.”
For some reason, Chynna enjoys being a kontrabida. The moment she immerses herself into the character, Chynna is off to drag the lead to hell. Televiewers agree looks can be deceiving.
“I’m happy,” says Chynna with the kind of projects she has been getting. “It’s not easy to do kontrabida roles. Aside from being challenging, you can play with them at nagmamarka sila. It takes away a lot of energy. You are also prejudged by people when you are kontrabida.”
All the difficult and exhausting scenes are worth doing when the young actress gets a pat on the back. Chynna shares it feels good when people appreciate your work.
What’s next for Chynna? She will appear in Dear Friend with Sunshine Dizon. What excites Chynna with the project are the lessons she will gain from Sunshine. “I hope maganda ang dynamics namin dito like in Obra,” she says.
From TV, Chynna will do her first indie titled Ukay Hukay. It is also the first time for her to play a ghost whose gown was sold from an ukay ukay. She will be sharing the big screen with Baron Geisler and Richard Quan who are “intense actors” according to Chynna.
Although her hands are full these days, Chynna still finds time to unwind and touch base with fans. This what she did in Lucena City. Chynna joined the people behind Megasoft, makers and distributors of Sisters Sanitary Napkins to pay tribute to outstanding, young high school female students. She gave them gifts and provided entertainment by singing.
Sisters Sanitary Napkins encourages academic excellence among public high school students and promotes moral values and good health habits.
“I’m thankful that they (GMA) never let me go on a year without a job,” says Chynna.
“I also welcome periods where I have to rest for a month or two. They help me refresh and for me to let go of my last performance. So. I’m ready to do my new character.”