Mariella’s first big step

MANILA, Philippines - One common question reverberated throughout the halls of the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines after the recent gala premiere of Emmanuel Quindo Palo’s Cinemalaya entry David F: Who’s that lady who played the mute young mother in the movie?

That young lady is Mariella Castillo and the film is her very first foray into the world of acting. When people start to ask, that could only mean that Mariella made a mark and she has struck a chord with the audience.

Despite being a total newcomer, Mariella was handpicked by the director to breathe life to the role of Elena for the Japanese occupation part of the three-in-one film narrative. “When I saw Mariella for the first time, I noticed that despite being shy, she had a commanding presence,” volunteers direk Manny (Palo’s nickname), adding, “There were so many emotions in her face, especially her soulful eyes. I did not cast her immediately, but her face continued to linger in my mind. After a few weeks, my inner voice was telling me that Mariella was my only choice for Elena.”

Direk Manny then scheduled a few sessions with his new actress, and had her undergo a basic sign language workshop. “She was eager to learn and very open. She also listens very well. These are signs of someone who is serious about acting.”

Mariella admits that it was not easy to get into her character. “I’m a total newcomer without any acting experience. And then I get to play a part that has no dialogues because of her physical disability. I had to let my body — my face and my eyes specifically — communicate. I have to show my emotions without speaking a line. That is not easy.”

She is very thankful though for the guidance of her director throughout the principal photography stage of the movie. “He was my anchor. He was very patient. There was this sincerity in him to bring out the best in me, and I appreciate that. It also helped that I was working with very competent and supportive actors. Never once did my co-actors made me feel that they were superior over a newcomer like me.”

Mariella enumerated these names: Rocky Salumbides (who played her soldier-husband), Shamaine Buencamino, Jess Mendoza and Anita Linda. The prestigious Gawad Urian has recognized all the actors she mentioned as either nominees or winners in recent years.

So, who is Mariella Castillo before David F? She was the Philippine representative to the 2010 Miss Global Teen pageant in Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil. She emerged as the Teen Queen of Asia and Oceania, equivalent to runner-up honors. Mariella was a semi-finalist in the 2010 Binibining Pilipinas, which became her ticket to the Miss Global Teen pageant.

“My experiences in these pageants have calibrated my level of confidence. I have learned that not winning the top plum does not necessarily mean losing. I believe in destiny as much as I believe in the forces of the universe, “ she intoned.

The newbie is ecstatic about having had the chance to try out acting. “I have to admit that it has crossed my mind a couple of times, but there was no opportunity nor did I have any connections; until I was introduced to Ricky Gallardo, who eventually became a friend and my manager. Tito Ricky linked me to direk Manny Palo and that introduction opened the door for my debut role in David F.”

Mariella shared that she was overwhelmed by the reception of the audience who came to watch the premiere of her debut film. “I was given a bouquet like the veteran actresses, and there seemed to be endless requests for photo opportunities. I somehow felt like I was a star. I had to pinch myself that everything was real. It was something hard to describe, but it give me a good feeling. Cinemalaya was also a very humbling experience.”

For now, Mariella told us she is not in a hurry. “I’ll take it easy. Let’s see where this takes me. I’ll just keep an open mind. If there will be an offer to do a daily soap opera, then I guess I will embrace that opportunity with an open heart.”

Her director shared that he has been getting queries from his television studio executives about Mariella. Direk Manny said, “From my co-directors to the executives in ABS-CBN who came to watch the film, I get the same question: ‘Who is she?’ I think I have accidentally discovered a gem in Mariella.”