'Audition muna bago kain': Francine Diaz proud of Grab delivery rider dad, humble beginnings

MANILA, Philippines — Kapamilya actress Francine Diaz recently opened up about her early struggles in showbiz in a YouTube vlog interview with newswoman Karen Davila.

The actress, who recently turned 18, first garnered mainstream fame with TV drama "Kadenang Ginto." But she recalled how the road to success was not always a smooth one.

In the vlog uploaded last January 29, Francine was seen opening the doors of her new home to Davila for a heart-to-heart talk.

The actress revealed how she first felt the need to work at 10 years old, in her younger years in Tondo as she was raised by her father who worked as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), and later as a Grab delivery rider.

She recalled that her dad used to fall ill after an entire day of risking his life delivering by motorcycle.

"Ang sama ko namang anak kung wala akong itutulong," she shared.

"Natandaan ko 'yung nag-audition ako para sa serye ni Kuya Jericho Rosales, ang rule namin ni mama, 'Audition muna bago kumain para makatipid.' So, bawal kaming kumain hanggang hindi ka tapos mag-auditon, kasi 'yung pamasahe namin, tipid lang," she narrated

Francine recalled, "Siyempre, 'pag gutom, slow ka mag-pick-up ng instructions, 'di nagwo-work 'yung brain. So, parang may sinasabi 'yung director at the time nu'ng audition, kasi gutom na din ako noon pero binibigay ko naman 'yung best ko sa audition tapos sabi niya, 'Ang artista dapat matalino, 'di tatanga-tanga'."

She later on revealed that they were financially struggling the day they were headed to the story conference of "Kadenang Ginto," which would give her first major role. 

"Sa story con, may binigay na address tapos nangutang kami sa road manager ko ng pang-Grab kasi wala kaming pamasahe. Minsan nga po, kinakatok pa namin 'yung kapitbahay namin ng madaling araw para sa pamasahe."

Francine recalled how "Kadenang Ginto" changed their lives.

Francine's father said of his daughter’s success, "Siya ang nag-angat sa pamilya namin." He also said, "Advice ko lang sa kanya, huwag ka na magbago. Kung ano 'yung dinaanan natin, dalhin mo 'yon kahit saan ka makarating."

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