Althea Ablan steps out of the loveteam zone

Althea Ablan, the Sparkle GMA Artist Center young actress, “goes solo” for the upcoming afternoon drama series, AraBella. Yes, she’s testing the acting waters, outside of the loveteam zone. Part of this latest development in her career is playing the character Bella, who was crafted in the bida-kontrabida (protagonist-antagonist) mold.

Perhaps, it is Althea’s most meaty and challenging role, so far.

“(My character being a) bida-kontrabida doesn’t mean viewers will hate her, na puro masasama lang yung ginagawa niya (that she is all about standing in the way of the protagonist and causing trouble),” said Althea in a virtual one-on-one interview with The STAR and implied that the character’s upbringing may have a connection to her personality. Bella grows up with her grandparents, shared Althea and piqued one’s interest by saying, “Yung pagpapalaki sa kanya is napaka-buti rin. Well, it’s something we all should look forward to, ayaw ko kayong i-spoil on how she is being brought up.”

The bida-kontrabida approach to her character was also emphasized by the TV series director Adolf Alix Jr. That being Bella won’t always require Althea in a confrontational mode or fighting stance. “She’s coming from something (that has made her the way she is), yun yung aabangan ng mga manonood natin… na bakit ganun siya katapang, ganun yung personality niya.”

Bella and Ara, played by fellow GMA talent Shayne Sava, are the two characters that will vie for the attention of Roselle, portrayed by Camille Prats, “(who) is looking for her missing (child) Bella (in the beginning). The story will revolve around it,” shared Althea, who is working for the first time with reliable actress-and-TV host Camille.

“What I’m always looking forward to is,” replied Althea when asked about collaborating with established actors, “since they are all experienced, I like hearing their experiences (and stories about work), especially they’ve been around for a long time in showbiz.”

Listening to their stories has given Althea insights about the craft as well as the stark contrast of working then and now. “I pick up ideas (and learnings) from them like what I should do and what I should avoid,” added she, who finds veterans generous in sharing the ins and outs of doing show business.

As for her making a debut on the set of direk Adolf, Althea had this to say: “Super nakakatuwa si direk Adolf, he’s very hardworking. When the scene is being set up, he is always there, tutok talaga siya sa lahat, sa artista, sa cameramen, sa lahat, (he is hands-on in everything from dealing with actors to the cameramen), as in sobrang gaan ding ka-work ni direk Adolf (it’s light and easy working with him). He would always ask me on what I think about this and he makes some adjustment.”

Having a supportive ensemble cast and director creates a conducive environment for talents like Althea to be at their best and aware of the demands of, let’s say, acting in an afternoon soap. It means to act big, movements-and-emotions-wise.

How does she sustain her energy to keep up with fellow actors and deliver in every scene?

“If you really love what you do, of course, you won’t feel tired and then lagi kong sinasabi sa sarili ko na (I always tell myself) never stop learning, kasi madami pa akong dapat talagang matutunan lalo na sa acting industry, madaming level yan,” said Althea.

For this particular project, she had to make a conscious effort to give Bella a different portrayal, given her Prima Donnas’ character Donna Belle-Ella is somewhat similar to the former’s being “palaban din (someone who also never backs down). Dapat ibang timpla naman dito sa AraBella (I have to offer something new),” said she. “So, I feel I have given my best, with the help of direk Adolf and acting coach Jo (Macasa), as well as Ate Camille Prats.”

Althea is among the Kapuso young stars, who have remained visible from pre-pandemic, pandemic to the now, new normal. That’s why she feels very happy and blessed, knowing that many showbiz aspirants are wishing to be in her position. Althea reciprocates it by only giving her 100 percent in everything that she does.

Away from the klieg lights, Althea is a Grade 12 senior high student and wishes to pursue a tourism course in college. What also keeps her hands full these days is being part of Gourmet in a Box, an investment that will also secure her future.

“Naisipan ko rin na siyempre hindi lang ako pwedeng umasa dito sa showbiz industry (I also thought that I should not only rely on doing showbiz), siyempre meron din akong ibang pagkaabalahan, like business talaga, nakakatulong (I also need something that will keep me busy, like being part of a business),” said she.

Her first love, however, remains acting, and Althea hopes to keep doing it for as long as she can.

“I super enjoy (the fact that) when I go to the set, I’m meeting new friends and of course, if you have new friends, you learn about them and their experiences,” said she. “Malalagay mo rin siya sa sarili mo eh, parang learning mo rin yun para sa sarili mo (you can also use and learn from them), I don’t know parang when I act, sobrang natutuwa ako (I’m happiest), basta humarap lang ako sa camera talaga, (tapos) bigay ko to sa’yo, ganto, ganyan, gagawin ko talaga.”

With that, Althea is delighted by the collaborative work (such as taking in and following the director’s instructions) that putting together a solid drama entails. Hands-down, she finds happiness in portraying roles.

Watch the premiere of AraBella on March 6 at 3:25 p.m.