Cassy Legazpi favors films tackling Philippines history

Cassy Legaspi highly recommends film narratives about our country’s rich history to today’s generation — or the Gen Z kids — so that they can be aware of the significant events that took place years before they were born.

One such film is Ako Si Ninoy, based on a 2009 theater musical of the same title, that chronicles the life and tragic death of former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. The musical film sees Sparkle GMA artist portraying Ingrid, who, according to her, reflects the views and experiences of Gen Z.

“Ako na-experience ko ‘yung feeling as a Gen Z, learning about the past through my character,” said Cassy at the recent media conference with other Sparkle artists Shaira Diaz, David Licauco, Luis Hontiveros and Dave Bornea. “My character in the movie is the representative of Gen Z kids. So, relating to the movie, it’s like learning how to apply what we learned about history in the present time.”

Cassy noted that it’s good for today’s youth to be aware of what had happened in the past and “I’m super happy na nare-revive in a way because now there are shows and movies about history.”

“Gen Zs, how do I say it, are so caught up on their social media. I mean, nothing wrong with it. But sometimes, we tend to forget the history, the past, and there are a lot of things from it that we can apply in today’s time,” she further said.

Through her character Ingrid, Cassy said she was able to express a message that she’s been yearning to tell fellow young people.

“My character, she has (an) important message to put out there that is very dear to my heart. It’s a message that I’ve been wanting to put out myself, but I didn’t have the opportunity to do so. When I received the inquiry for this movie, my character description, I said yes right away.”

However, she admitted feeling hesitant about accepting the role upon learning that Ako Si Ninoy is a “political” film. But she realized that it’s also a challenging role that will put her acting to the test.

“It’s really a challenging role for me and a challenging project to be part of kasi po it’s politics and perhaps given my image, some people may find it surprising that I tapped into that ‘world.’ But, as for me, I’m very proud of this film. I respect everyone’s opinion and I’m not really forcing anyone to switch sides or anything like that. I wanted to be a part of a film and I took interest in it because of my character’s story.”

Asked how she prepared for her role, Cassy said that her every acting assignment in GMA serves as a good learning experience. Thus, she is confident that she’s able to breathe life into the character as natural as can be.

In fact, Cassy, who recently appeared in the Kapuso afternoon drama series Abot Kamay na Pangarap, received positive remarks from viewers for her acting talent.

She, too, had a stint in one of the episodes of Magpakailanman where she played the role of a daughter who was sold away to finance the medical expenses of her father.

But Cassy said that it was in Ako Si Ninoy where she had her many firsts.

“It’s actually my first movie, my first musical and also my first heavy drama. I’m used to doing commercial acting projects, so this is quite challenging. But I really had fun because I know that as an actor, you always have to level up. (Instead) of the usual acting ko na ‘cutesy-cutesy,’ medyo naging seryoso na ko sa film na ito. So, I hope that people will appreciate it because I was very, very challenged.”

Does it mean that she will be accepting more drama projects?

“Well, surprisingly, before I just wanted to do rom-com, and then, action. And when I was tapped for drama, I realized that I’ve been looking for it all the time na. Sana ‘yung next project ko drama,” she replied.

(Ako Si Ninoy is still showing in cinemas. It also stars JK Labajo, Marlo Mortel, Joaquin Domagoso, Sarah Holmes and Johnrey Rivas.)