Why Angel Aquino's daughter Iana Bernardez wants more to be producer than actress 

MANILA, Philippines — Iana Celest Aquino Bernardez, 30, was noted for her work ethic behind the scenes of films long before she dared to be in front of a camera.

She did production work on "Kiko Boksingero" (2017) directed by Thop Nazareno, "Oda Sa Wala" (2018) directed by Dwein Baltazar, "Tía Madré" (2019) directed by Eve Baswel, and "Babae at Baril" (2019) directed by Rae Red.

Her acting debut in the 2018 film "Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus" was hailed by critics.

A year later, her acting chops were validated when she won Best Supporting Actress at the 2019 Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival for the 2019 film "Metamorphosis."

But, does Iana want to be known more for her work as a producer than as an actress?

“It’s not that I want to be more known as a producer. It’s just that producing is more — it’s not like I want to be detached [from acting] — like I’m more myself. My territory,” she said.

“With acting, there’s a shadow [of my Mom], which I’m thankful for. There’s a shadow but it’s not a looming, scar,y threatening shadow that overshadows me.  As a producer, yeah, I have more of an identity.

“And then with acting, there's that self pressure that I hope I am as good or at least hindi mapahiya ang Mom ko. Or people will, or won't say, Ah anak lang kasi siya ni ano kaya umaarte. I never want to hear that! So andun ‘yung pressure na ‘yun.”   

---

Produced and styled by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

Assisted by Kathleen A. Llemit

Clothes, bags and accessories by ReRunway, a sustainable social enterprise espousing circular fashion through upcycling, 100% zero waste and handmade techniques, as well as sourcing from Indigenous Peoples and non-government organizations such as Negros Cultural Foundation and Tahanang Walang Hagdanan.

Additional shoes, bags, clothes and accessories by Eco Corner, which houses Filipino products made of indigenous materials and textiles (Privileged, Stella and Eco Corner are available at Robinsons Department Store Galleria)

Shot on location at Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua, Novotel Tower, Coronado Street, Barangay Hulo, Mandaluyong 1550 Metro Manila (Special thanks to Joba Botana and Jonie Dionisio)

Hair by Earl D.C. Bracamonte; Skincare by Y.O.U. Beauty; Makeup by Lala Flores, Nicole Goyena using sustainable Korean makeup brand barenbliss