Sharmaine Arnaiz all praises for ‘Shogun’ star Hiroyuki Sanada

Sharmaine Arnaiz fondly recalled her experience as a leading lady to Japanese superstar Hiroyuki Sanada in the 1995 Japanese-Filipino co-production “Kinkyu Yobidashi: Emergency Call.” Lorna Tolentino played the other female lead to Sanada, who was most recently celebrated for his performance in the Disney+ action-drama “Shogun.”

On Monday (Manila time), the samurai series made history by collecting a record number of 18 Emmys for its first season, including Outstanding Drama Series and Best Lead Actor in a Dramatic Series for its star and co-producer Sanada. With this feat, he became the first Japanese actor and second Asian Actor (after Lee Jung Jae of “Squid Game”) to win the Emmy in that category.

But even before “Shogun,” Sanada had already landed major Hollywood roles in such films as “The Last Samurai” and “The 47 Ronin.”

Two decades later after “Emergency Call,” which was megged by Japanese director Kazuko Omori (best-known for directing ‘90s classic “Godzilla” movies),  Sanada definitely remains an unforgettable co-star for Sharmaine.

“I remember how kind and humble he is. Back then, I knew he was popular in Japan. He was acting since he was 5. He gave me copies of his movies, and I was so amazed at his talent. When we shot for ‘Emergency Call,’ my character was a dancer who grew up in Tondo, and I brought him to the market and the slums. He never complained in any of our scenes. He was truly professional, and I thought highly of him,” Sharmaine told The STAR in a series of online messages.

Sharmaine also reminisced about some unforgettable moments during the shoot, especially one in Smokey Mountain.

“Unforgettable scenes? Yes, the scenes where we went to the slums and ran into goons and had to point a gun at the hoodlums. We were in, like, Smokey Mountain area, then we ran, and it led to our kissing scene. Haha.”

For Sharmaine, working with Sanada was both exciting and inspiring. She said she continued to follow his career closely, even before his iconic role in “Shogun.”

“Yes, of course, I watched all his works. Even before ‘Shogun,’ he had several international movies, and I’m not surprised (by his success) as I’ve worked with him. I’ve seen his films — he gave me copies. I know how talented he is. So yeah, what can I say? He is awesome, and he truly deserves the award (Emmy). He deserves more movies and good roles.”

Sharmaine said she no longer auditioned for her role in “Emergency Call,” it was offered to her. “I had already won an award before this film, so I guess I didn’t have to prove myself anymore,” she said, referring to her Gawad Urian and FAMAS awards for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal in “Saan Ka Man Naroroon.”

The filming experience, nevertheless, proved to be challenging. “Being with a Japanese crew was challenging because of the language barrier and the fact that we shot some scenes in two languages, but I was so proud of that movie. I even went to the Fukuoka Festival, and they showed the movie there. Japanese people recognized me from the movie because of Hiro. Unfortunately, I never had a chance to get in touch with any of them.”

Meanwhile, some press people recently sent Sharmaine links to the Japanese version of the film, which brought back a wave of nostalgia.

“Some press people messaged me this morning (after the Emmys) and sent me links to the Japanese version of the film. I watched the whole thing this morning and smiled because it brought back memories of our shoot. It brought back a new appreciation for my role.”

After “Emergency Call,” she would do another international production, a Malaysian film titled “Soal Hati.” She was also offered an Indian film, but certain commitments prevented her from accepting the latter.

“I was offered an Indian film, but they wanted me to stay three to four months (in India). I couldn’t.”

No regrets though. “Well, I don’t really like regrets. I always think about it in a way that maybe it’s not meant for me.”

“I also was enrolled in a veterinary school,” she added. “I was juggling so much. Honestly, deep inside, I feel like international movies would have been awesome. But it never really came my way.”

Meanwhile, Sharmaine joins the cast of “MAKA,” GMA’s new youth-oriented show premiering tomorrow, Sept. 21.

“My role in ‘MAKA’ is a former beauty queen that got broken hearted with Romnick (Sarmenta). She left for Cebu, had kids and somehow ended up single again.

“Why did I accept it? For one, I haven’t had any regular shows and I miss working. I’m hoping it makes the industry remember that I exist,” she honestly said.

The new show allows Sharmaine to work with the younger generation of artists.

“Yes, I am working with young artists but my oh my they are so talented, I just witnessed their talent this afternoon, saw some of them perform and saw the trailer.

“I haven’t shot any scenes, my character comes in on the third week pa kasi and I’m shooting this Tuesday.”

As someone who also started in the industry young and through the youth- oriented entertainment variety show “That’s Entertainment,” the advice she could give newbies is that “honestly, all I can advise them is be grateful, be creative. Don’t let criticisms get you down.”