I have been a fan of premier actress Lorna Tolentino since I was a schoolgirl, and how fortunate and serendipitous it was for me to be able to chat with her at the press launch of Belle Dolls, the new line of Beautederm wellness supplements and juices owned by the very hard-working Rhea Tan.
Lorna — LT to friends and family — started as a child actress when she was only eight years old and now, she is a proud, 62-year-old senior citizen. And though her movie and TV career spans more than five decades, she doesn’t look like she will be slowing down soon. Not only is she in the cast of the hit series “Batang Quiapo,” she also co-stars in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 horror flick “Espantaho” this Christmas.
Because of her glowing skin with zero pores and a body that many women are envious of, she has numerous product endorsements, including Beautederm. So what are the secrets to her enduring success? Read on for LT’s reveals about staying on top of her game in a very competitive industry.
You are a “Batang Quiapo” mainstay and are now in direk Chito Roño’s MMFF entry, “Espantaho.” How do you manage your time? What do you look for when accepting a role?
“I tape for ‘Batang Quiapo’ M-W-F (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) while I shoot ‘Espantaho’ T-Th-Sat (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays). Sundays, I keep free to spend with my family or use it as my self-care time. When choosing a role, I consider the role, the director, and the production people I will be working with. If the role doesn’t excite me, I use the time for self-love muna talaga.”
What do you attribute your success to and staying power in showbiz?
“Longevity is the name of the game. It becomes an advantage to be a child of the industry if you keep your feet on the ground. The people who love you will see the love you have for your craft.”
You started as a child star, how has showbiz evolved? Did the movie industry improve?
“Kailangan mag-aral at pag-aralan din ang evolution ng industry, to keep track of new technology and its breakthroughs. Gen Z na tayo. Digital na ang lahat.”
What are your secrets to juggling your roles as an actress, mother, grandmother and celebrity endorser?
“Always study, read, learn, listen. Be active, be healthy, be beautiful, be positive, be an inspiration, be kind to yourself and others. Be patient, be understanding, give love. I am trying my best to do good and be good. Watch out for your hormonal changes and try to control them (the downside). Love yourself so you can love others. Embrace your age. Be thankful and appreciative (small or big things) and be always grateful to God! My priority in life is my spiritual growth and everything else follows.”
Do you still have any dream role that you want to do? Why?
“Lahat ng nagawa ko at gagawin pa lang ay dream role para sa akin. Mindset ko yun. Kahit anong role. Lead, support or guest role. We are uniquely made. Kaya lahat may dahilan sa takbo at pagharap sa buhay, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. We have a unique character, bone structure. That’s the magic of our individuality.”
What is on your bucket list?
“Sana mabigay ni Lord ang lahat ng naisin ng puso ko bago Niya sipain ang bucket list ko na — drum roll, please — malibot ang buong mundo, maabutan ang paglaki ng mga apo ko at marami pang iba… hahaba eh…”
What do you do to destress, unwind and relax?
“Lahat ng self-care na pwede gawin, gawin!”
When do you plan to retire and what will you do when you retire?
“I have no plans to retire. I love my work. I love myself, hahaha!!!”
What is the state of your heart now? Do you have any plans to remarry?
“Sigma — cool lang.”