‘She is proof na walang kakulangan sa skill and talent ang mga Pilipino, kailangan lang ng support.
— Chai Fonacier’
Nocebo” actress Chai Fonacier is very happy and proud of Golden Globe nominated Filipino actress Dolly de Leon.
At “Nocebo’s” press screening on Wednesday at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong, Chai said that she rejoices with the whole country despite Dolly not winning in the 80th Golden Globes held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.
“Kahit hindi nanalo, babati pa in ako. First Filipino sya to be nominated [at the Golden Globes]. So proud of her. She is proof na walang kakulangan sa skill and talent ang mga Pilipino, kailangan lang ng support,” she said.
There is no pressure, however, for her to equal of surpass the international success that Dolly is getting. For Chai, she is happy the Filipino talent is being recognized worldwide.
“Masaya lang nakakapag contribute tayo. I e-echo ko ang sinabi nya, ang award ay hindi naman end all and be all ng career ng tao. Masalya kung meron pero ‘yang sinabi nya sa interview and I really appreciate that she said, no I haven’t arrived. There is no arriving.
There is constant forward motion furthering your craft, something like that. It is not verbatim. I go by the words of the great Miss Dolly de Leon.”
“Nocebo,” a Filipino-Irish thriller that has Chai playing the Filipino nanny in the household of Christine and Felix, played by Eva Green and Mark Strong. It is directed by Irish Film and Television Awards-winning filmmaker Lorcan Finnegan and showing in the Philippines starting January 18, distributed by TBA Studios.
Eva Green’s character suffers from a mysterious illness that confounds doctors and frustrates her husband. Help arrives in the form of Diana, played by Chair, who uses traditional folk healing to reveal a horrifying truth.
Chai revealed she had a panic attack when she was making her audition video because she learned Eva was the actress she was talking to in the scene.
“Kinabahan ako nang bongga. ‘Yung nag audition ala 5 na nang umaga natapos. Sana hindi na lang sinabi sa akin,” she recalled.
Chai said that the Philippines and Ireland share a culture steeped in paganism.
“[Pambabarang] is part of our culture. Malaking parte ng paganism natin ang na erase because of colonialism,” she related.
“For those who don’t know, Ireland na colonize rin sila. A lot of their pagan culture has been erased by Catholicism and colonialism. Medyo parallel ang experience ng Ireland and Philippines historically when it comes to subjugation and colonialism by a foreign power.”
She said there is still those who practice traditional practices up to now, but a lot of this part of Filipino culture has been forgotten. “Malaking nawala. Na de demonize,” she said.
For the actress, it is important to showcase regional culture to facilitate understanding among Filipinos.
“Kailangan muna natin marinig ‘yung mga kwento sa sariling barangay nating Pilipinas. I always say that regional stories are very important kasi ito ang nagiging cultural ID natin.
We can introduce ourselves to each other as neighbors. Nawawala ‘yung mga stereotypes…
The more stories we tell stories about ourselves, the more na naiintindihan natin ang isa’t isa.
“And the more naiintidinhan natin ang isa’t isa as a people….eventually [we get] a real appreciation of what diversity means. Na ‘pag sinabing diversity, magkakaiba talaga tayo pero we can live together, we can appreciate each other and understand the plight of each other, hindi tayo separate from their plight. Nasa isang barangay tayo.”
For those who like thrillers, catch “Nocebo” on Wednesday, January 18 in theaters.
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Vlogger and socialite Small Laude proved a hit with the press at her launch as endorser of Merixin and Powermelo drinks.
She was asked what her secret is for being successful as a blogger, and the 50-something Small said it is authenticity.
She also said she is enjoying being a vlogger. The mother of four who is also a philanthropist said she receives a lot appreciation and good feedback not only from her followers but also her friends and family.
Small said her family has started to appreciate her vlog, unlike when she was just starting.
Her friends, meanwhile, used to ask her why she entered the world of vlogging but is now very supportive and has been telling her to continue her new career.
“They say as long as I am happy,” said Small.
The most touching comments, however, have been those who tell her that her vlogs have helped ease their anxiety and their depression. Small, deeply touched, said she has found her purpose in life because of these very encouraging messages.
With her launch as endorser of Meridian and Powermelo, she also wants to inspire those who have trouble staying fit and healthy.
“What I love about Merixin 4 in 1 Juice is it has natural ingredients like ginger, immunity-booster calamansi and natural sweetener stevia! No carbs, calories or artificial ingredients!” said Small.
