Award-winning actress and director Gina Alajar has recently shed light on her thoughts about retirement and shared insights into her character in the Net25 Films’ rom-com, “Monday First Screening,” now showing nationwide.
Known for her versatility and skills before and behind the cameras, Alajar’s candid remarks have provided a glimpse into her career and personal reflections.
In the film “Monday First Screening” – a heartwarming story of two senior citizens who discover love and solace in each other’s company – Gina Alajar portrays the character Lydia, a retired professor, brilliant but carries the bitterness of her former husband’s betrayal. She is wooed by a widower, Bobby, wonderfully played by another brilliant award-winning actor-director, Ricky Davao. The film’s narrative revolves around the journey of these characters as they navigate the complexities of romance and companionship in their later years.
Drawing parallels between her real-life persona and the character she portrays, Alajar mused, “No signs of slowing down [my role unllike Lydia]. ‘Yan ang maganda sa trabaho namin, sa pagiging artista, at least sa pagiging artista there’s no retirement.”
Alajar, who started as a child star, highlighted the nature of acting, wherein individuals can continue as long as they desire. She mentioned the legendary actress Tita Anita Linda, who worked until the age of 94, as an example of how acting allows artists to thrive without restrictions.
“Hindi ba si Tita Anita Linda, until 94 o 95 years old gumagawa pa sya ng pelikula?”
She acknowledge that retirement naturally comes to mind as one ages, but she emphasized that having constant creative projects, like working on movies, contributes to a fulfilling life. Alajar believes that staying active and engaged is essential for seniors to feel needed and valued by their loved ones.
“Pag nag retire ako, anong gagawin ko? Baka mas lalo akong malungkot or manghina because there’s nothing to look forward to? It’s the same with my character in the movie, dapat constantly meron kang ginagawa, ‘yun ‘yung nakakatulong para humaba ang buhay mo.
“You know sa mga seniors, importante to be needed. At least mga anak mo andyan kasi kailangan ka nila o ‘yung mga apo mo, nandyan kasi mahal ka nila, gusto ka nila kasama. It feels good to be needed, it feels good to be wanted,” she reiterated.
Alajar’s portrayal of Lydia in “Monday First Screening” sheds light on the experiences of older individuals finding love later in life. When asked about whether she has contemplated finding a new love herself, Alajar revealed, “Alam mo pumapasok sa isip ko but those are fleeting thoughts na andyan. Wala naman dumadating.”
She said she remains open-minded about the idea and expressed that she is not closing the door to the possibility. She acknowledged that love could come at any age and that when it does, it will be recognized.
“Pero sabi ng panganay kong anak (actor Ryan Eigenmann), ok lang na may manligaw sa akin at magka relasyon ako, wag lang kasing edad nya,” she revealed, chuckling.
