A woman fueled by rage out to exact justice.
Glaiza de Castro
This is how Glaiza de Castro describes Bea Resurrecion, the character she plays on the GMA afternoon series “Contessa.”
Well, life hasn’t exactly been kind to Bea. After getting imprisoned for a crime she did not commit, she is out for revenge in new persona she created, Contessa.
In an interview with Bulletin Entertainment, Glaiza said she think the series promotes women empowerment.
“Sobrang natutuwa ako na nalilinya ako sa ganitong tema ng palabas. I have the strong urge na i-encourage ’yung mga kapwa kong kababaihan na hindi lang lumaban, na parang ’yung pang-karapatan ko, hindi para i-impose sa tao, kundi para hikayatin din sila na maturuan kayo ng respeto,” she said. “Pantay-pantay tayo dito, that’s what women empowerment is all about.”
She hopes that through Jak Roberto’s character, Jong Generoso, the series will encourage more men to help women with their cause.
Stand up, educate
Glaiza said she has experienced injustice in the past.
“Hindi siyempre ma-i-iwasan yung katulad sa school ‘yung ma-bully ka tapos hindi mo pa napapansin na nababastos ka na pala,” she explained. “Minsan sa work, may isang incident na na-feel bad ako after. Natulala ako, kasi nu’ng una parang medyo binibiro biro pa namin eh. Tapos parang na-realize ko, hindi siya dapat maging biro, hindi siya dapat ma-acknowledge nang ganon. Tapos tendency nu’n sa iba, matatakot kang magsalita kasi feeling mo ikaw ‘yung may kasalanan.”
Nevertheless, the 30-year-old actress maintained such experiences teach her discernment on what constitutes violation or not.
“Mas nagiging aware ako sa kung ano ‘yung nakakabastos sa hindi. Kunwari, regarding street harassment, ‘yung catcalling, anything against your will, masasabi mong harassment ‘yun,” she said. “Sinasabi kasi ng iba, ‘Tinatawag ko lang naman siya, sinisitsitan ko lang naman siya.’ Pero hindi tama ‘yun eh, kung hahayaan na lang natin parang paano na ‘yung susunod na henerasyon natin?”
For her, seeking justice should not be in a bad way. It’s about educating people about the importance of humanity and respect.
"Like pwede ko ‘yun i-report, hindi para parusahan siya kung hindi para ipaalam sa kanya na, ‘Uy medyo hindi tama yang ginagawa mo.’ Para maturuan maging aware, kasi baka akala nila normal na ‘yan eh. I think malaking factor din na ma-correct siya hangga’t maaga."
Versatility
Glaiza finds “Contessa” her most challenging series so far because of its intense emotional requirement.
“Akala ko ‘yung Pirena ko sa ‘Encatandia,” challenging enough na ‘yun for me na tipong napaisip ako na ano pa ‘yung pwedeng sunod (kong gawin) but nu’ng inoffer sa akin, nakita ko na mas mahirap siya kasi hindi physical ‘yung preparations eh kung hindi emotionally, psychologically and spirituality,” she shared.
But that’s okay. After all, Glaiza said she’s always after the idea of being able to showcase her versatility as an actress. She is giving her 100 percent for the series, noting that failing people is out of her vocabulary.
“Ayokong i-fail ‘yung mga taong sumusuporta sa akin kaya pinu-push ko talaga ‘yung sarili na ibigay lahat ng kaya at pagbutihan ng husto,” she said.
Glaiza shared she relates to her character at some point. Like Contessa, she only wants to have a peaceful life.
“I guess, ‘yung similarities namin is ‘yung paghahangad ng maayos na buhay sa tamang paraan. Ako pwedeng makita ng mga tao na bida-kontrabida ‘yung role ko dito, pero naniniwala ako na ang mga antagonist roles ay hindi talaga masama completely. Nagkataon lang na masama ‘ yung mga choices na pinipili nila."
The actress admitted they are pressured over the idea of “Contessa” replacing “Ika-6 Na Utos,” the highest-rating afternoon series on the block.
“Napakalaking proyekto at napakatayog ng naabot ng ‘Ika-6 Na Utos.’ Sa kabilang banda, nakaka-inspire siya at nakaka-fuel (ng pakiramdam). Pinagdadasal ko na pumantay din ‘yung show namin du’n sa papalitan namin."
Completing the cast are Geoff Eigenmann, Gabby Eigenmann, Lauren Young, Chanda Romero, Tetchie Agbayani, Leandro Baldemor, Dominic Roco, Bernadette Allyson, Melissa Mendez, Tanya Gomez, Karel Marquez, Phytos Ramirez, Denise Barbacena, and Will Ashley.
Playing a special role is Mark Herras as Marco Caballero, a writer who is the long-time boyfriend of Bea.
Under the helm of director Albert Langitan, “Contessa” airs beginning today after “Eat Bulaga!”