AQ Prime Stream's latest movie "Pula Ang Kulay Ng Gabi" is buzzing, and one of the reasons is the refreshing beauty of the leading lady who plays the role of Mira - the half-Filipina, half-Japanese Yana Fuentes.
The 23-year-old, who is known in pageantry as Yuki Sonoda, was adjudged 2nd runner-up in Miss Universe Japan 2020. Prior to this, she was Miss Asia Pacific Japan 2017 and placed first runner-up in Miss Supranational Japan 2016.
She is also a graduate of international business law from the University of Tokyo, so it comes as a surprise why she is leaving everything to become an actress.
"My heart was really in the Philippines even when I was in Japan, and it is a childhood dream of mine to be an actress in my country of birth," she told a media conference shortly after the press screening of "Pula Ang Kulay Ng Gabi" at Gateway Mall Cinema.
She further revealed that what she really wants is to do an action movie. Yana has declared that she will not do any bold or sexy roles - something which she made clear before she signed the contract with AQ Prime.
"I respect the other actresses for being more daring, but I don't have to. If you have talent, why not show your talent?" she pointed out.
Yana said it was actor Shido Roxas who introduced her to AQ Prime bosses, lawyers Aldwin Alegre and Honey Quiño. Yana was immediately taken in as an AQ Prime Asset because of her stunning looks and her talent. She is also a singer and would like to do an album or mount a concert one day.
Yana said she can deliver her movie lines in Tagalog very fluently because she was born in the Philippines and spent the first 10 years of her life in the country. Her mom is originally from Montalban, Rizal .
"Pula Ang Kulay Ng Gabi" is a crime thriller directed by Jojo Nadela where Yana plays the role of a lonely wife who is attracted to her mysterious tenant Kiko, portrayed by Aljur Abrenica.
"Sobrang thankful ako sa AQ Prime na tina-trust nila ang kakayahan ko. Lahat ng shooting ko masaya kasi lahat sila mababait at masarap ang food," Yana remarked.
Of her leading man Aljur, she said: "Noong una kinakabahan ako. Akala ko hindi sya mamamansin o hindi kami kakausapin pero actually sobrang bait nya at sinusuportahan nya kaming lahat. Nagbibigay sya ng advice."
Yana will star next in "Fairy Tale" directed by Joel Lamangan, the horror film "Anatomiya," the horror-comedy "Losers-1, Suckers-0" with Ara Mina and "Ligalig" featuring National Artist for Film Nora Aunor.
"Pula Ang Kulay Ng Gabi" started streaming over the weekend on AQ Prime. Aside from Yana and Aljur, it stars newbie actress Zia Zamora, Rob Sy, Elijah Filamor and award-winning actor Soliman Cruz.